Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Infographic of the Week: Android fragmentation

A map of all the thousands of separate device models that downloaded OpenSignalMaps in a six month period.

A powerful illustration of the device variations and permutations in the Android ecosystem. I imagine iOS would show something in the low double digits, accounting for devices still using older versions of iOS, and key iPhone and iPad generations. Regardless of that, this is a daunting reality for app developers on the Android platform. Yikes.

Infographic of the Week: Student Loan Debt, 1990–2001

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An astounding graphic, vividly revealing the massive increase in the cost of higher education. It's a maddening and tragic reflection of how the US has shifted from a nation creating opportunity for young people to succeed, to a nation ensuring that those who already have much, get to keep as much of their much as possible.

Infographic of the Week: The Evolution of Riot Gear

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As the #OWS police confrontations have graphically show, American police forces now appear to be outfitted in near-military grade armor. This diagram vividly illustrates the evolution our police state has taken, over the years, towards an increasingly gnarly, intimidating and confrontational stance. It's sad. It's also related, you can be sure, to the post-9/11 move towards “anti-terrorism” outlook inside our national borders. When your police force is preparing for (basically non-existant) Al-Qaeda-level threats, but only encounters people camping in public spaces, they still rock the gear and tools that they came to the party with: riot helmets, kevlar body armor, 12-gauge shotguns, “flash-bangs” and gas masks.

How far we've fallen.

Branding is Beautiful

I have a soft spot in my heart for beautifully done logo marks. The way that this branding agency has turned many of the best-known into the art and interior decoration of their agency offices is terrific. I especially dig the Bestiary of Brands concept and display. Fun stuff.