Wednesday, March 10, 2010
mcwilliams blog #3
http://jessicascriticalquestions.blogspot.com/2010/03/blog-3-design-and-brand-trends.html
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Dan Blog #3
Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2’s design plays a central role in the branding and communication of the marketplace by primarily establishing a visual style and character base that emotionally connects people to the game (product). These connections are reaffirmed by the key design trend of sensuctive ascertained in the first David Report reading. The characters’ designed personas give the brand a human element because of pre-established ideas consumers have of stereotyped personality traits. While the stereotyped traits can be fine line to walk the edginess plays into the design trend of, “breaking boundaries” http://www.tf2.com/movies.htm. Focusing edginess with the cartoon styles appeal to the target gaming demographic that often seek relatable characters and narrative that appeal to their lighter side. “"Everyone who's played a multiplayer action game-- especially a TF game--has experienced the moment of tension followed by mad laughter."” (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3158959) Keeping the game up to date and taking suggestions from the community brings sustainability through innovative development that makes the player base feel as if they always matter to the brand.
Amazon
As a complete online shopping community Amazon’s design is an absolutely essential piece of its branding and communication in the marketplace. The primary design focus of Amazon is to keep customer experiences simple, fast and efficient. Creating the quick click-shopping cart fulfills many of the issues that costumers have with online shopping and improves the lives of anyone who needs products in a timely manner (http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_navbox_lnor_one?nodeId=468480). Faith Popcorn plainly states “…make it easy, make it relaxed, make it completely utilitarian. Make it Cheap and provide a service to go along side.” By simplifying purchases to online only, Amazon also influences environmental improvement by cutting down the use of automobiles and in many instances paper consumption. While environmentally conscious, Amazon also develops strong problem solving designs. They query users on the best ways to promote deals, suggest similar products based on databases of user information and tastes, and can utilize its own customers to review and critique anything sold on the site. “Design is hence all about satisfying needs, solving problems and attracting us towards new experiences,” and Amazon clearly understands this point and makes a case for being one of the most effective companies in its marketplace.
Mountain Dew
http://www.mountaindew.com/#/home
Mountain Dew’s design brands the company as hip and trendy while communicating with its target demographic about its influences on their social and cultural environment. One of the “Dew’s” most powerful associations is with pro sports specifically skateboarding. They establish themselves as a company who cares about youth and their future goals in the sport (http://www.mountaindew.com/#/sports/actionsports/amforce/index.php). The first David Report makes note that, “Really successful design always looks through the lens of humanity; life enriching products that speaks both to our hearts and our brains.” By supporting a youth movement Mountain Dew tugs on our emotions, we want to be associated with a socially driven company. If we drink the soda we also support the cause and our loyalty to a company for change grows. Mountain Dew’s promotional videos also create a authentic ritualistic connotation. They portray their target demographic in activities that are always enhanced by the product. http://www.mountaindew.com/#/video/
Mountain Dews promotional ads are mostly fluff but connect with their demographic and as long as they continue to influence the sports their market watches they will successfully be associated with it.
Jacob's Blog #3
Ikea
http://www.ikea.com/
Ikea is known for its affordable, well-designed furniture that is easily constructed by the consumer; only an allen wrench is required. Their brand is built off of the design of their furniture. They market themselves as a provider of affordable solutions for better living, which is what has made them become a worldwide brand. The brand really does a good job of the Cooltural design trend in their marketing. The marketing really adds an emotional attachment with the viewer and the product. All of the products are advertised in a “lived in” fashion, helping giving the product a homey quality. This really supports Ikea’s brand of affordable home solutions, they take an otherwise dull piece of furniture the appearance that is an affordable accent to their life.
The product is what has developed this brand. They are well known for the quality of their products in its position of low-end non solid wood furniture. In 1999 the products that Ikea developed were altered to be environmentally friendly and are constructed using highly renewable materials. This is outlined in the following site:
http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/01/29/is-it-green-ikea/. The brand is designing its product in a way that it can be marketed as highly stainable. This is outlined in both articles as being key in having a brand that make the brand distinctive and different from its competition.
Dyson
http://www.dyson.com
The design of the vacuum is Dyson’s brand and drives its marketing. The brand markets the advantages of the vacuum design and creates its position in the vacuum cleaner market. James Dyson’s ingenuitive design is what has made him one of the world’s leading vacuum cleaner manufacturers. Hover copied the design of a Dyson Vacuum, was sued by Dyson, and was found guilty by the High Court. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1368860/Dyson-cleans-up-in-patent-battle-with-rival-Hoover.html This case shows how the design of Dyson vacuums is what makes the brand distinctive and ownable.
Dyson also follows the sustainability design trend which was discussed in both articles. Dyson used bag-less technology in their machines before it was popular in vacuum cleaners; other competitors were driven to change their technology when the eco-fad ensued. This bag-less technology helps reduce the amount of waste that the vacuum will create through out its lifetime. The vacuums are also designed not to need a filters to be replaced; instead filters simply need to be washed. The company will also pay to recycle any old vacuum cleaner when you purchase a Dyson.
http://www.dyson.com/support/weee.asp This service is only available in England due to European law which has strict disposal requirements.
