Digital London Underground Posters engage the consumer more

Having recently just visited London and then reading this article (website address found at the bottom) I had to agree with what was said. When going up and down the escalators to the underground, the digital adverts were a lot more powerful and eye catching than that of the usual posters I see. Having a digital output, the adverts did create a lasting memory and a feeling of enjoyment was had when viewing advertisements in this format. Whether it was due to the brightness, the innovation of being different or perhaps a mixture between the two.
However if all posters turned digital, maybe the engaging effect with consumers might not be had, and the more contemporary paper posters might be enjoyed more. Nevertheless, brands currently using digital escalator posters to advertise their product or service are captivating consumers much more than that of the original paper posters.

http://www.cbsoutdoor.co.uk/web/Current-news/Newspage-UK/Digital-Posters-really-do-captivate-London-Underground-travellers.htm

Orange, how they have lost brand value

Mobile phones are an integral part of many people’s lives throughout world and the UK. I have been a long-term customer with the Orange network and have been very happy with their service over the four years I have been with them. Recently when calling for an enquiry, an automated message voiced over before answering the call that 'Orange are devoted to good customer service'. This is the first time I had heard this message and it gave me great confidence before speaking to an advisor. When I finally got through the help and devotion that I received did not match the promise that had been made. Several phone calls were needed by myself in order to get through to an advisor that really did reach the promise of being devoted to good customer service. I now view the Orange brand as making promises that they do not fulfil.
What I have learnt from this experience is that a brands word must be executed by its actions. If a brand is to make a promise to its customers it should be something that is found within the business currently, not an aim or objective of the brand which they wish to achieve in the future.

Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite

Having been inspired and motivated after reading Paul Ardens other publication 'It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be', I soon ordered this book. Subsequent to reading the book I have once again come out of it with more feelings of belief and potential inside me to go on and succeed. The author discusses thoughts that are very much out of the ordinary, but seem to make sense when written in this pin point context. For anyone who is currently in a mindset which is confused in what career to pursue, this short read will leave you with an air of confidence in whatever path that you decide to take. Arden uses a variety of exciting case studies and quotes from significant people or personal acquaintances to illustrate his various ideas and perspectives on modern day business ethics, behaviours and ideals. A short read that is both relevant to careers and general outlooks on lifestyle.

Nike and Apple join together to formulate Nike Plus

Two global giants have joined forces to create the innovative Nike Plus range. What I find fascinating here is how they have used each other’s strengths to produce a product that makes a mundane activity such as running into a challenging, social activity that provides a huge source of motivation to all runners. By purchasing the range you feel as if you have bought into a cult that you become a member of. Loyalty to the two brands become immediate and you become very emotionally connected to your new product as it keeps you up to date on your progress as well as others. Being interactive, both brands have added a further dimension to there brand make up.

So what is Nike Plus?

It is a combination of Nike+ running shoes, Nike+ running gear and also the Nike+ sensor. The shoe has a base pocket that the wireless pedometer slots into. Your iPod Nano, once equipped with a receiver plugged into the base, keeps track of your running pace as well as a variety of workout stats. It also has the ability of telling you your pace through your earphones so you don’t have to look down at the screen. The iPod add-on transforms your centre button to a “power song” button. When you want to speed up your workout or just need an extra push through a hard section, press the power song button and it will begin playing a song you have previously selected to motivate you.
It doesn’t stop there. Once you dock and sync up your Nano, Nike+ software loads your workout stats to their website where you will be able to track your workout progress. The whole experience has been well thought through by both Nike and Apple. The website offers celebrity athlete testimonials and a section of the site informs you with what professionals and other Nike+ runners have as their power song. You are then able to purchase their power songs through iTunes, in addition to other Nike-made workout mixes. Community is another aspect of the Nike+ campaign. You can share your progress with up to 50 others and compete with them if you wish. For example you are able to set a challenge to see who could clock up 100 miles the quickest. This can be done globally. For more of an insight visit www.nike.com/nikeplus

Dorset Cereals

When walking down the cereals aisle in a supermarket, I have rarely seen true design innovation for the packaging of such products. Whilst new cereal products are continually being released, brands have taken little risk on their design and kept to some type of formula that includes pictures ranging from oats, alps and a 'harvest festival'.
Dorset Cereals have broken away from the formula for packaging in this sector and become innovative and risk taking. No grains and berries, cartoon characters or lively colours can be seen here. Instead, the cardboard used looks like cardboard, and the subdued colours and type on the packaging seems to speak softly to the customer rather than shout. Photography has been replaced by two dimensional illustration, and a window in the pack in the shape of the brand logo allows the customer to see the product rather than just trusting the image photographed on the outside of the packaging.
Using straightforward thinking and logic the brand have produced a brilliant piece of design. Dorset has understood that packaging is the brand's biggest selling point, and that luxury, is now about temperance rather than opulence. They have also realised that health foods are part of a desired lifestyle in which design is a key element.
The packaging certainly seems to murmur shadows of Orla Kiely collections- http://www.orlakiely.com

A fabulous entrance to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) in Newcastle

When visiting Newcastle I went to a place named Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island. Something that made this destination so special and interesting was that it is a tidal island. This means that the island is only accessible at certain times of the day when the tide is open allowing you to cross the causeway. Opening times vary significantly from day to day. What I found so fascinating about this is that the people of Lindisfarne live in a way which is extremely limited by the fact that they can only cross to mainland between certain hours of the day. People of this nature are timetabled to what they can and can't do. When crossing the causeway a feeling of crossing into unknown territory was experienced. I felt excitement as I looked around a place of great cultural heritage but with the fact that I had limited time on the island until I was trapped added further to this feeling. It was an experience that felt like going back in time. People of the village were very much using local produce, and everyone within the village seemed extremely united. I wondered whether this is how a village really should be? Has modern society become purely individualistic?

It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be

This handbook is a guide on how to succeed in the world. It is written by the well established and experienced advertiser Paul Arden. Having read it, it gives you the motivation to believe that the impossible, is possible. There are no boundaries to success and achieving your goals however big are definitely possible. The book/bible discusses issues as diverse as problem solving, responding to a brief, communicating, the meaning behind the word 'creative', and all activities that can be applied to aspects of modern life. Using a compilation of simple facts, quotes and pictures, it has given me a great insight into what the world of advertising is really like. I have come out after reading the book very motivated and open minded. I feel as if I've taken a step forward in direction as a designer aswell as person.