article "Your noise is still noise"

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/11/your-noise-is-still-noise.html

I was walking around Times Square the other day and was of course, hit with a montage of ad noise. But while others find it obnoxious, I actually love it. I go to Times Square to see what ads might have changed, what new billboards might have been put up, if there are any other insane digital ad ideas that they've come up with... There was actually this giant screen up on in the center of Times Square on the MTV building taking a live shot of all the people walking through, and we could see ourselves in miniature. Thousands of people stopped to wave to see if they could see their tiny hands waving emphatically on screen. I think this was an ad for the clothing store, FOREVER21, though I don't really see any sort of relation. But still, a fun idea! The question still remains though, if we are a part of if all, or even the ones creating it, is it noise? Or is it only noise if it belongs to someone else?

article "Guest speaker"

I enjoyed Liad's lecture, especially when he gave examples that he thought were successful marketing design pieces. Design in relation to identity is so integral, I'm glad that he was able to delve in deeper within that subject and discuss the importance of functional design.

I also appreciated his criticism of my own product and brand, and have reviewed his comments in my head repeatedly since then. Being that he was the first to respond in saying that he was having difficulty relating the product to my brand, I was wondering whether if my branding tactics has miscommunicated the message I was attempting to convey. Should I rethink the entire image of my brand? Rebrand my entire product? Or should I work on clarifying the mood I am attempting to show throughout my piece?

article "Product design vs. purchase power"

I was in need of peanut butter the other day and decided to stop into my local grocery store. Yes, it's one of those yuppie organic health food stores with whole wheat, 100% organic products. In choosing my product I took my time looking carefully over the labels, design of the jars, use of color, etc. I ended up with a cool jar with illustrations of monkeys on the label. I was romanced by good design so much so that I forgot about the actual product. I found out a little bit ago that my peanut butter is flavored with cinnamon and raisins. Interesting..

article "CONE-o-MATIC branding idea"

My thoughts on CONE - o - MATIC branding developed quickly. I think after developing the logo I was able to conceptualize the mood I hoped to create. Being that my product is for the efficient, face-paced, on-the-go consumer, I want my branding to exude youth, excitement, and perhaps trendiness. I would like the overall feeling to be fun, maybe even silly, but ultimately prove it's practicality being that it is a product that may serve a multitude of different uses for different situations.

article "Groping for a marketing solution: TSA and security theater"

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/11/groping-for-a-marketing-solution-tsa-and-security-theater.html

This is becoming an increasingly big deal. I first came across the TSA issue when taking a flight out of Vancouver. They had one of the first installments of the full body scanner and gave people a choice - either do the full body scan in the cylindrical contrapment or get a full body pat down. I opted for the pat down - just because the scanner looked a little freaky. This makes me think that a better marketing tactic might be the way to go if it comes to the point where full body scans be necessary for everyone. A smarter marketing idea will most likely lead way to a smoother transition and better acceptance for change.

CONE - O - MATIC Style Frame

On any given day, Richard finds himself in need of some alone time, at least for a minute or two.
In which case, CONE - o - MATIC is here to the rescue!


SCENE I: On the subway

 ...annoyed

 happy!

SCENE II: At the park

 ...annoyed

 happy!

SCENE III: Getting a phone call

...annoyed

 happy!

SCENE IV: Waiting for a friend

 ...annoyed

 happy!

Thank goodness for CONE - o - MATIC, the way to catch the perfect break on-the-go!

article "Klhip nail clippers: redesigning the mundane"

http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/klhip_nail_clippers_redesigning_the_mundane_17840.asp

These nail clippers are nothing like I've ever seen before. What impresses me most of all is that there has been an idea to redesign something that we take for granted, yet use all the time. I think we forget to appreciate the design of the everyday and "mundane". Why not make our everyday tools more efficient and useful while also improving its design? This paves the path for a world ruled by designers, a new phenom that I'm finding to be increasingly evident in my day to day life.