Dyson is one of the best design business successes and its journey to success can be exemplified with this article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1802155.stm
Method
http://www.methodhome.com/
Method is marketed on its design of environmentally friendly house care and personal cleaning products. Their products are designed to be all natural or naturally derived and have not been tested on animals. Method’s brand of naturalness gives it an eco-conscience position of sustainability in house and personal cleaning product market. The brand fits into the Sustainable Wheel outlined in “A Checklist for Sustainability”, as they are an environmentally friendly company that makes an innovative product that is productive towards the greater good of its consumers.
The following article discusses how the company has partnered with a carbon offset company which encourages Method’s partner companies to improve their emissions for a profit.
http://www.csrwire.com/press/press_release/19435-Method-Products-Inc-and-NativeEnergy-Pioneer-a-Carbon-Offset-Model
This is a great way for the company to extend its brand’s values to the organizations with which they are associated.
The 5 Key Design trends are also present in Method. The two main key design trends that are apparent in the brands design are “Rationaissance” and “Responsibiz”.
The brand is marketed as high end cleaning product and definitely has the product design that gives it that appearance. The bottles have a distinctive curve design and are filled with brightly colored solutions, making Method stylish, functional, and iconic, all of which are contained in the “Rationaissance” design trend. The design of their bottle also uses the “Responsibiz” design trend, their bottles are developed to be refilled and are made from biodegradable plastic. The best brand strategy Method has is that they provide their product at a reasonable price and is readily available in a number of department stores.
http://www.ikea.com/
Ikea is known for its affordable, well-designed furniture that is easily constructed by the consumer; only an allen wrench is required. Their brand is built off of the design of their furniture. They market themselves as a provider of affordable solutions for better living, which is what has made them become a worldwide brand. The brand really does a good job of the Cooltural design trend in their marketing. The marketing really adds an emotional attachment with the viewer and the product. All of the products are advertised in a “lived in” fashion, helping giving the product a homey quality. This really supports Ikea’s brand of affordable home solutions, they take an otherwise dull piece of furniture the appearance that is an affordable accent to their life.
The product is what has developed this brand. They are well known for the quality of their products in its position of low-end non solid wood furniture. In 1999 the products that Ikea developed were altered to be environmentally friendly and are constructed using highly renewable materials. This is outlined in the following site:
http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/01/29/is-it-green-ikea/. The brand is designing its product in a way that it can be marketed as highly stainable. This is outlined in both articles as being key in having a brand that make the brand distinctive and different from its competition.
Dyson
http://www.dyson.com
The design of the vacuum is Dyson’s brand and drives its marketing. The brand markets the advantages of the vacuum design and creates its position in the vacuum cleaner market. James Dyson’s ingenuitive design is what has made him one of the world’s leading vacuum cleaner manufacturers. Hover copied the design of a Dyson Vacuum, was sued by Dyson, and was found guilty by the High Court. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1368860/Dyson-cleans-up-in-patent-battle-with-rival-Hoover.html This case shows how the design of Dyson vacuums is what makes the brand distinctive and ownable.
Dyson also follows the sustainability design trend which was discussed in both articles. Dyson used bag-less technology in their machines before it was popular in vacuum cleaners; other competitors were driven to change their technology when the eco-fad ensued. This bag-less technology helps reduce the amount of waste that the vacuum will create through out its lifetime. The vacuums are also designed not to need a filters to be replaced; instead filters simply need to be washed. The company will also pay to recycle any old vacuum cleaner when you purchase a Dyson.
http://www.dyson.com/support/weee.asp This service is only available in England due to European law which has strict disposal requirements.
Dyson is one of the best design business successes and its journey to success can be exemplified with this article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1802155.stm
Method
http://www.methodhome.com/
Method is marketed on its design of environmentally friendly house care and personal cleaning products. Their products are designed to be all natural or naturally derived and have not been tested on animals. Method’s brand of naturalness gives it an eco-conscience position of sustainability in house and personal cleaning product market. The brand fits into the Sustainable Wheel outlined in “A Checklist for Sustainability”, as they are an environmentally friendly company that makes an innovative product that is productive towards the greater good of its consumers.
The following article discusses how the company has partnered with a carbon offset company which encourages Method’s partner companies to improve their emissions for a profit.
http://www.csrwire.com/press/press_release/19435-Method-Products-Inc-and-NativeEnergy-Pioneer-a-Carbon-Offset-Model
This is a great way for the company to extend its brand’s values to the organizations with which they are associated.
The 5 Key Design trends are also present in Method. The two main key design trends that are apparent in the brands design are “Rationaissance” and “Responsibiz”.
The brand is marketed as high end cleaning product and definitely has the product design that gives it that appearance. The bottles have a distinctive curve design and are filled with brightly colored solutions, making Method stylish, functional, and iconic, all of which are contained in the “Rationaissance” design trend. The design of their bottle also uses the “Responsibiz” design trend, their bottles are developed to be refilled and are made from biodegradable plastic. The best brand strategy Method has is that they provide their product at a reasonable price and is readily available in a number of department stores.
Elliott's Blog #3
For this blog I looked for companies that I hadn't heard of before. I wanted to find brands that both relate to the readings and that are new and interesting. I found most of them by looking through the sites under the Of Interest section of our blog. The three brands I decided on are:
#1. BumpTop
#2. I Make My Case
#3. Me To We Style
They are all fairly new companies and are headed in positive directions in terms of their brand and how they use design to further their brand.
