Mobile CrApps by Compuware - discussing bad users experience for better at Mobile Mondays @ The Hub Singapore

Shabbir Boliwala Speaking about bad apps experience, Mobile CrApps

Mobile Mondays - recently found community for mobile market professionals and monthly Meetup group run by Chris Chandler, gathered on the 18th of February, for the second time in 2013, for unusual hangout under Mobile CrApps topic by Compuware @ The Hub Singapore.

With increasing demand for mobile applications, that will allow users to experience on-line from devices the same as from stationary computers and laptops, it's very important to make sure, that newly developed and launched tools are running properly helping brands to reach their clients and to build mobile based communications. Mobile users by default expect, that applications they download will be the same convenient, fast and comfortable to use as mobiles itself. As according to Equation Research, "71 percent of mobile web users expect web-site performance on their mobile phones to be equal to, or better than, what they experience on their desktops". With diversity of mobile platforms  models, screen sizes, resolutions available at consumer electronics market today, it's very important to make sure, that applications are suitable for every device. 

Shabbir Boliwala, Compuware's Solution Sales Director in ASEAN Region, shared companies search results and analysed samples regarding typical reasons of users unsatisfactory with applications, as according to Equation Research, "47 percent of mobile users encountered a problem when accessing an application on their phones. Slow load time was the number one issue, closely followed by applications that crashed, froze or displayed an error". Meeting difficulties in accessing applications, users will quit the program and do not return to use it again or wouldn't try to fix the issue by themselves or search why there are errors, they also wouldn't call technical or customer support to report issue or get help, unless it's life saving kind of application, that is important in everyday life. Instead of that, people will project their unsatisfation on brand, products, apps developer, that are connected to it, which will damage the image and have negative effect on users attitude towards brand. Moreover, with easy access to Internet, social media and different channels, users are tend to spread their bad experience to others, reaching not only small communities of friends and relatives, but also colleagues, professionals and other clients of the brand they had bad experience with. So referring to Mobile CrApps event headline, the main point we suggest to brands and companies to stand for is don't gamble "with customer layalty by delivering bad experience". Once launched bad tested application will ruin not only brands and companies image in eyes of customers, but also will deprive reputation and credit towards web-developer.

Guest speakers Aileen Sim - BillPin, Erwan Macé - Bitsmedia and Kieran Weston from TigerSpike, who developed The Economist for iPad & Android, Saud Sultan from Microusability shared their experience of patient work on applications developing, testing and perfection with meetup moderator Jerry Tan from Compuware. 

The atmosphere of the MoMo was overwelming with guests and speakers sharing their experience and thoughts for better. Event ended up with nw contact and connections established, which maked everybody to look forward for next meetup under Mobile Mondays.

If you missed event, Compuware presentation is available on-line

One of the guest speakers and application developers Aileen Sim also put some of her thought in readable format

Check out Photos from the Mobile CrApp, as you may see, that your colleagues are already there, that is one more reason to join Mobile Mondays next time.

Other events by Mobile Mondays for socializing:

MoMo Singapore Open Mic Night - happening every first Monday every 3 month and next one is on the 4th of March. The format of the event allows anyone who is interested to have microphone and projector as well as audience attention for 3 minutes and tell anything mobile related to the professional community. As a side note and one more reason to join next Open Mic Night is visiting guest from Australia, MoMo organiser in Melbourne, Ben Bickford, who will be on the way returning from Barcelona Mobile World Congress and for sure will be glad to share latest Mobile industry development news with Singapore community.

MoMo Singapore Networking Night - happening every first Monday every 3 month and next one is on the 1st of April.

Lasalle latest exhibitions: Rising questions of relationships between surfaces and cultures

First work starting series Shifting between Surfaces by Filip Gudovic

Opening more than 50 exhibitions per year Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore at Lasalle College of Arts is giving to its students, graduates an young talents real opportunity to show their works, ideas, realize themselves and try first solo exhibitions. It also gives to art community and public in general great overview of art tendencies development, as freshly graduated today, in 10 years young artists will rule the art scene in Singapore, whole Asia and even the World. 

