After months of speculation by technology aficionados, Apple, Inc. is expected to announce the details of the iPhone 5 when Tim Cook, the new CEO of Apple takes the stage on Tuesday, October 4th. The discussion has served as both the jewel and the bane of tech blogs and podcasts. Predictions, criticisms, and praise have been volleyed and the only sure thing at present time is that tomorrow’s media event will soon be followed by months of analysis and subjective observation as to whether or not the iPhone 5 is a successful product.

What most people fail to see, though, is that we already know more about the up-and-coming iPhone than we realize, if we just took a moment to understand that the majority of the tech writers are not asking themselves the right questions. They do not realize that the main reason the iPhone has been so successful to date is because Apple is a design-oriented organization and pushes itself forward through more of a holistic mentality. Instead of asking ourselves what we want the next iPhone to do, what specifications it should have, or what we want it to look like, we should simply ask ourselves “What does the iPhone want to be?” It is from this question that we can derive the future direction of the product line, because that’s the question that Apple likely uses to drive all future development of it’s products.

In my own humble, design-oriented prognostication exercise, here are a few key directions:

1. The iPhone wants to be UNIVERSAL. A cell phone is a useful tool, but only if it can be used wherever and however we want it. There are presently too many competing cellular standards out there, and I’m certain that Apple, Inc. would love to change that. The early days of railroads were plagued by the lack of standardized rail gauges and the present state of cellular communication is not much different. Apple has a vested interest in pushing for a more global standard in cellular service. The iPhone 4 was their first foray onto the Verizon network in the U.S., but to date it requires hardware that is not transferable to AT&T.

2. The iPhone wants to be SMALL. Cell phones are constantly with us, but they remain neither elegant nor convenient to carry and use. Their present form factor is either going to leave a bulge in our pockets, or get caught up in seat-belts if we strap it externally to our hip. The desire for a big, usable screen battles our requisite need to carry it around. The number one reason my wife feigns interest in owning an iPhone for herself is that until it’s available in a smaller form factor, she simply won’t want to tote it. In an era where LCD screens populate our living rooms, work spaces, automobiles, retail shops, and public spaces why do we need to carry more of them around? For those lucky enough to carry an iPad, do you still use your phone to watch movies, play games or go online? Probably not, since a larger screen in most cases equates to a better experience. Battery life to power these big screens has become a huge overhead in such a small device. Is it time that the interface begins to peel away from the flat, non-tactile glass that all smart phones sport these days?
photo credit: {Guerrilla Futures | Jason Tester}

3. The iPhone wants to be USABLE. How many times have you missed a call because you couldn’t fish your phone out of a pocket or purse fast enough? How many times have you missed a message because the ring was too muffled from being stowed in your pocket or briefcase? Does this sound like good design for a device that is supposed to primarily serve as a telephone? Thankfully the implementation of Bluetooth connectivity has solved most of these challenges for me while driving — I never have to worry about which pocket my phone is in, or struggling to see the screen to dial out or answer an incoming call. Instead, this information is integrated into the environment around me as my radio mutes and the dashboard visually notifies me of the call details whenever I’m on the road. Shouldn’t this be the model for the rest of my user experience?

4. The iPhone wants to be INTEGRATED. Steve Jobs first publicly described Apple’s overall desktop strategy as a digital hub back in 2001. Much has changed since then, but the need for a unification of our communications is more imperative than ever. Our smartphones have become our window to the world. They video conference. They keep us up-to-date with social networks. They push our calendars to our co-workers. They identify the pieces of information that would otherwise hold up casual conversations around the world such as the name of an actor or lyrics to a song. They find the closest gas station. With continuing development of cloud-based services, it’s safe to declare that the digital hub will continue to push ever further into our lives, and that devices such as our cell phone will become more omnipresent than they already are.

5. The iPhone needs to be SECURE. It only takes one negative instance to turn your user experience into a distrustful one. Apple knows that and to date has taken its share of criticism for restricting its iOS environment so tightly. When cell phones are used as our digital wallet, the stakes are at their highest. Ongoing development of the iPhone platform will undoubtedly carry further security mandates to anchor its reputation as dependable in both the consumer and corporate economies.

So what will the next iPhone look like? The only thing we know for certain is that Tim Cook will be sporting a highly finessed device that is designed to integrate with all the rich media hardware that Apple has worked so hard to create. As a designer, I look forward to seeing what form factor that becomes.

Instagram is one of the fastest, most popular social photo sharing services available. With a reported 4.5 million users in its first 7 months, this iPhone app has quickly become a best friend to us “wanna-be-photographers” with its user friendly filters that turn bland photos in to retro-hipster works of art.