BumpTop
BumpTop is a new software that you can download for both windows and mac that transforms your desktop into a virtual 3D space with a floor and walls. You can leave your documents and files lying on this desktop just as you would leave real life papers on your actual desk. You can pin things to the walls and stack files up and then move them around and watch as the physics that is incorporated into BumpTop makes your files bump against each other and move around as they would in real life.
BumpTop is breaking new ground. It is thinking of the future and anticipating the next step in computers and virtual space. It is already functioning with touch screen PCs which allows you to move files around with your finger. Though three-dimensional computer screens have yet to be invented, BumpTop is ready for when they are, and will likely be at the forefront of 3D desktop design when it happens.
It relates to the idea of 'breaking boundaries' that is mentioned in the '5 Key Design Trends' article. Breaking boundaries is about "a transformation between different anti poles, such as local/global, technology/philosophy and body/mind." BumpTop is a transformation between real life and the virtual world. It is taking the real life desk top that we are all familiar with and combining it with the virtual desktop to make it more of an individual experience.
Here is BumpTop's website,
And here is one of the articles that led me to find BumpTop, which features a neat video of it in use.
I Make My Case
I Make My Case is a website where you can design your own phone case. It uses many featured artists in order to create the designs that you can then utilize and adjust to your liking.
You can play around on the site here.
I did look at a few other sites where you can customize your phone case. Such as the Zune site which is fairly impressive because of the ability to move the zune in 3D space while customizing it.
I Make My Case is definitely the best one out there though. Not only because of the customization tools it offers, but also because of the site design itself. The colorful doodles and fun interaction really creates an aesthetic that carries through to the actual product. Without this effective site design, the product may not stand out as much from it's competition.
There is definitely something 'sensuctive' about I Make My Case. It really appeals to our senses. It makes us want it; we want to look at it, touch it, and show it off to our friends. Sensuctiveness is about designing for human desire and pleasure and I Make My Case is a good example allowing the consumer to become the designer in order to achieve the greatest level of pleasure possible.
I believe there is something 'cooltural' about I Make My Case too. It really offers a unique experience. Everyone is used to seeing and having the same generic phone cases, so it is nice to be presented with the opportunity to be different. We are constantly looking for something unique that only we know about and that we can show off to others. It helps separate ourselves as individuals. This isn't specific to just I Make My Case, but to all of the companies that allow you to personalize your phone, iPod, computer, etc...
There is a blog entry on Three Minds that covers I Make My Case, which mentions some of the pros and cons that I looked at.
Me To We Style
Me To We Style describes themselves as being "a new social enterprise that is committed to providing ethically manufactured, quality apparel for the socially-conscious consumer. Our product line is domestically produced, sweatshop-free and made using certified organic cotton and viscose from bamboo."
They have a partnership with Free The Children and donate 50% of their profits to help support international development projects.
Environmental influence is important for their brand. They show responsibility by showing an interest in the world today and trying to fix problems that exist. The company is beneficial to both society and the environment.
Me To We Style shows aspects of rationaissance. They are about going beyond the short term, looking to the future and positively affecting the world. Their brand is functional and rational while their designs are stylish and iconic.
#1. BumpTop
#2. I Make My Case
#3. Me To We Style
They are all fairly new companies and are headed in positive directions in terms of their brand and how they use design to further their brand.
BumpTop
BumpTop is a new software that you can download for both windows and mac that transforms your desktop into a virtual 3D space with a floor and walls. You can leave your documents and files lying on this desktop just as you would leave real life papers on your actual desk. You can pin things to the walls and stack files up and then move them around and watch as the physics that is incorporated into BumpTop makes your files bump against each other and move around as they would in real life.
BumpTop is breaking new ground. It is thinking of the future and anticipating the next step in computers and virtual space. It is already functioning with touch screen PCs which allows you to move files around with your finger. Though three-dimensional computer screens have yet to be invented, BumpTop is ready for when they are, and will likely be at the forefront of 3D desktop design when it happens.
It relates to the idea of 'breaking boundaries' that is mentioned in the '5 Key Design Trends' article. Breaking boundaries is about "a transformation between different anti poles, such as local/global, technology/philosophy and body/mind." BumpTop is a transformation between real life and the virtual world. It is taking the real life desk top that we are all familiar with and combining it with the virtual desktop to make it more of an individual experience.
Here is BumpTop's website,
And here is one of the articles that led me to find BumpTop, which features a neat video of it in use.
I Make My Case
I Make My Case is a website where you can design your own phone case. It uses many featured artists in order to create the designs that you can then utilize and adjust to your liking.
You can play around on the site here.
I did look at a few other sites where you can customize your phone case. Such as the Zune site which is fairly impressive because of the ability to move the zune in 3D space while customizing it.
I Make My Case is definitely the best one out there though. Not only because of the customization tools it offers, but also because of the site design itself. The colorful doodles and fun interaction really creates an aesthetic that carries through to the actual product. Without this effective site design, the product may not stand out as much from it's competition.
