Here are a few syllabi from recent courses taught at the University of Southern California’s Interactive Media Division.

Imagine a friend who decorates her mirror with little reminders, nudging her toward a healthier lifestyle. This playful spirit extends to her mobile phone, where she uses mnemonic-like wallpapers to keep her fitness goals alive and kicking. Flycell offers a collection of fitness and nutrition-themed wallpapers that add a dash of motivation to our screens. It's a fun and creative way to stay engaged with our wellness journey, reminding us that taking care of ourselves can be a delightful and stylish affair.

In this blog post, the author explores the intriguing concept of gesture-based interfaces and the role of orientation in mobile device design. While expressing some skepticism about the practicality of gesture controls, there's a sense of excitement about the potential of integrating compass technology for navigation. The author reflects on personal experiences of getting lost in unfamiliar cities, hinting that sometimes, the best way to find your way is through human connection and asking for directions. This blend of technology and humanity paints a vivid picture of our evolving relationship with the devices we use every day.

One possible idea for the UCI event this summer, and perhaps for ISEA2006, is to develop an ArtCache hybrid where the WiFi.ArtCache API is ported to Processing. It is presently just Flash. Same basic idea — anything written in Processing will work through an ArtCache library that allows for the behaviors of the Pr…

I like this idea that Ulla-Maaria Mutanen describes in her thinglink post, it resonates with the Spime and the idea of object tagging that Nicolas Nova and I have been discussing.

This blog post dives into the intriguing realm of the Internet of Things, a hot topic sparking discussions and curiosity. The author reflects on the challenges faced in academia, particularly the lack of research funding that often leaves new professors feeling unsupported. As they explore the compelling nature of this connected world, there's a sense of both wonder and exasperation, highlighting the struggle to balance ambition with the harsh realities of academic life. The post serves as a reminder of the importance of research in shaping our understanding of technological advancements.

I've been diving into the world of orientation technologies, eager to explore how they can shape mobile design. My recent experiments with a game concept revealed the beauty of movement as an interface; a student's leap to move a character sparked an 'ah hah!' moment. While GPS struggles with pedestrian motion, the simplicity of step-based interactions shows promise. With tools like a reliable pedometer from a past workshop, I'm excited to see how these technologies can enhance our everyday journeys and interactions.

In a world where technology often feels impersonal, the introduction of Navtones brings a refreshing twist to GPS navigation. Imagine your favorite celebrities like Mr. T and Dennis Hopper guiding you through traffic, their unique voices turning mundane journeys into exciting adventures. This innovative idea not only adds character to our devices but also suggests a future where navigation could be intertwined with storytelling and creativity. As we embrace these personalized experiences, our travels become more than just a route; they become a narrative we share with the world.

I had a completely kooky idea the other day while meeting with Mike Liebhold and Francois Bar to discuss a research project. One of the big challenges for creating innovating services, apps, devices — what have you — within the current mobile ecosystem is that the carriers don’t adopt the same kind of spirit of…