This was going to be a tweet, but let’s face it – 140 characters is never enough. Well, quite often, but not in this case anyway.

Over the 1st and 2nd of June, ExpoManagement 2011 is being held in Madrid. It’s the ninth of such meetings, and is designed especially for leaders who anticipate change. It’s a collective meeting of minds, where experts debate ideas and trends, and where those leaders who dare to act, and who are capable of generating new opportunities for driving change, meet to push these changes that can have profound effect on the future. You can check out the programme to the ExpoManagement 2011, although it’s only available in Spanish.

Designit is excited to have two guys heading to Madrid in June, Mikal Hallstrup, and Humberto Matas. The conference is divided into themes, and both our guys will be speaking on June 1st, under Marketing and Innovation. While Mikal focuses on inspiration for businesses, and design experiences, Humberto will concentrate on innovation and people, innovative educational experiences.

Ultimately, both are focusing on the importance of the user; user-centric design for services and experiences that can improve life, and society. Design is not just about a great product, or smart catalogue. More and more we’re seeing design popping up in everyday situations, examining how design can help us make the world a better place.

If you’re in Madrid, and like design, you should definitely check it out!

Yeah, there was no way that was going to be a tweet!

If you ever bump into the hard-pedalling ‘Espressoman’ in central Copenhagen — or if he bumps into you (scary thought)  — try his divine espressos or lattes. You won’t be disappointed. Waiting for my coffee and staring at his super-heavyweight espresso-bike, I asked him what would make life easier for a biking barista. I was sure he’d opt for some lightweight gear, but no. Stable weather however, providing temperature stability to his sensible gas-driven espresso machine, was all he needed. A humble wish, but knowing the weather in DK, I guess this would take some help from above. Anyways, 10 out of 10 for the coffee. And the same for the enterprising set-up which provided me with a true service value moment.

I saw this on the way to work this morning in central Copenhagen. It’s well-intentioned service design but it simply doesn’t work! Ironically the green recycling bin doesn’t solve the problem; it’s just a quick fix.

Instead, lets adapt solutions to human behaviour. If we apply persuasive design that encourages people to act in a more sustainable way – not to dump their newspaper in the recycling bin after a two-minute read but to leave it in a designated pile for reuse – we will achieve much more. After all, reusing is more sustainable than recycling.

How’s that for morning philosophy!

Whatever you design be prepared for surprises. Everything will be used in ways you never imagined. Here’s the proof, spotted in a Shanghai cab! The creative cab driver found this interior detail in his car useful for keeping his stash of favourite toothpicks at hand. I admire this guy for his creativity and sense of personalisation.