There is definitely something 'sensuctive' about I Make My Case. It really appeals to our senses. It makes us want it; we want to look at it, touch it, and show it off to our friends. Sensuctiveness is about designing for human desire and pleasure and I Make My Case is a good example allowing the consumer to become the designer in order to achieve the greatest level of pleasure possible.
I believe there is something 'cooltural' about I Make My Case too. It really offers a unique experience. Everyone is used to seeing and having the same generic phone cases, so it is nice to be presented with the opportunity to be different. We are constantly looking for something unique that only we know about and that we can show off to others. It helps separate ourselves as individuals. This isn't specific to just I Make My Case, but to all of the companies that allow you to personalize your phone, iPod, computer, etc...
There is a blog entry on Three Minds that covers I Make My Case, which mentions some of the pros and cons that I looked at.
Me To We Style
Me To We Style describes themselves as being "a new social enterprise that is committed to providing ethically manufactured, quality apparel for the socially-conscious consumer. Our product line is domestically produced, sweatshop-free and made using certified organic cotton and viscose from bamboo."
They have a partnership with Free The Children and donate 50% of their profits to help support international development projects.
Environmental influence is important for their brand. They show responsibility by showing an interest in the world today and trying to fix problems that exist. The company is beneficial to both society and the environment.
Me To We Style shows aspects of rationaissance. They are about going beyond the short term, looking to the future and positively affecting the world. Their brand is functional and rational while their designs are stylish and iconic.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Blog 3
#1 Apple
The first company that comes to mind when considering how design directly impacts brand is Apple. Everything associated with Apple is designed well, and creates a great brand as a result. Everything from the OS to the little magnetic charger port on the Macbook has been designed with a customer in mind. It’s no secret that Apple is not just branding products, but an entire lifestyle.
This ad http://www.apple.com/imac/design.html is a great example of how design can directly impact a company’s market. This ad is sleek, informative, and really invites the user to explore the product. At the same time, the catchy taglines and ‘sexy’ photos of the machine are geared towards a select group in the market.
In one of the David Reports, a quote came up in the “responsibiz” section that struck my interest. “Objects should always be appropriate, durable and functional”. All three of those are seen in Apple’s products. Hardware designs are catered towards the “everyday” use, but only make minimal, appropriate alterations to design. Apple’s software as well as hardware are tested for durability, and It’s apparent that their designs are highly functional also.
Design plays a big role in what makes Apple’s brand stand out amongst other electronics in the market today.
#2 Starbucks
Another great company that comes to mind when thinking about design is Starbucks. Like Apple, everything at Starbucks appears to be designed to cater to the customer. All of Starbuck’s graphical elements appear to be “down to Earth”, and this supports the Starbucks brand. Starbuck’s mission is “to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time”. http://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/mission-statement . This is apparent through their friendly staff, eye-catching advertising and atmosphere.
Speaking of Starbuck’s atmosphere, the entire chain is full of “custom” designed stores, catered towards a certain demographic in the area. This atmosphere creates a great user experience, and again supports the company’s brand.
One of the David Reports states “Emotions make us buy, whilst feelings make us keep. How can a product get a meaning; tell a story which goes beyond temporary lifestyles and makes us associate and recognise?”
No doubt, Starbucks is creating an emotion through its designed elements, making for a better user experience and adding to the overall mission and brand.
#3 Burton
Burton is also a company that comes to mind as one where design plays a solo role in the company’s brand and market. Like most extreme sports gear/apparel companies, Burton is branding an entire lifestyle, and this is apparent throughout all of their designs. Burton’s homepage, http://www.burton.com/ does a great job at setting the mood and giving a unique personality to the brand. Burton’s market is clearly geared towards 18-35 year old males (and some females).
The second David’s Report states “Spirituality is no longer just something for the New Age communities but is about to become a centre part of the mainstream cultural awareness. Mind, spirit and body are central.”
Burton’s “soul” is seen through its design elements. A great deal of personality is revealed through board designs and apparel aesthetic.
The first company that comes to mind when considering how design directly impacts brand is Apple. Everything associated with Apple is designed well, and creates a great brand as a result. Everything from the OS to the little magnetic charger port on the Macbook has been designed with a customer in mind. It’s no secret that Apple is not just branding products, but an entire lifestyle.
This ad http://www.apple.com/imac/design.html is a great example of how design can directly impact a company’s market. This ad is sleek, informative, and really invites the user to explore the product. At the same time, the catchy taglines and ‘sexy’ photos of the machine are geared towards a select group in the market.
In one of the David Reports, a quote came up in the “responsibiz” section that struck my interest. “Objects should always be appropriate, durable and functional”. All three of those are seen in Apple’s products. Hardware designs are catered towards the “everyday” use, but only make minimal, appropriate alterations to design. Apple’s software as well as hardware are tested for durability, and It’s apparent that their designs are highly functional also.
Design plays a big role in what makes Apple’s brand stand out amongst other electronics in the market today.
#2 Starbucks
Another great company that comes to mind when thinking about design is Starbucks. Like Apple, everything at Starbucks appears to be designed to cater to the customer. All of Starbuck’s graphical elements appear to be “down to Earth”, and this supports the Starbucks brand. Starbuck’s mission is “to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time”. http://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/mission-statement . This is apparent through their friendly staff, eye-catching advertising and atmosphere.