So this week wasn't exception and brought new piece to think about for all art lovers, who could enjoy opening of three different exhibitions @ ICA Galleries. First collective exhibition "The Art Incubator 4" combining installations, series of photographs and even live performance, we were observing in previous post, was result of year residence program for three young artists Mintio, Ang Soo Koon and Bani Haykal. Two others, opened at the same day on the eve of 14th February, were "Shifting between surfaace" by Filip Gudovic and collective work "Parallax Between_Borders: Singapore_China" by five Singaporean artists.

Serbian born Filip Gudovic came out with series of collages and digital works "Shifting between surfaces", considering relationships between physical and virtual surfaces, that are mixed at works through combination of paintings, prints, digital showcases. You can shift between borders until 6th of March at TriSpace Gallery, #B1-05 @ ICA. 

"Parallax Between_Borders: Singapore_China" is also mixed-arts exhibition, reviewing borders not between surfaces, but between countries. Five Singaporean artists – Jeremy Hiah, Urich Lau, Lim Shengen, Sai Hua Kuan and Teow Yue Han – travelled to the Northeastern borders of China in the provinces of Jilin and Liaoning in June to July 2012. From the border near Hunchun City, where they could see landscapes of Primorsky Krai (Russia) and North Hamgyong (North Korea), they were guided by Chinese artist Cheng Guangfeng to Sino-Korean Friendship "Broken Bridge", that was connecting North Korean Sinŭiju and Chinese Dandong. The documentary, reflecting details of the trip between China, Russia and North Korea, formed the base for "Mirror of Otherness", a group exhibition in Gaodi Gallery in Chinese Shenyang. "Mirror of Otherness" also included the works of Chinese artists Cheng Guangfeng, Liu Yonghong, Shen Shaomin and Yan Shi. Singapore version of exhibition "Parallax", curated by Zhang Yadong and Urich Lau, reflects relationships between cultures and cross-countries communications. To surfe between borders, visit ICA Gallery 1, #B1-04 until 27th of February.  There will be also curators tour handled on the 20th of February from 3 to 4 pm.

ICA Galleries at Lasalle College of Arts are free for viewing @ 1, McNally Street from 10 am to 6 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday (except 1.30pm – 2.30pm). Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Read about "The Art Incubator 4" exhibition, that can be visited until 3rd of March @ Brothers McNally Gallery @ ICA.

Read about other ongoing exhibitions at Lasalle College of Arts  - "Inside the Subject" by Bani Haykal - until 28th of February @ ICA Gallery 2.
Read about other past exhibitions at Lasalle College of Arts - Art of Science: "Coded Transformations" and 1st Prize

Read about other exhibitions of Filip Gudovic - "Finding Humor" supported by Make Space Initiative

Digital installation Shifting between Surfaces by Filip Gudovic, TriSpace, ICA Gallery, Lasalle, Singapore

Collage Shifting between Surfaces by Filip Gudovic

Forth Art Incubator finished with artists performances and photographs exhibition at Lasalle

Exorcise me by Ang Sookoon, The Art Incubator

Guiding young talents through their studies Lasalle College of Art is also giving them opportunities to get inspired and work in other countries, and then to show their ideas to public and art community. The forth year of "The Art Incubator" residency program resulted with the group exhibition, opened at Brother Joseph McNally Gallery on the eve of 14th February.

Starting from 2009 "The Art Incubator" gave opportunity to develop themselves to 13 Singaporean artists, with Ang Soo Koon, Mintio, and Bani Hayka, who were chosen in February 2012 among other candidates and successfully completed their residencies with Objectifs (Singapore), Grey Projects (Singapore) and Platform3 (Bandung, Indonesia) respectively. Jennifer Lam was curator-in-residence. 

Series of photographs "Exorcise me" by Ang Soo Koon and live performance, that was held at the opening of exhibition, are reflecting artists experience of turning from child to teenager and then to adult. It discuss the unease of accepting of new emotions and feelings and the process of loosing fears. 

