I was on 610 WTVN this morning talking to Bob Conners about a few things tech related.

1. Facebook Privacy: All the rage – and not just in the geek echo-chamber. Now that ‘laymen’ are on the network (approaching 500 million users) it’s a topic for the masses. Even congress is wisely spending tax dollars delving into the issue.

In the end, Facebook is a tool, and a free one at that. While they can make (and are) some changes to simplify the interface of their privacy settings, the bottom line is – don’t put important data out there and stop assuming ‘everyone’ only applies to you and your network. Here, this might help:

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It’s our responsibility, as users, to share wisely and use the tools at our disposal. They have always been there to calibrate for comfortable sharing.

2. On the topic of Privacy, Bob and I talked about Google allegedly not turning over data/information they inadvertently gathered as part of their mapping activities. Whether the data was gathered or not and whether it is being stored in the appropriate locations (we had to deal with data storage regulations in a project for the BBC) is not the point. The ironic part of this is – German information and communication law looks like it prohibits Google from disclosing what information was gathered or turning it over. Don’t you love Catch 22s?

Now, Google should figure this out, obviously, but to me there are 2 take aways. 1) Law makers and media are quick to create headlines and get on soap boxes. It’s easy to get an ADD public riled up. However, as the information economy moves to the forefront, legal code needs to be reviewed, modernized and considered through a global lens. Before we get mad, let’s be sure regulations and laws can be leaned on. 2) Having that cake and eating it to – we jump online and expect answers at our fingertips. But, when that information is about us, our business, or our lives… well, things are different(?). Cmon.

3. Augmented Reality. Ooo Ahhh… futuristic huh? Not so much. Bob and I discussed the fact that augmented reality is more and more prevalent through powerful networked mobile devices and modern gaming systems. Augmented Reality has myriad applications. At it’s core it is the ability to apply data to a real environment – enriching experiences and adding ‘dimensions’ or ‘planes’. Also, video games and augmented reality – very real environments that allow for replication of real-world behavior – have proven to enhance abilities in (for instance) the medical and military sectors.

This doesn’t mean that you should walk around with big honking goggles on your head all day. It means that smart and appropriate application of information to products and places allows for a richer experience.

Dynamit was honored as one of the “Best Places to Work” in 2010 & 2011 by Columbus Business First newspaper and Interactive Agency of the Year. Times are even better in 2012 and we’re hiring a Web/Graphic Designer for our aggressively growing team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting edge projects for well-known brands in a dynamic, entrepreneurial and highly creative environment. Please email resumes/cover letters and portfolio information (documents or links to online examples) to Gary Moneysmith via gmoney@dynamit.us.

A web/graphic designer on the Dynamit team will:

• Be well versed with Adobe Creative Suite: Strong knowledge of Photoshop, experience with Illustrator and InDesign.
• Have a strong understanding of Usability & Web Trends: Experience with user interface design, knowledge of best practices & examples of this in a portfolio or live site/application design. They will also be up-to-date on web trends and design tactics with examples.
• Have experience in user experience design (UXD) designing application and system interfaces. This experience is crucial for this position.
• Have Basic Programming Knowledge: We’re not looking for a developer here, but the designer should have the ability to design for web with a knowledge of the boundaries and how to design for execution by a programmer.
• Have a Strong Portfolio: We’d like to see much more web work than print.
• Be eager to learn, with a passion for design & the web. The designer should have a strong internal drive for industry knowledge and be committed to furthering the craft.

Experience is important, but personality is key. Our culture is what drives us, and we’re looking to build our team with someone who both fits and contributes to it.

The position is full time at our office in the Arena District in Columbus, Ohio. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package as well as a fun, high-energy, intellectually-stimulating work environment.

Benefits Include

• Competitive salary (compensation will be based on skills and experience)
• Fully paid medical/dental insurance for employees
• Paid parking
• Unlimited vacation time (within reason)
• Office bar + climbing wall — not recommended together

Don’t sit back. If you want to work in a fast paced work environment with great people who love what they do, apply today.

About Dynamit
Dynamit is a digital agency based in the Arena District in Columbus, Ohio. We work with clients and brands on digital initiatives that include strategy, design, user experience and development. We influence communication and commerce. Client work includes Hilton Worldwide, Charley's Grilled Subs, McGraw-Hill, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), E-Z-GO, American Electric Power (AEP), Columbus College of Art & Design and the Ohio State Medical Center (OSUMC) to name but a few.