Speaking of Starbuck’s atmosphere, the entire chain is full of “custom” designed stores, catered towards a certain demographic in the area. This atmosphere creates a great user experience, and again supports the company’s brand.
One of the David Reports states “Emotions make us buy, whilst feelings make us keep. How can a product get a meaning; tell a story which goes beyond temporary lifestyles and makes us associate and recognise?”
No doubt, Starbucks is creating an emotion through its designed elements, making for a better user experience and adding to the overall mission and brand.
#3 Burton
Burton is also a company that comes to mind as one where design plays a solo role in the company’s brand and market. Like most extreme sports gear/apparel companies, Burton is branding an entire lifestyle, and this is apparent throughout all of their designs. Burton’s homepage, http://www.burton.com/ does a great job at setting the mood and giving a unique personality to the brand. Burton’s market is clearly geared towards 18-35 year old males (and some females).
The second David’s Report states “Spirituality is no longer just something for the New Age communities but is about to become a centre part of the mainstream cultural awareness. Mind, spirit and body are central.”
Burton’s “soul” is seen through its design elements. A great deal of personality is revealed through board designs and apparel aesthetic.
Blog 3
Blog 3
Example #1 – Daimler/Mercedes-Benz (Wilhelm Maybach)
The Brand Daimler/Mercedes-Benz has first and foremost been a company that has stood the test of time, has resonated as an icon born from it's unique heritage, and has dared to break the rules time and time again; redefining luxury, durability and foresight into the future of automobiles.
Wilhelm Maybach developed the first vehicle to be fitted with his 1900 DMG 35-hp engine, on December, 1900. This automobile, is considered the first “Daimler/Mercedes-Benz” or “the first Mercedes”.
His last name is familiar to many of today's automobile affectionados that are accustomed with the newly re-born line, Maybach. http://www.maybachusa.com/index.php (for the entire Maybach web experience). http://www.motorsportscenter.com/uploads/maybacholdeengineneweengine600.jpg (for an image of the Modern Maybach engines making 500 plus horsepower)
Maybach epitomizes true modern automobile technology excellence today and in 1900. It's heritage had lived through Mercedes Benz of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Wilhelm's first new Mercedes had a very low center of gravity, featured what was considered to be an extremely high performance engine for the time. and it featured a new radiator system, that incorporated an organically inspired “honeycomb” shaped design; revolutionizing engine cooling.
This vehicle created a massive stir at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1901, it was innovative, dynamic and had forward thinking in many other new ways, never before thought of in automobiles. Stuttgart, Germany was now the world leader in vehicle innovations. Maybach/Daimler/Mercedes-Benz took a courageous step forward in thinking about what a vehicle should be and who it should be tested and refined for then and now.
This first vehicle, "the first Mercedes" was a major step forward at the time with many other new engineering insights that set Mercedes-Benz up for what it has become today. Mercedes_Benz has lived within that Spirit of Wilhelm Maybach, clinging to its Stuttgart heritage, building innovation through design for the purpose of pursuing what is possible in luxury, iconography and identity.
For a modern example of the Mercedes-Benz brand....and a sample of “IT's” design refinements...see the link below. While watching, ask yourself...Is this a stylish vehicle? How does the exhaust note sound? Does this product have good aesthetic (i.e. timelessness) and does its look have durability in a future market? I have a feeling the SLR 722 will have it's own timeless essence associated with it as it does so many other Mercedes Benz vehicles. If I had $5,000,000 to buy, insure, secure and keep on my own track with my own mechanic...I would definitely buy one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eqJ4HXOQVA
(Looking through the lens of humanity.) All I can say about this is that when a car company looks through the lens of humanity, humanity looks back. The communication is clear. Ever seen this image? https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh2oITeH-GgoNTNOZmw-Vnn7xM203GC_q63vgO36dUAUNvBYnh8_7NdpTwS9xeNd530i9rDLUBCq341A9My_0rSuPUdi6YoMEYtddeXsLR3YVhOxj8thbM_bDajon0dmYKQwXIbUsszM/s400/Mercedes-Benz-logo.jpg
Example # 2
For example 2 I am going to keep that link think going and discuss this 12 person design group are among the first non-german designers to do design for BMW, and many other German brands.
BlueInkAgency
These guys started largely as a fashion branding company. I my self have read that many designer fear branding fashion because it is so short lived and lack of good aesthetics involved. Good aesthetic must be timeless in nature.
In our new and improved recession era, fashion is being defined by the fashion of the super giants, I.e WalMart, Target, blah-blah-blog!
Blue Ink Agency brings their direct heritage, their local linguistics and apply their ideal into streamlined, sensible solutions, with individual say from within the agency.
Designer example. http://www.nicholasdeakins.com/
I think this is a great example of fun, engaging, basic, eco-aware branding and products.
Going through their work container reminds me of why I wanted to become a designer in the first place because of the engaging simplicity and the clear communication from creator to audience. But fore most, because I wanted to design fashion with purpose, i.e. exoskeleton body suits, etc. http://blueinkagency.com/#work-container
This company functions for me as a visual representation of form following function; enabling branding through potentially enduring iconography and connecting their brands to their audiences, through individual lines of communication. This is because their branding process follows simplicity and meaning first, through understanding of their client. Their works stands for something visually an emotionally and then solves a problem.