Mintio's "Astrometric archive" is also series comparisons between city lights and space objects. Photographs taken with telescopic equipment gives illusions and mix nature and human-made, washing out borders between stars and lamps, so viewer is loosing feeling of reality and can't determine, whether it's real nature creation or just fluorescent light of the streets.

Bani Haykal is continuing to experiment with the music, voices, noises of the city and sound itself. Another part of his project work "Inside the Subject" installation became exhibition itself and was opened on the 7th February at ICA Gallery 2 with the artist's speech and performance.
Check out, what was grwon by Incubator this year, visit Brother Joseph McNally Gallery @ ICA, Lasalle until 3rd of March.

"The Art Incubator" is opened for all Singaporean artists and supported by National Arts Council and the Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore, so apply now and, who knows, maybe your works will be exhibited next year.

Read about previous exhibitions at Brother Joseph McNally Gallery @ ICA, Lasalle College of Arts - "Dissapearing Moon" by Emma Critchley and Genevieve Chua.

Read about other works by Bani Haykal - "Inside the Subject" - until 28th of February @ ICA Gallery 2 @ Singapore Lasalle College of Arts.

Read about other past exhibition at Lasalle College of Arts - Art of Science: "Coded Transformations" and 1st Prize

Exorcise me, Live at Brother Joseph McNally Gallery

Exorcise me by Ang Sookoon, The Art Incubator

Installation by Bani Haykal at Brother Joseph McNally Gallery, The Art Incubator

by Bani Haykal at Brother Joseph McNally Gallery, The Art Incubator

by Bani Haykal at Brother Joseph McNally Gallery, The Art Incubator

The Astrometric Archive by Mintio, The Art Incubator

The Astrometric Archive by Mintio, The Art Incubator

Inside The Subject. Mixed-media installation about sound and music in Singapore - meditation at Lasalle ICA Gallery

Exploring meaning of sounds, noises and it's perception in Singapore culture, Bani Haykal set up mixed-media installation "Inside the subject" with first performance held at the opening on the eve of 7th Feb at ICA Gallery 2 @ Singapore Lasalle College of Arts.

Abstract "Inside the Subject" is basically part of larger Haykal's exploration project work as associate artist at Substation. Artist researches and combine objects, that are representing Singapore culture. Installation consists of prose, music, objects, that produce distinctive for Singapore sounds and noises, such as sound produced, when stick is driven through the metallic bars of bed basement. Three artists are performing together to make cacophony, that is presenting meditation of the person, who is considering first murder in his life. Artist offers to think about new fiction concept, that will be implemented in future society, when murderers will be allowed to return to normal life without any punishment, but would be obligated to wear orange jacket for whole life and any other person will have right to kill such a member without any further offense. The work is basically considering public norms and influence of the society on person's thoughts and ideas about death, empathy and apathy towards life.

Curators tour will be held on the 13th of Feb, from 3 to 4 pm with Bani Haykal and artists anGie Seah and Mohamad Riduan sharing their thoughts and experience.

Installation will be up for viewing at ICA Gallery 2, Singapore Lasalle College of Arts  1 McNally Street until 24th of February. Come and get to listen to Singapore.

Read about Bani Haykal works exhibition within "The Art Incubator" residence program, visit exhibition itself until 3rd of March @Brother Joseph McNally Gallery @ ICA, Lasalle College of Arts

Read about other past exhibition at Lasalle College of Arts - Art of Science: "Coded Transformations" and 1st Prize, "Dissapearing Moon" by Emma Critchley and Genevieve Chua

'Something Rather Decorative' by 'Make Space Initiative' - looking at the art blended in interior

Blanket #1, painted glass by Deusa Blumke

The third forthnights part of 'Make Space Initiative' exhibition, curated by Kray Chen, was warmly welcomed by students and freshly graduates of Lasalle College of Arts on the eve of 4th February at popular cafe Merely Ice Cream.

