Traditionally, I’ve always preferred the vibe at FOWD a bit more than FOWA. It may not have the same globally recognised internet-rock-star line up, but the focus on creative brilliance is far more inspirational. There’s also less attention given to entrepreneurial fluff which personally I find can get a bit nauseating.

This is my first big web event in 2009, and I’ve been wondering if there would be a conference downturn to fit with the times. Sure enough, the perks have nearly all gone. Microsoft (the diamond sponsor) just brought a telly with some beanbags, no Guitar Hero. Embarrassed themselves with their Table tech by ruining Watchmen for all those who haven’t seen it (and those who have). No more sexy printed name badges. Little things, but all noticeable.

Trouble is, I don’t think the content suits the event anymore. Designers, on the whole, like to see what others are up to creatively and cultivate tips on working better and smarter. Unfortunately FOWD didn’t really deliver on that, not for me. As an IxD type, the content is not intended for me but I like to keep up with what’s going on. There are clear parallels we can all work towards to achieve better results and better websites.

The big theme, instead of riffing on the future of design, was much more a retrospective of what’s gone before. And I don’t think it was even intentional. Lots of snickering over Photoshop 2. Seeing the guy who designed the original MTV2 brand play all the shorts (very cool, I was a big fan). But I can’t connect the dots between digital stuff that was done in 2001 and the future of web design nearly halfway through 2009.

Only Mark Boulton‘s talk on Typography was genuinely inspirational.

Often overlooked and very important for sites that thrive from user-generated content that is written. The question I’ve taken away is how can we help users tell powerful stories by using great typography and design, and integrating that into the page in a more holistic fashion. I’ve ordered his lovely looking book.

There is no clear message or trend going forward, and that’s what has left me a bit cold. FOWD needs to be more practical, maybe a workshop only event. But maybe as a UX person, I should stick to my own scene?

My buddy Kai did his superb doodle notes again, so check them out:

*Update* – Mark’s talk can be listened to here.

We’d just discovered Ryan Carson’s (of Carsonified and FOWA and wearing-hats fame) fundraising page on Justgiving.

The following exchange happened:

From: Simon Doggett

Sent: 11 August 2008 15:30

To: Sophie De Albuquerque
Shall we make a fuss over Ryan carsons pfp? Could make for some good pr!

On 11 Aug 2008, at 15:54, “Sophie De Albuquerque” wrote:

Good idea.
Very happy to write a blog post this avo…

From: Simon Doggett
Sent: 11 August 2008 16:23
To: Sophie De Albuquerque
Subject: Re: RE:

Tell you what, I can write one today and then you do another one on
Thursday? When he does his headshave?
On 11/08/2008 16:42, “Sophie De Albuquerque”
wrote:

Plan. Do your blogging worst.

Or even (love this)… Blog it, Doggett.
From: Simon Doggett
Sent: 11 August 2008 16:25
To: Sophie De Albuquerque
Subject: Re: RE: RE:

Done. And my retort is:

Well you are over thirty, de Albuquerque.

And that’s where bloggett came from. In contrast, I doubt Sophie is considering blogging at overthirty.com but I guess we shouldn’t rule anything out should we?