Because art is, the question creator. We as Designers must answer the questions.
Their (example #2's)work encompasses alot of design digital...Web design, photography, marketing, web design, advertising design and print, publishing; whatever is in their scope of possibility, all in a recession minded fashion. Recession proofing is to cost cut and streamline in the development process.
I like these guys because of the lens from which they are looking. They understand the value of creating a well thought out concept first, then rolling it out with hour power.
Their style is local and reflects the feeling, emotions, concepts, issues and all that each designer brings to the table but they also are providing solid marketing solutions to their customers who are recession minded. They connect their client to their clients intended audience because the designers expose themselves constantly to the realities of the world.
Locally, their work resonates the free, simplistic and targeted component needed to make the right connections with their audiences. They know not to over power people with imagery they can't identify with. Each team member is encouraged to express themselves on their own blogs within the agency, further extending the individuality of the agency.
http://www.blueinkagency.com/#about-container
Their methods seem to be thoughtful unique, rightly place in their own niches.
Example # 3
Sustainability. When I think about brand sustainability, customer loyalty, I have to think about coke.
http://www.dot-design.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/coke4.jpg
Coke is brand. Prove it?
http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/print/2009/1/coca_cola_bubbles.jpg
Coke evokes emotional response, always. Brite colors and negative and implied spaces help the audience navigate to the emotion Coca cola wants you, the consumer to feel.
Coca-Cola knows nostalgia. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIk7Q_DJIgQ We've all seem and remember the bears. I can't say the bears are my favorite. They have their time and place. They are seasonal for sure, at least for me but the commercials brings families together because they are really, about bringing the family together to enjoy a Coca-Cola.
And also apply s simplicity to it's brand. Simplicity always allows for a more universal appeal to a diverse and dynamic audience. Kids and parents are the bears!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXdsaYHUn1M&NR=1
Example #1 – Daimler/Mercedes-Benz (Wilhelm Maybach)
The Brand Daimler/Mercedes-Benz has first and foremost been a company that has stood the test of time, has resonated as an icon born from it's unique heritage, and has dared to break the rules time and time again; redefining luxury, durability and foresight into the future of automobiles.
Wilhelm Maybach developed the first vehicle to be fitted with his 1900 DMG 35-hp engine, on December, 1900. This automobile, is considered the first “Daimler/Mercedes-Benz” or “the first Mercedes”.
His last name is familiar to many of today's automobile affectionados that are accustomed with the newly re-born line, Maybach. http://www.maybachusa.com/index.php (for the entire Maybach web experience). http://www.motorsportscenter.com/uploads/maybacholdeengineneweengine600.jpg (for an image of the Modern Maybach engines making 500 plus horsepower)
Maybach epitomizes true modern automobile technology excellence today and in 1900. It's heritage had lived through Mercedes Benz of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Wilhelm's first new Mercedes had a very low center of gravity, featured what was considered to be an extremely high performance engine for the time. and it featured a new radiator system, that incorporated an organically inspired “honeycomb” shaped design; revolutionizing engine cooling.
This vehicle created a massive stir at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1901, it was innovative, dynamic and had forward thinking in many other new ways, never before thought of in automobiles. Stuttgart, Germany was now the world leader in vehicle innovations. Maybach/Daimler/Mercedes-Benz took a courageous step forward in thinking about what a vehicle should be and who it should be tested and refined for then and now.
This first vehicle, "the first Mercedes" was a major step forward at the time with many other new engineering insights that set Mercedes-Benz up for what it has become today. Mercedes_Benz has lived within that Spirit of Wilhelm Maybach, clinging to its Stuttgart heritage, building innovation through design for the purpose of pursuing what is possible in luxury, iconography and identity.
For a modern example of the Mercedes-Benz brand....and a sample of “IT's” design refinements...see the link below. While watching, ask yourself...Is this a stylish vehicle? How does the exhaust note sound? Does this product have good aesthetic (i.e. timelessness) and does its look have durability in a future market? I have a feeling the SLR 722 will have it's own timeless essence associated with it as it does so many other Mercedes Benz vehicles. If I had $5,000,000 to buy, insure, secure and keep on my own track with my own mechanic...I would definitely buy one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eqJ4HXOQVA
(Looking through the lens of humanity.) All I can say about this is that when a car company looks through the lens of humanity, humanity looks back. The communication is clear. Ever seen this image? https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh2oITeH-GgoNTNOZmw-Vnn7xM203GC_q63vgO36dUAUNvBYnh8_7NdpTwS9xeNd530i9rDLUBCq341A9My_0rSuPUdi6YoMEYtddeXsLR3YVhOxj8thbM_bDajon0dmYKQwXIbUsszM/s400/Mercedes-Benz-logo.jpg
Example # 2
For example 2 I am going to keep that link think going and discuss this 12 person design group are among the first non-german designers to do design for BMW, and many other German brands.
BlueInkAgency
These guys started largely as a fashion branding company. I my self have read that many designer fear branding fashion because it is so short lived and lack of good aesthetics involved. Good aesthetic must be timeless in nature.
