iconofy: digerati in sydney

Out of all the new tools considered part of the Web 3.0 evolution it is the idea of data visualisation that I love the most. Last night I discovered Swivel. I spent hours in there last night looking at all the different data sources realising that previously it would have been extremely difficult to dig into information with out spending heaps of time modelling it.

But in their own words:

What is Swivel?

Swivel’s mission is to make data useful.

• Explore and compare data, graphs and maps.

• Share insights via email, blog or data downloads.

• Upload the data you care about.

If you’re curious about data, Swivel is the place for you.

But you should check it out yourself.

I have a 20 minute break before my final session as a lab mentor this afternoon at the end of this years XMediaLab. This years event in Melbourne was based on DIY TV, creation of digital video, but it was a few of the lab projects that have completely blown me away this year. Unfortunately I can not talk about those projects publicly but I look forward to seeing a few of them surface as commercial market ready projects.

I really do take my hat off to Megan Elliott and Brendan Harkin who run the event, professional digital media industry globetrotters, living permanently out of suitcases and demonstrating incredible passion for what they do. It is always said that a companies culture starts with its CEO and in this case the labs culture and success really is a fantastic demonstrated example of that passion.

And I have met some incredible people this year, both mentors and lab participants, and I have even made a few new friends. And without really looking for it I may well have found the right people to action Planet Youth, maybe I should have entered it as a lab participant.

I feel a little overwhelmed, quite tired and I have talked so much I have nearly lost my voice. And that for me is the proof of this events success for me. I already can not wait for next year.

Oh and with a little luck the conference sessions will be available to watch on adikted pretty soon. Stay tuned.