With a released API in recent months, there have been a number of developers who’ve extended this service in to other creative applications. I came across Shelly Kramer’s post from V3 Integrated Marketing which detailed one of these many applications and intrigued as towards to possibilities of using Instagram as an interactive, fun and engaging part of trade shows and events.

There are a number of other apps that have made a splash with Instagram’s API that have showcased the limitless possibilities and creativity. There are numerous ones designed to enhance the Instagram viewing experience, but a couple stand out as having fun and interesting potential for use and events and trade shows.

Screenstagram

What is it: As shared by Shelly & V3, this Mac download turns your built in screensaver in to a photo wall streamed from you and your friend’s profiles. A simple setup process displays and transitions images beautifully, in true Instagram fashion.

How it can be used: Engage attendees pre-event and onsite and invite them in to your Instgram circle. Have them take and share photos of each other. Challenge them to a photo scavenger hunt. For trade show exhibitors, having a large display with updated photos is a great way to bring attendees back to see photos of themselves and other users.

Instaprint

What is it: Instaprint brings back the Polaroid days and turns your digital photos in to a remote printing station. Photos are printed based on location or hashtag, making it perfect for events.

How it can be used: What a fun idea for a private event or trade show! Bring the old time photo booth back and let attendees engage with each other or other photo ops you have integrated.

The word “Mobility” is soon to dethrone “Social Media” as the next buzz word – if it hasn’t done so already. By 2014, mobile web usage is expected to surpass desktop web usage. That stat alone should stop you dead in your tracks. As mobile devices continue to evolve and increase, the possibilities do as well. In an event or trade show environment, where desktops and laptops are even less convenient, mobile engagement is a tsunami of opportunity.

What is Group Messaging?

Group Messaging is pretty much as it sounds. Think SMS for multiple people. Group messaging apps like Beluga, Fast Society & GroupMe excel where most native messaging functions in mobile & smartphones are lacking. And if there were any stat any more alarming than the increase of mobile web usage, it would be that of SMS usage. Of the estimated 4 billion mobile phones across the globe, 3.05 billion are SMS enabled, but less than half are web enabled. SMS is a nearly universal mobile language.

One more advantage of Group Messaging over native SMS is the option to use your phone’s data service over your SMS service. Many people are charged per SMS or have capped rates. While Group Messaging can work over an existing SMS service, the ability to use Push Notifications via data (3G, 4G, etc.) is an added convenience.

How is it viable for events?

Unlike Twitter or Facebook, Group Messaging allows you to create a controlled environment for engagement. Where hashtags and groups serve their own purposes, Group Messaging is one less step away. There’s no need to launch an app or interface – instead, the messages are delivered TO YOU – at the top level.

The idea of creating a controlled platform combined with instantaneous conversations is a powerful one:

• Gaming – Organizers and exhibitors can create opt-ins for attendees pre-show and follow up with creative, incentive based messaging during the event. By creating a mobile arena, you have the opportunity to converse and control where they go, who they see and when they do it.
• Internal Organization –  When the lights turn on and your event begins, staff organization often times succumbs to the task at hand. Group Messaging is great for your team members to stay in communication with each other as the hours and days progress with status updates, last minute errands or just friendly photos and encouragement.
• Event “Pods” – MostGroup Messaging platforms allow you to name your groups as you add members to them. For larger events, this could be helpful for attendees to find conversations pertaining to speaking sessions versus the opening reception. Segregating these groups not only helps organize them, but creates opportunities for cross-popluating them with new members.

Are you a Group Messaging adopter? How have you been using mobile devices to converse in groups? What other opportunities do you see with Group Messaging and events?

As we continue to observe the increasing trend in mobile applications to the world of business and the trade show world, we’re happy to announce today that Tradeshow Insight has released an advanced web-app version, formatted for the iPhone, iPad and other mobile platforms. Powered by WPTouch Pro, this “hybrid” between an app and mobile website optimizes our blog and articles in a format that is fitting for the mobile environment and its ever changing landscape.

Some features included in this update:

• Web-App Enabled – Bookmark and use from your home screen. Enjoy a “browser-less” experience, with the latest HTML5 & Javascript technologies.

• Native iPad Use – Touch, scroll and swipe as you would a normal app. You already know how to use it!

• Support for future Tablets – As the “tablet war” grows, Tradeshow Insight will continue to adapt to the newest and brightest of the pack.

• Commenting – Fly in comments make reading and creating discussions a breeze – and fun!

• Real Time – Built on AJAX technology, comments are show immediately after posting.

• App Menu Popups – Browse pages, recent & popular articles along with tags and categories.

• Flickr Integration – Peek at recent photos from the trade show world from within a menu popup – Without leaving your article.

• Smartphone Support – Download the web-app for your iPhone and get the same features – on the go!

• Wide Platform Support – Tradeshow Insight Mobile now supports Android, Blackberry, Palm OS and Samsung touch mobile visitors.