In our new and improved recession era, fashion is being defined by the fashion of the super giants, I.e WalMart, Target, blah-blah-blog!
Blue Ink Agency brings their direct heritage, their local linguistics and apply their ideal into streamlined, sensible solutions, with individual say from within the agency.
Designer example. http://www.nicholasdeakins.com/
I think this is a great example of fun, engaging, basic, eco-aware branding and products.
Going through their work container reminds me of why I wanted to become a designer in the first place because of the engaging simplicity and the clear communication from creator to audience. But fore most, because I wanted to design fashion with purpose, i.e. exoskeleton body suits, etc. http://blueinkagency.com/#work-container
This company functions for me as a visual representation of form following function; enabling branding through potentially enduring iconography and connecting their brands to their audiences, through individual lines of communication. This is because their branding process follows simplicity and meaning first, through understanding of their client. Their works stands for something visually an emotionally and then solves a problem.
Because art is, the question creator. We as Designers must answer the questions.
Their (example #2's)work encompasses alot of design digital...Web design, photography, marketing, web design, advertising design and print, publishing; whatever is in their scope of possibility, all in a recession minded fashion. Recession proofing is to cost cut and streamline in the development process.
I like these guys because of the lens from which they are looking. They understand the value of creating a well thought out concept first, then rolling it out with hour power.
Their style is local and reflects the feeling, emotions, concepts, issues and all that each designer brings to the table but they also are providing solid marketing solutions to their customers who are recession minded. They connect their client to their clients intended audience because the designers expose themselves constantly to the realities of the world.
Locally, their work resonates the free, simplistic and targeted component needed to make the right connections with their audiences. They know not to over power people with imagery they can't identify with. Each team member is encouraged to express themselves on their own blogs within the agency, further extending the individuality of the agency.
http://www.blueinkagency.com/#about-container
Their methods seem to be thoughtful unique, rightly place in their own niches.
Example # 3
Sustainability. When I think about brand sustainability, customer loyalty, I have to think about coke.
http://www.dot-design.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/coke4.jpg
Coke is brand. Prove it?
http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/print/2009/1/coca_cola_bubbles.jpg
Coke evokes emotional response, always. Brite colors and negative and implied spaces help the audience navigate to the emotion Coca cola wants you, the consumer to feel.
Coca-Cola knows nostalgia. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIk7Q_DJIgQ We've all seem and remember the bears. I can't say the bears are my favorite. They have their time and place. They are seasonal for sure, at least for me but the commercials brings families together because they are really, about bringing the family together to enjoy a Coca-Cola.
And also apply s simplicity to it's brand. Simplicity always allows for a more universal appeal to a diverse and dynamic audience. Kids and parents are the bears!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXdsaYHUn1M&NR=1
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Blog3-Design Trends
Patagonia
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/home
The first brand that I have chosen to explore is Patagonia. Patagonia specializes in producing quality clothing and apparel for the outdoors. Patagonia has built a strong brand identity that resonates with its audience due not only to the quality of their products, but also their dedication to the environment.
One of the main reasons that I have chosen to take a closer look at Patagonia is because they have not only made the design of their products central to the ideals of the brand, but they have expanded upon that by creating and participating in programs to preserve wildlife and the surrounding environments in which they live. One particular program that Patagonia is involved in is the 1% for the Planet program. This program is a group of businesses that donate one percent of their earnings toward protecting the environment.
(http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/patagonia.go?assetid=1960&ln=32)
Patagonia has been a leader in the outdoor apparel industry for many years now, one of the reasons for this is the design driven quality of their products. These products are designed in order to endure the elements in which their audience enjoys. They have kept this idea close the the heart when designing new product that are central to the ideas and elements of the outdoors. Their ideals are central to that of "Responsibiz" that is discussed in the 5 new design trends reading.
Patagonia has done everything in its power in order to become completely transparent in terms of environmental design by creating what they call "The Footprint Chronicles". This allows the customer to trace any particular product from its initial design to the distribution stage using many different types of media such as video and photos. This allows the customer to see that the brand is doing everything in its power to create socially and environmentally responsible products that are crucial for a successful brand today.
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/footprint/index.jsp
-Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. ~Patagonia
Google
www.google.com
It is hard to think about innovation in a brand and not mention Google. Google's simplistic design and ease of use caused this brand to become what seemed like and overnight sensation that captured the hearts of computer users all over the world.
In the beginning, Google's simple page layout confused its viewers. These users had become so used to the search engines that had pages filled with advertisements and other needless clutter that they thought the Google page would not fully load. This type of simplistic design is what Google has become known for, putting the functionality of the site before the form of it.
In addition to having one of the most innovative search engines on the web, Google has been on the front lines in the up and coming market of cloud computing with products such as Google Docs, Calendar, and Gmail. In the David Report it is discussed how important it is to innovate and break the rules in order to differentiate yourself from your competitors, and Google is doing just that by coming up with out of the box thinking that has provided us with these cloud computing services.
http://www.google.com/google-d-s/tour1.html
As far as advertising for the Google brand goes, they have done a great job of portraying their simplistic, to the point design. Take their recent Superbowl ad titled "Parisian Love"This ad exemplifies the simplicity of the brand , and shows exactly what their product is all about...searching the internet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnsSUqgkDwU
In addition to Google's innovation they have become a very sustainable brand as well. They have taken a lead in producing product that will help users monitor their home energy use right from their fingertips. The program called Google PowerMeter is designed not only to conserve energy, but also to help each user save some money. (http://www.google.org/powermeter/) Aside from this particular program, Google also has a "green" campus that is offered to all of their employees. This ranges from having an on campus garden that is used to feed employees to arranging rides to work on bio diesel powered employee shuttles. Google is truly doing all it can to improve quaility of life for both its users and its employees.
http://www.google.com/corporate/green/index.html
Nike
http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nike/en_US/?