New edition, named "Something Rather Decorative", united three talents, who try to implement art objects in real life, making it part of indoor context, embedding it in furniture or even outdoor surroundings. Moreover, this round is representing international artists. 

Indonesian Michael Timothy is concentrated on abstract paintings, drawing oriental ornaments influenced by Asian works from 16th-17th centuries. As an interesting solution for the exhibition, curator Kray Chen put Michael's abstract works not only in frames on the walls, but also under glass cover on the tables, so your eyes enjoy colorful patters meanwhile you enjoy sweet treats at Merely Ice Cream. 

Brazilian Deusa Blumke is working with difficult materials such as glass, reproducing human forms and expressions in forms, painting bases to connect it with human mind and playing with medium and transparent surfaces. Her works organically blend into room furnishing, becoming part of interior design, as for example, angle shaped colorful painting on glass can perfectly fit table surface and become part of the cover.

Korean Lee Young Rim is exploring relationships between art objects and real life mainly through paintings, but at the exhibition she is presented with the interesting art work - a frame, that was built in Ice Cream shop window. So the crowd of the cafe becomes art object, that is watched by people from outside. Young Rim rises questions about relationships between paintings and actual objects, reality of inner space and outer space of art pieces. We can be outside viewer and easily become part of art object. 

Remember, "Finding humor"- first part of exhibition, supported by Pocket Rocket, was up from 7th to 19th of January, and united artists, who find needs to laugh from daily things and reflect it in their work. Second edition, from 21th January to 2nd of February, gathered artists under name "Background Playground" and was dedicated to importance of process of work in studio.

Built in daily life rather decorative arts are up for seeing at Merely Ice Cream @ #01-13, 91 Bencoolen Street, Sunshine Plaza. Drop by from 12pm to 11pm except Sundays until 16th of February. As the venue is super convenient for student of both Lasalle College of Arts, just across the street, and NAFA, situated in building in front, it's highly recommended for arts students to have a look and learn, how they can implement arts in life and make it something to get money from daily, in nearest future after graduation. So arts can be not only hobby and good degree, but also good source of outcome for life.

To read about First part of 'Make Space Initiative' exhibition at Merely Ice Cream, please check the post "Finding humor"

To read about another group of young artist Almanic and their exhibition Dusbunnies, please check the post Dustbunnies Exhibition 

Colorful pattern, painted glass, part of table cover by Deusa Blumke

V for Victory by Deusa Blumke

Blanket #2, painted glass by Deusa Blumke

Untitled, wall framed abstraction by Michael Timothy

Untitled, wall framed abstraction by Michael Timothy

Painting, placed under tables glass cover, by Michael Timothy

Hidden anonymous Singapore by foregner's eyes in Tidal Pools by Philipp Aldrup

Like another planet - Mars look, by Philipp Aldrup, Tidal pools series 

Seeing Singapore by foreigner's eyes, as photographer and explorer, German artist Philipp Aldrup made series of pictures 'Tidal Pools' and featured exhibition at Objectifs Gallery on the eve of 31st January. 

'Gezeitentümpel' in German is series of photographers showing hidden parts of Singapore, construction grounds and hidden underneath. Spaces on photographs are anonymous and recalling questions about the brevity of life and the vastness of time. Sign of civilization is seen rarely, it looks as archaeological sites, that according to Philipp, 'symbolize the infinite glory-- and futility-- of existence'.

"Observatory's tidal pools-soundtrack CD-R" and the "Gezeitentümpel index sheet" are available for 10S$ to those, who want to keep photographs for private collection.

Deep your eyes in "Tidal Pools" at Objectifs Gallery @ 56A, Arab Street until 28th of February from 11 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday.

Singapore musical band "The Observatory" is going to play at the exhibition venue at 5 pm, on the 16th of February. Come and enjoy deep dive into the hidden parts of Singapore.

