ENLIGHTEN3D

By Joshua Koopferstock

One of my favorite blogs on the web is PetitInvention by a Tokyo-based concept designer named Mac Funamizu.  A few months ago, I posted how one of his concepts, the “Future of Mobile Search“, should be an inspiration to all computer vision scientists.

It seems like the folks at Google Earth find Mac’s work inspiring too.  Now, I have no way of knowing for sure that this was the source of their inspiration or whether it is just a happy coincidence, but have a look at the screenshots below and be the judge.

(above) Google Earth 5, released February 2nd, 2009

Future of Mobile Search - Search Beyond Time, posted July 9, 2008

Both Mac’s concept and Google Earth’s new release demonstrate a slider to look at imagery of the same scene over time.  It’s still a ways away from the location and orientation-matched mobile design, but nonetheless, it is impressive to see one of Mac’s more imaginative concepts already appearing in a real-world product.  We need more designers like Mac inspiring us with their ideas.  Does anyone else have a favorite design site that they use for inspiration?