Ryan Dowling | Creative Technologist

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Ryan — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:59:36 +0000

I love technology, specifically smartphones. I don’t know why, but I have a fascination with them. I can sit on YouTube for hours just watching videos about phones with the hope of one day being able to play with all of them. If I had the means, I would love to start a YouTube tech review channel with the hopes of reviewing phones and gadgets.

One day, someday.

I also need to finish my Android vs iOS vs Windows Phone post, but that will happen later. Maybe when school is over.

I can’t stop listening to this song.

Ryan — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:09:43 +0000

“Me and Mrs. Jones” – Billy Paul

If you can’t see the player, go here: YouTube

Vlogging – good idea or bad?

Ryan — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:18:02 +0000

For a long time I’ve wanted to start a YouTube channel. I am addicted to iPhone cases and I always watch videos of unboxings and reviews of cases to see what is new and exciting. I also like it when people turn the camera around and talk to people. Vlogging, for me, would be a fun way to talk about tech and anything else happening, and also allow me to engage in conversations with people all over the world.

I’ve already posted saying that I love gadgets. I really really like cell phones and I would love nothing more than to be able to review and give people an educated opinion on which mobile OS I like, and which one could suit their needs. Unfortunately iOS is not the be all, end all mobile operating system. I also don’t have the personal bank roll to be able to afford 3 smartphones.

I’m not begging anyone for review products, I just know that I can do a good job of reviewing and discussing technology for nerds and the regular person. I also could give amazing recommendations on cases!

I think I’ll start doing this. I’ll let you know when I get going.

iOS vs. Android vs. Windows Phone pt. 1

Ryan — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:11:44 +0000

I should start with the fact that I AM NOT a great writer. I use way too many commas and I write how I speak, well…I write how I think I would say each sentence. To me it all makes sense, but to a normal person reading this it might not. I am sorry in advance.

For the sake of this article, I am just discussing the major points of each OS as I see it. If you want to talk in fine detail, leave a comment or contact me on here or twitter.

Enough bickering, let’s get to the meat of this bad boy.

I love gadgets and I really love mobile phone gadgets. Why? I have no idea. I think it’s because they are constantly changing, and the three major players are fighting to the death which make things very interesting. I have been an iOS user since mid 2007 starting with the original iPhone. I then moved on to the iPhone 3GS and eventually to the iPhone 4. I now am using an AT&T Galaxy S II Skyrocket running Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread. I have never used Windows Phone, but I have read and seen a lot about it. (Side note: I’m dying to tryout a Windows Phone. If you can hook me up with one, PLEASE get in contact with me.)

Ok. iOS vs. Android vs. Windows Phone. Which is better? Which sucks completely? Is one better than the other? Why or why not?

iOS is amazing! Integrated twitter functionality, iCloud, a unified inbox, iMessage, etc make it an absolute no brainer when searching for a new phone. iOS was built to be simple and easy for anyone to pick up and use. Which it does very well. The simple, memorable gestures like slide right to delete, and pull down/release to refresh are what make this system so easy to use. It looks beautiful and extremely polished, having unified menus in each app and making sure the user experience is always the same is what makes iOS a top contender in the mobile OS space. Apple will not let something out of their Cupertino headquarters unless it is perfect. Everything integrates well: iCal, Mail.app, address book, bookmarks, iTunes, Mobile Me. It all works together (unless you’re on a PC, iTunes on a PC is horrid). Once you’re in this ecosystem, it’s tough to leave.

As great as iOS may be, it’s definitely not all fun and games. The biggest problem I have is that it’s not very customizable (see easy to use by anyone) and the fact that it hasn’t really changed since 2007. The gestures are great, but the basic operation of the OS has never changed. I’m not saying Apple should completely redo it, but unlocking the phone to the same icon grid, icon shapes, homescreen functionality, etc make it boring and tired. Give me some options. Let me change the number of icons in the dock or on the springboard, don’t allow only 12 apps per folder, and please make lockscreen notifications better.

Most people would say, “but Ryan, if you want to customize your OS, just use Android, you can do anything to it!” Well, random person, I am using Android now. It’s great, and I’ll tell you all about it in part 2 of this article.

Thanks for reading, stay tuned for part 2.

Innovation Challenge Winner!

Ryan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:52:33 +0000

We won! Team Brandslam, a group of Non-MBA students just claimed the title of “Worlds Most Innovative MBA Team.” It has been an absolutely incredible experience and I am very thankful to have one. I’m happy that our team was able to shine some light on the Brandcenter and show that what we are learning is extremely valuable and that we can answer the same problems that MBA’s do, but we can do it better.

Innovation Challenge Finalist!

Ryan — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:34:27 +0000

Team Brandslam – Jen Clinehens, Cody Pate, Katlyn Williams, and me, Ryan Dowling have made it to the final three of the Innovation Challenge. We will be celebrating at the New York Stock Exchange in January.

I really hope we win, but just making the top three and besting upwards of 180+ other teams feels great. We are already winners, we just don’t know if we’re #1 yet.

It’s already over?

Ryan — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:11:48 +0000

It’s honestly hard to believe that my first semester at the Brandcenter is over. It really seems like I’ve been going non-stop for a month, pretty surreal. It was a good one though. I met a lot of awesome people, and did a lot of awesome things. I can’t wait to see what happens in the Spring.

Until then, I’ll be relaxing. I sure as hell deserve some of that.

Wire-framing Mobile Site

Ryan — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:19:03 +0000

I made a screen cast of me wire-framing a mobile website for a project. I thought it was fun so I decided I might as well put it on here. Hope you enjoy.

View Video

Hi. Hello. Good Day.

Ryan — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:15:36 +0000

Truth be told, I’ve tried to start blogs in the past and they have all failed, except the Xanga I made in high school…let’s not go there. I’m not the best writer, or really any good at writing at all. I use A LOT of commas when I should use other punctuation, but whatever, as long as I get the point across, right?

I’m guessing if you’re reading this you’re thinking to yourself, “who is this guy anyway?” Well, my name is Ryan and I am a Creative Technology student at the VCU Brandcenter in Richmond, VA. I listen to music from the 50’s & 60’s with a little rap and disco thrown in (I know, pretty weird taste, but it rocks). I am into tattoos, old cars, video games, bourbon, and I have an undying fascination with skulls.

I’m definitely giving it my all when it comes to this blog. I’m going to try and update at least once or twice a week about whatever is or is not happening with me. (Don’t quote me on that) If people start to actually read it then that is awesome, if not, at least I’ve got a place to vent (I’ll try to do as little as possible of that).

So Long. Farewell. Alvederzein. Good-bye.