Ever thought about capturing the infinite universe of changing information in a computer program? See this unbelievable attempt to capture present day mythology.

Jonathan Harris is the mastermind behind this visualization. Part visual designer, part anthropologist, part artist, part storyteller, Jonathan has a body of work that is often my source of inspiration. As I watched this new applet transforming gobs of infinite data into finite visualizations, I was fascinated at how he uses technology to tell a story.

His philosophy of passive information gathering is an interesting concept, especially when I am building interaction models based on contrived forms of user feedback. Passive information gathering as Jonathan says is about living life, while what you say or do on the web is captured without your knowledge.

Data then is real and spontaneous helping create richer experiences within the web sphere. Universe is one example of that richer experience.

Last night I watched an ad for Spot Runner that talked about “affordable” television advertising. Having been privy to that world, I have known that television advertising has always been elitist, catering to the big fish of the consumer experience. So now that small businesses can advertise and more importantly compete with the big fish, it is going to be interesting to watch the new wave of Spot Runner ads.

While the concept is revolutionary, what piqued my interest is the approach. (more…)