AD2 Roanoke

Yes, this is a screenshot of the game I propose you take your lunch break playing, and yes I realize its a cartoon gentleman in the nude on a bicycle, just hang in there with me.

Icycle, from game designer Damp Gnat, puts you in the world of the last successful human to be cryogenically frozen before the world became flash frozen in quiet desolation. Or is he?

I realize this is the second post to feature a game and a game that features a lonely protagonist in a world at a stand still, but it’s mostly a coincidence, if you conciser I work out of my home. But the visuals are lovely and it a great bit of storytelling in this vectorized treat. A nice use of textures, visual cues and sound gags to ensure the game never gets dull, even after you die for the 70th time. Perfect for a little lunch time inspiration.

Play Icycle here, or view a trailer after the jump.
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From a great article by Garr Reynold’s on his blog Presentation Zen:

Most people do not really think about design and designers, let alone think of themselves as designers. But what, if anything, can regular people — teachers, students, business people of all types — learn from designers and from thinking like a designer? And what of more specialized professions? Can medical doctors, scientists, researchers, and engineers, and other specialists in technical fields benefit in anyway by learning how a graphic designer or interaction designer thinks? Is there something designers, either through their training or experience, know that we don’t? I believe there is.

Below are 10 things (plus a bonus tip) that I have learned over the years from designers, things that designers do or know that the rest of us can benefit from.

Read more…

Some of the tips mentioned here are words I live by daily. Others, it was nice to hear spelled out and to be reminded of. Take the time to read over these points, especially if you’re not the “creative” in your office. You may find you relate easier to them after you do.

[Pesentaion Zen via Mister Alexander]

Visually stunning, this is a great example of how to story-tell.

From BoingBoing:

Animator David O’Reilly (Twitter) [...] has created this lovely music video for a little-known band from Ireland called “You Too.” What’s that? Oh I’ve been corrected, “U2.” I think this great little video will really help them get somewhere and make a name for themselves!

[via BoingBoing]

Watch Kseniya Simonova compete on Ukrainian Talent with her amazing sand drawing.

[VideoSift via Neatorama]