Underneath building - something you don't want to know, by Philipp Aldrup, Tidal pools series 

Underwater look, by Philipp Aldrup, Tidal pools series 

All around grey ground - no life, by Philipp Aldrup, Tidal pools series 

Data & Mud - feeling of forgotten, by Philipp Aldrup, Tidal pools series 

Buried - feeling of death, by Philipp Aldrup, Tidal pools series 

Creative walls, Centre for Photography and Filmmaking, 56A, Arab Street, Objectifs Gallery, Singapore

ACI is gathering Hospitality Industry professionals at Winedown Wednesdays

Atrium, Rendezvous Grand Hotel, Singapore

Singapore continue to be the uniting ground for professionals, who are working at the same sphere. January was the month of gathering and sharing for artists: ArtStage for galleries from all around the World, The Fisrts Hotel Art exhibition and Fair Frindge by ApArt Fair - mainly for individual artists and Singapore talents, Soiree by galleries in Raffles Hotel Arcade for all art connoisseurs. And at the end of the month, on the eve of 30th January, Hospitality Industry professionals gathered first time for Winedown Wednesdays at Rendezvous Grand Hotel @ 9 Bras Basar Road.

Event with proper high standard catering was organised by ACI - HR Solutions in Travel & Hospitality and supported by HSMAI, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association. Despite it was first time for gathering in Singapore, networking is going to be regular and promises to bring new business contacts and intensive industry knowledge and tendencies exchange. For updates and next socializing joining, stay tuned at the Aci's page in Facebook.

Check out photo review from the event as well. You might see your colleagues and partners already being there, so it's one more reason to join.

Read about non-professional bloggers, who are gathered for hang-outs by Noel Caleb

ACI's, Winedown Wednesdays - January 2013, Rendezvous Grand Hotel, Singapore

Roof, Rendezvous Grand Hotel, Singapore

Gaziano & Girling: bringing bespoke men shoes to Singapore

More and more in style handmade men brands are turning towards clients in Asia, men who care about their look and seek for highest standard and quality custom-made clothes, accessories and apparel. Araldi 1930 opened their first store in Singapore just accurate at Christmas shopping fever season. Gaziano & Girling, London based men shoe brand, made their first trunk show in Singapore on the eve of 1st February, just week before Chinese New Year. 

Guests, who visited private party at Four Seasons Hotel, could enjoy new collections, try ready for purchase models, discuss and order their personal custom-made pair of shoes. Kevin Seah was handling bespoke by appointment during the day before party and on the 2nd February, day after, for those, who wanted to order pair from new formal evening collection. Velvet slippers were also available in smaller sizes, that can be worn by women in style. 

UpFront Models raise funds to Red Cross Singapore at the exhibition "Love for humanity" @ Art Front Gallery

Big Bad Love, Models James Eliot & Karel S

Along with fashion, we were writing about, model and art businesses are also contributing their parts to society. UpFront Models made series of shots 'Love for Humanity' for exhibition, that opened at Art Front Gallery in Singapore on the eve of 31st January.

'Love for humanity' is series of photos with UpFront Models by famous photographers, stylists, makeup artists and hairdressers from Singapore, each  piece is up for purchase for 1000 S$, and all funds will be raised towards Singapore Red Cross Society, that runs humanities services such as Home for Disabled  Transport, Food, Community First Aids, Singapore Red Cross Academy, that is also national Blood Donor Recruiter. Exhibition is followed by silent action and printed calendar with works, that was given away to each guest at the opening. 

All photographs can be purchased at Art Front Gallery @ #B1-42, 70 Stamford Road, Li Ka Shing Library Building, Singapore Management University until 2nd February. 

If you are interested to contribute more, there is Weekend Sale of books, accessories, apparels, electronics and household appliances organised by Singapore Red Cross at their house @ 15, Penang Lane on the 23rd - 24th February from 11 am to 5 pm.
About Noel Caleb contribution - Singapore bloggers gathering at The Co 

Summer Love,  Model Tanya S

Melting Love, Model Tina Walsen

Love for Sale, Model Laurita J

The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Body of Someone Loving, Model James Elliot