To use a mobile formatted version of this site, simple visit tradeshowinsight.com and follow the on screen instructions to enable the web-app! Then, come back and tell us what you think!!

I recently had a chance to attend the worlds largest hospitality technology show, I had this opportunity thanks to two of Echelon’s newest clients Cetis, Inc. and Intelity who were exhibiting.  Cetis, Inc. is a leader in hospitality and enterprise phones, you can trace their roots back to 1983 (who doesnt love the 80′s).  Intelity is a fairly new technology company that gives guests of the hotel the capability to order any and all services offered by the property through the use of your iPad, iPhone and other devices.  Simply put, you can order room service, valet service, etc all with one touch on your favorite device.

The Cetis exhibit was a custom rental that we designed to be warm and inviting, a place that you might want to sit down and hang out in.  We accomplished this by including a raised conference/meeting area, using rich colors, large fabric identity sails, an architectural wall and a large product display area.

Intelity is also a custom rental, our goal was to attract attendees to the exhibit with the use large story board graphics and highly visible demo areas.  We provided a overhead hanging sign, a conference space on the interior, and six custom kiosks that were used for product demonstrations and provided excellent space for large graphic murals.

I enjoyed working with both teams and was pleased to hear great feedback about the show in general as attendance was up from the 2009 show.

I’ve been personally intrigued by the development of foursquare over recent months and it’s increasing potential for usage at events. Back in January, Intel partnered with foursquare during the CES event and offered unique badges for check-ins and special events. This took an effort from both parties to achieve. While it opened the possibilities for the future of foursquare and event marriages, it without little doubt requires the compliance from (and and open wallet) the developers at foursquare to make a campaign of similar correlation possible.

Nevertheless, I was inspired today by an article from Scott Bishop that gives new hope to event planners. There are some reasonable and relatively simple ways to incorporate foursquare and encourage audience participation at your next event.

The Setup

For current and new users, I recommend setting up a new profile that reflects the name and details of your event

Next, you’ll want to set up a venue. However, this “venue” is again going to be setup with event details. Be sure to include proper address, contact information and Twitter handle.

Add your event details and assign it a category. You’ll likely want to use the ‘Home/Work/Other‘ category, with the subcategory of ‘Event Space‘. You can also add tags and adjust the map pin to accurately reflect your event’s location.

The Incentive

While you won’t have the ability to create a custom badge unless you are able to partner with the foursquare folks, you can still offer benefits to your attendees for checking in to various locations or functions at your event. Give your mayor a treat. Offer a private gathering for your users. All of these bonuses can be managed as ‘Tips‘ and can be easily setup. Add these periodically throughout your event and give your users a basis for frequent check-ins and updates. Make your missions fun and tie them back to as many of the other meetings and events that surround.

From your venue, click ‘Add Tip’ and simply add the details.

The Participation

Not only will foursquare users be able to check in and follow the tips surrounding your event, but they now have a community to connect with other users. Furthermore, encourage your event participants to add their own tips. Allow exhibitors to offer their own incentives for a visit to their booth. Give speakers a chance to encourage new audiences.

The Before and After

Much like the Intel example, set up a private landing page weeks in advance of your event and offer a tease towards some of the tips and incentives for their participation. Offer early incentives for ‘friending’ the event profile and develop a community ahead of time to ensure an army of participants during the event.

Once your event concludes, be sure to clean up what you’ve created. While foursquare allows users to add tips and venues freely, removing unnecessary clutter is important to keep these features available to us. Simple delete your tips and ‘Flag your venue as closed‘.

Foursquare and geolocation services are one of the hottest social tools and the development and integration of businesses and events will be exciting to witness. Community and participation will continue to drive face-to-face meetings, so give your next event a shot in the arm for your members.

This week Echelon Design has partnered with Accenture, Qualcomm and GSMA to present the Embedded Mobile Zone (EMZ) at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.  The EMZ is a collaborative effort to showcase the latest trends in mobile technology across several verticals such as health, consumer products and automotive.

Echelon was brought into the project to design and construct a 21.5m x 7m exhibit that would facilitate a combination of live, in-home and presentation-led demonstrations and that was tastefully branded as the EMZ.  It was bit of scramble but we managed to design and construct the properties in less than 5 weeks as needed to make ocean freight shipment.

You can see the results in the pictures below or by visiting our Flickr gallery.

Saturday I pack my bags and head for Barcelona for Mobile World Congress, where more than 50,000 key decision makers in mobile technology will be in attendance at the industry’s most influential show of the year.  Echelon will be working in the App Planet located in hall 7 from 02/08 through then end of the show.  I’ve been prepping for my trip for the past eight weeks but that has been largely inclusive of client work and it’s not until now that I’ve given serious consideration to what I need to do in order to be ready for my next experience in international exhibiting.

