Really?

At first I really liked the new ad for Windows Phone 7  - it taps into the fact that all of us walk around mindlessly, engrossed in our phones, ignoring those around us. (not a new idea I know, but well executed). Then reading further I discovered that their strategy was intended to imply that the users of the phones in the ad were not in fact using Windows 7 phones, but other models, and Windows 7 will allow you to now 'Look Up'. This was only clear when the UK version changed the VO, adding: "Designed to get you in and out and back to life again". This is a pure example of the insightful thinking actually being lost on the public as I thin consumers always assume the company's product to be featured in the ad, unless it is made blindingly obvious. Not so in this case.
Anyway, we are to watch out - apparently, this is the operating system set to lead the way in a new generation of smartphones. Apple, hope you're working on the rival..

Singing Fingers

So much fun I want it! Touch the screen, paint, record sound & playback - like a kid again!
Courtesy of Sell! Sell! blog

Eat your carrots to survive

You're lost, deep in the darkness of the land of the dead. It's pitch black. Only the use of your hearing can help you escape. You know you and a loved one are in grave danger...
You’re in Papa Sangre’s palace; an afterlife that takes the form of a malevolent, unpredictable carnival. Imagine a Mexican graveyard on the Day of the Dead. You’re the piñata for a host of partying monsters. Fortunately, you cannot see them.

Papa Sangre is a video game with no video. It’s a first-person thriller, done entirely in audio by an award-winning team of game designers, musicians, sound designers and developers at Somethin’ Else. They've created an entire world using the first ever real-time 3D audio engine implemented on a handheld device. The project is supported by 4iP (the paramilitary wing of the UK’s Channel 4). Illustration by Sofiski.Watch the amusing results here.

Travel and play!

One of the amazing examples of digital advancements that made me sit up at the Scamp conference last week was the presentation by Katie Lindemann about the early development of a data capture game using Oyster cards called Chromaroma. In alpha form, users can join up and play the game which measures & rewards points for travellers who make faster journeys, visit regular stations or work as part of a team. The competitive and fun side of it means it's almost like playing monopoly when you're commuting to work anyway - that's what I like about it; it's so simple. In it's early form, Chromaroma work in partnership with TFL, which actually provides them with useful information which they can then use to improve services (i.e by monitoring congestion areas..) Users information is not shared with any other company, and the designers behind it are adamant it does not become a big brother style operation. Cynics out there will suggest otherwise. (yes some of us did discuss how there's probably an app being developed out there right now for stalkers..creepy) But I thought it was a great example of how all this data capture can be interesting, useful and FUN!



Chromaroma Visualisation from Mudlark on Vimeo.

I also note it is a more sophisticated and up to date version of my Pacman based game 'Con-Man'.

Mindblowing

Another successful industry event! Wow, was I inspired or what? I found as the day got on my mind was racing with ideas and my hand couldn't write fast enough, with all the notes I was taking. (All the more reason for me to get one big huge Wacom tablet methinks, then I can literally use it as a layout pad). The event lasted afternoon to evening with ten top speakers showcasing some of their interesting work to date, including some top secret ideas in progress. Ranging from social media, interaction, brand strategy, online gaming to digital design, my eyes were digitally opened. There's almost too much to mention in one post, so I'll tap into individual projects in future, but to summarise, here's what I learnt:

• If you want to try something new and innovative & you're being constrained by those in fear - do it anyway. You never know what opportunities it'll open up in future, and you'll probably end up impressing those who doubted you in the first place.
  
  
• Information is there to be SHARED with others. Most people have a creative side and will undoubtedly receive your knowledge with open arms, and you'll always get something back in return.
  
  
• Partnerships in agencies are becoming more important. The Agency preaching to the supplier is fast becoming a dying model, as both parties prove to profit from collaborating and meeting clients needs in an ever changing market, with tighter budgets and greater expectations.
  
  
• Data capture via twitter: the possibilities are endless*
  *I have many an example to post here later
  
  
• Data capture doesn't have to be Big Brother - it can actually be very useful & important in changing services and preventing serious accidents.
  
  
• I'm bored with my portfolio. All this new media is so exciting, I'm going to work on my own briefs next week!
  
  
• Familiar objects are now not what they seem: TVs are four dimensional, poster's talk to you, radios are weather vanes, fridges work for Weightwatchers and plants are very demanding!
  
  
• If you have the right creatives on board, you could remotely control your boyfriend
  (thanks to Nicola, Nikki & Jules for some fun brainstorming. Watch this space people..)
  
  
• Clients should always have a crisis plan. There are too many creative, witty, computer geeks out there that are quick on the mark to be anti-brand.

So there we have it. I feel like I've been playing catch-up, and by the time I research all the various sites mentioned yesterday, there will be thousands more great ideas developing, but it has definitely made me less fearful of venturing into the unknown, and very excited to work on new briefs in this way.

Don't Poke Me!

It's been one of those unproductive days today and I've ended up blog trawling. Check out my de.li.cious page to see what I've enjoyed reading.
One extraordinary phenomena that caught my eye was on Iain Tait's blog about a new application on facebook called add my gear'. Basically it uses a new technology that is currently only built into mobiles in Japan and the US, but won't be long before it's over here. By scanning a code, the phone then follows to the webpage - or in this case your facebook profile page, rather than you typing in the URL. The application of course is designed to get more people adding friends by flirtily wearing their QR code on a t-shirt or bag (the makers of which are linked withe the FB application. So my page link would look like this:

(except my bag would be a lot cooler)

..and if you've downloaded the technology for your phone, you could then stalk me by scanning my bag (scary). Still, I think this has interesting potential for other brands. If a 'QR' code is available for certain webpages, we could see more imaginative, illustrative looking advertising, subliminally inviting you to scan and visit that site (if you happen to be at the right place at the right time etc..). But as with all new fandangled technology, it will be cool until it's widespread and overused.

The Prosumer

This is interesting and slightly scary about the dramatic advances in technology and how we (pro)sumers use it. not too far from the truth and what might happen..