Hacktivism p3

Hacktivism p2

Hacktivism p1

cDc (Cult of the Dead Cow)

cDc are pioneers within the computer underworld,  

"considered to be the most elite people to ever walk the face of the earth"

Taken from their 'about' page on their site, which at first due to the attention with police etc, I was unsure whether to enter or not. But I was definitely never going to enter the 'Hacktivismo' section from home, although I will try to access the site on a more secure connection aha.

The section goes on to state...
 

" For over twenty years, the cDc has proven itself as an innovative force in the computer underground. In 1984, the cDc invented the electronic publication.  In 1990, the cDc's HoHoCon defined the modern computer underground convention. In every U.S. Presidential Election since 1992, the cDc has run a candidate.  In 1994, the cDc became the first computer undergound group to have its own Usenet newsgroup. In 1996, the cDc coined the term "hacktivism." Also in 1996, the Ninja Strike Force (cDc's elite cadre of cheerleader-assassins) was founded. In 1997, years before everyone and their dog had jumped on the file sharing bandwagon, it was distributing original mp3-format music on its website. In 1998 and 1999, the cDc's "Back Orifice" series was launched to open the eyes of consumers regarding the security of their computer operating systems. To this day, Back Orifice and BO2k are among the most popular remote system administration tools among both hackers and IT professionals. Since 1999, Hacktivismo (a special projects group within the cDc) has been at the forefront of the ongoing struggle for human rights in and out of cyberspace. In 2002, the cDc and Hacktivismo drafted their own human rights-friendly software license and earned further distinction as the only underground computer groups to ever receive U.S. Department of Commerce approval to export strong encryption in software. In 2004, the cDc and the NSF launched the Bovine Dawn Dojo Forum, the greatest on-line community of all time. Nothing can compare to the money-throwing, stage-diving, crotch-grabbing, guitar-wailing, inter-species sex-depicting, computer-smashing & panty-wetting experience that is a live cDc performance. "

They claim, but it's also common knowledge, that they coined the term 'Hacktivism' and explain that 'Hacktivismo' is at the forefront of the ongoing struggle for human rights in and out of the cyberworld.



Aaron Swartz a key figure in internet culture, a leading thinker and hacktivist.

"He was a child prodigy, an Internet pioneer and an activist who refused to back down - even when the feds tried to break him"

As quoted from the article, 'The Brilliant Life and Tragic Death of Aaron Swartz', published by Rolling Stone, 28/02/13.

He was praised throughout the internet community for many contributions, notably, a co founder of Reddit and developer of RSS. He was a child prodigy, working on RSS at just 14, the sale of Reddit turned him to a millionaire at just 19.

Aaron Swartz hung himself in his Brooklyn apartment at the age of 26, facing a ridiculous prison sentence of up to 35 years.

 

CAMOVER 2013

Camover is a movement started by activists in Berlin, Germany. I watched the viral video which had been posted on Youtube in January.


I decided to look more in to what their hopes were with the project. On their official website I found an FAQ in English which has three chapters; Types of CCTV Camera, Methods of Attack, Training.

Activism

"Activism consists of efforts to promote, impede, or direct social, political, economic, or environmental change, or stasis. Activism can take a wide range of forms from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing businesses, rallies, street marches, strikes, sit-ins, and hunger strikes."

Methods of activism that exist are:

Civil disobedience
Community building
Activism industry
Conflict transformation
Cooperative movement
Craftivism
Voluntary simplicity
Economic activism
Boycott
Guerrilla gardening
Veganism
Vegetarianism
Divestment
Simple living
Tax resistance
Franchise activism
Lobbying
Media activism
Culture jamming
Hacktivism
Internet activism
Nonviolence
Peace activist and Peace movement
Political campaigning
Propaganda
Guerrilla communication
Protest
Demonstration
Direct action
Protest songs
Theater for Social Change
Strike action
Youth activism
Student activism
Youth-led media
Atheist activism

Responsive Brief: Goji

Why have you chosen it?I chose the Goji brief because it relates to technology and compiles of different elements I am interested in. Packaging, pattern design and promotion.

What do you want to get out of it?
Hopefully some recognition from the brief if not a potential job as a designer for Goji's 2013 range. I also want a full body of work that I and my friends like on a personal level as we are the intended audience.

What do you want to do/make?
I want to redesign Goji's identity as the current identity doesn't reflect the brand too well. I want to develop a few potential ideas for their bagging range and think of packaging to accompany the products.

Why do you want to enter it?
Primarily to win, but it helps that the company reflects part of my lifestyle and modern culture based on technology.

What's the problem?
The companies not so popular, being an in house brand at PC World and Curry's mainly appeals to an older clientele or someone who isn't so much up to date, limiting their audience already. They need a rebrand and a better considered product range.

What is it asking you to do about it?
Create a range of products and a signature pattern or design to run with the whole range of products and the packaging to accompany.

What is it trying to achieve?
Trying to reach mass appeal for the products, becoming trendy and fashionable. In turn, generating revenue.

Important words from the brief...
Growing, trendy, range, form, purpose, material, quality, complementary.

Who is the audience?

• Students
• Technology fans
• Music enthusiasts
• People on the move
• Business people

What is the context?

• Online
• Currys/Pc World
• Private travel
• In the streets
• Public travel

What products are associated with it?

• Headphones
• iPad/iPhone
• Bags
• Speakers
• PC peripherals

Things that make a winning design?

• Innovative
• Ideas
• Execution
• Clear communication
• Presentation
• Appeal to T.A
• Sticking to the brief
• Development
• Originality

 What do you have to do? (identify)
Develop a design or all over pattern for a product range that is trendy and fashionable.

What do you need to do? (understand)
Appeal to a specific audience through use of innovative and aesthetically pleasing design.

What can you do? (define)
Create an identity for a whole product range, create packaging for the range and the promotional material.

What could you do? (evaluate)
Create a full leather range, eco friendly range, e.g hemp, embossing, laser cut...

What hasn't been done before? (innovative)
Full solid gold range, wooden packaging... something outlandish requiring research.

What do you already know?
What is stopping you?
What do you need to find out?

Individual Practice

We were asked to look for live briefs via a list of websites that host or promote design competitions to both students and professionals.

www.ycnonline.com

www.dandad.org

www.graphiccompetitions.com

www.designcontests.com

YCN has the best selection of briefs currently until the D&AD briefs are released in a couple of weeks. As part of a session with Fred, we were asked to bring in 5 briefs collected from these websites, with a main focus on YCN and D&AD. 

I picked the majority of mine off YCN as D&AD aren't released as of yet, and they had the most appeal not costing money to enter.

These are four of the briefs I brought a long to the session with a main focus on the Goji brief.