My last time out of the country was when I went to Essen, Germany for the international cutting and welding show and it’s that experience that I’ll draw on mostly as I gather my final thoughts for the trip to Spain.  Five things to consider:

1. No matter how confident you are it’s always more difficult than you think to get around in another country.  Even your hotel can prove to be a challenge.  The positive thing about Barcelona is that it’s located in Mediterranean country and the people are more than happy to help when greeted with courtesy.  My goal. Be courteous.
2. Don’t try to stay awake the first day I arrive.  This time I tried to and it didn’t work out so well for me.  I remember it was a beautiful day and I had found the best place to sit down and read but the exhaustion of my trip had caught up with me, and I kept re-reading the same lines over and over, and over again.  Not this time.  I’m going to sleep as soon and as much as I can when I checked into my room.
3. Figure out the local train station as soon as possible.  It’s just way too much money to hop a 5-10 min. cab ride when a $5 train ticket will do just fine.
4. Research the local restaurant scene.  It’s just too easy to fall into the bad habit of eating at the hotel.  This would be especially true in Barcelona, a city that holds some of the most well reviewed restaurants in the world.  Fine dining aside, there has to be a few gems there worth searching for.
5. Skype whenever possible.  No matter how hard you try to stay off your phone, those $2/min charges can add up quickly.  Plus, Skype affords me the ability to see my wife and daughter in full color.  Gotta love it.

These are just a few of the things running through my mind right now, but I’m more interested in hearing what you think.  Let me know how you personally prep for international traveling and exhibiting. What am I missing?

Until the next time…

I am constantly amazed by the continuous advances in technology such as navigation devices, iPhones, etc.  They are functional, desirable, very cool and fun to use; in some cases they are also a fashion statement (i.e. my sexy white 3Gs iPhone).  If you are anything like me, you rely on your smart phone to look up the number of your favorite carryout spot, points of interest, email, weather, answer everyday questions, or to use any one of the 50,000 available apps.

Im sure you have read, heard, or thought of this topic before, by relying so heavily on our iPhones/smart phones, does it make us dumber?

To this day, I can tell you every phone number that I learned in the first 16 years of my life, I can also tell you that I have not learned a single number since.  In fact, I have to look in my contact list to find my wife’s phone number.  Not good.  Im not saying that memorizing numbers makes someone smarter but I do think that the simple tasks that we are now looking to our phones for rather than using our brains problem solving ability might be making ME a bit dumber.  Use it or lose it?

Want another example of this? Think navigation systems. I went my whole life navigating by the stars (not really, just maps) and finding my way. I have a great track record of reaching my destinations, no matter the mode of transportation. I looked at a map, related it to my surroundings, and found my way. All too often, navigation today is handed off to a device.  Many motorists can’t make sense of a basic road map, or estimate the distance between two points on a printed page.  They are lost if their machine loses touch with the satellites.  That being said, I rarely look at a map anymore, thanks Nav.

Most of the time, technology works as intended.  We get to our destinations faster thanks to Nav systems, its more than convenient to have a wealth of information at your finger tips at any given time.  But many people who rely on technology have given up something vital yet intangible.  They’ve lost the ability to think through a navigation problem themselves.  They have become slaves to technology out of intellectual laziness, and the laziness makes them less smart. The brain wiring that solves navigation problems allows us to solve other problems too.  Computers don’t have that flexibility, and neither do we when we let a device do our thinking.

What are your thoughts?

Image via "Submitted For Your Perusal Blog"

This evening, I had the unpleasantry of having my cell phone die while finishing some last minute Christmas shopping. While I am usually good about keeping my phone charged, a strange sense of desperation overcame me, knowing it would be HOURS before I would have a chance to utilize my little friend again. Even stranger was that my worry was not that someone may call in an emergency, but that I might miss an email, Tweet or text message.

Once hyperventilation ceased, I began thinking about how much of my important daily information lives in a cloud; phone numbers, addresses, messages, etc. I realized that aside from the phone numbers embedded in my head, pre-mobile era, that I don’t have more than a couple of these items memorized. I couldn’t help but wonder…Does this make me dumb?

The rapidity of technology has inarguably introduced some major conveniences for us, but are they coming at a cost? We don’t have to worry about remembering what our spouse needed from the grocery store because it’s stored in a text message. We aren’t forced to reflect on directions to get through to the other side of town because our GPS tells us when to turn.

Recent links between doing crossword and sudoku puzzles and the positive effects on preventing Alzheimer’s Disease seem to prove that simple tasks can have a lasting effect on our mental health. Are we simply taking advantage of technology by removing unneeded things and utilizing our brains for more important information? Or are we growing overly dependent and becoming Techno-Dumb?