Nike has become an iconic brand in our society. This is in part because of the central role that design has played in producing all that Nike has to offer whether this be a new shoe line or and iPod accessory.
Nike is a brand that has developed new technologies and ideas that allow design to be put into the consumers hands with tools such as NikeID. This project gives the customer near full control of designing the style of their shoe. Programs such as NikeID have been extremely successful in that they have helped to reconnect the consumer back to the brand in a way that not many other brands have been able to do. By being able to design your own shoe you are able to immerse yourself in the Nike brand without feeling as if you are trapped by what the brand would like you to wear. People are beginning to understand that we as consumers have more control than we may think when it comes to what brands can sell us. Nike is a brand that has realized consumers want more control over the products that they buy, so that is exactly what they have given them.
http://nikeid.nike.com/nikeid/index.jsp?sitesrc=uslp
Another way in which Nike has broken down some boundaries as discussed in the 5 new design trends reading is that they have expanded upon just selling athletic shoes and apparel. Now you can find the Nike brand in places that many people never would have expected such as skateparks or even in the apple store. This type of expansion has allowed Nike to continuously reach new audiences that may have never accepted the Nike brand (i.e. skateboarders, snowboarders, action sports community) Nike has broken down these barriers by finding out what is important to these communities and providing those assets within their products.
http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nke6/en_US/?sitesrc=uslp
http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/home
The first brand that I have chosen to explore is Patagonia. Patagonia specializes in producing quality clothing and apparel for the outdoors. Patagonia has built a strong brand identity that resonates with its audience due not only to the quality of their products, but also their dedication to the environment.
One of the main reasons that I have chosen to take a closer look at Patagonia is because they have not only made the design of their products central to the ideals of the brand, but they have expanded upon that by creating and participating in programs to preserve wildlife and the surrounding environments in which they live. One particular program that Patagonia is involved in is the 1% for the Planet program. This program is a group of businesses that donate one percent of their earnings toward protecting the environment.
(http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/patagonia.go?assetid=1960&ln=32)
Patagonia has been a leader in the outdoor apparel industry for many years now, one of the reasons for this is the design driven quality of their products. These products are designed in order to endure the elements in which their audience enjoys. They have kept this idea close the the heart when designing new product that are central to the ideas and elements of the outdoors. Their ideals are central to that of "Responsibiz" that is discussed in the 5 new design trends reading.
Patagonia has done everything in its power in order to become completely transparent in terms of environmental design by creating what they call "The Footprint Chronicles". This allows the customer to trace any particular product from its initial design to the distribution stage using many different types of media such as video and photos. This allows the customer to see that the brand is doing everything in its power to create socially and environmentally responsible products that are crucial for a successful brand today.
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/footprint/index.jsp
-Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. ~Patagonia
www.google.com
It is hard to think about innovation in a brand and not mention Google. Google's simplistic design and ease of use caused this brand to become what seemed like and overnight sensation that captured the hearts of computer users all over the world.
In the beginning, Google's simple page layout confused its viewers. These users had become so used to the search engines that had pages filled with advertisements and other needless clutter that they thought the Google page would not fully load. This type of simplistic design is what Google has become known for, putting the functionality of the site before the form of it.
In addition to having one of the most innovative search engines on the web, Google has been on the front lines in the up and coming market of cloud computing with products such as Google Docs, Calendar, and Gmail. In the David Report it is discussed how important it is to innovate and break the rules in order to differentiate yourself from your competitors, and Google is doing just that by coming up with out of the box thinking that has provided us with these cloud computing services.
http://www.google.com/google-d-s/tour1.html
As far as advertising for the Google brand goes, they have done a great job of portraying their simplistic, to the point design. Take their recent Superbowl ad titled "Parisian Love"This ad exemplifies the simplicity of the brand , and shows exactly what their product is all about...searching the internet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnsSUqgkDwU
In addition to Google's innovation they have become a very sustainable brand as well. They have taken a lead in producing product that will help users monitor their home energy use right from their fingertips. The program called Google PowerMeter is designed not only to conserve energy, but also to help each user save some money. (http://www.google.org/powermeter/) Aside from this particular program, Google also has a "green" campus that is offered to all of their employees. This ranges from having an on campus garden that is used to feed employees to arranging rides to work on bio diesel powered employee shuttles. Google is truly doing all it can to improve quaility of life for both its users and its employees.
http://www.google.com/corporate/green/index.html
Nike
http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nike/en_US/?
Nike has become an iconic brand in our society. This is in part because of the central role that design has played in producing all that Nike has to offer whether this be a new shoe line or and iPod accessory.
Nike is a brand that has developed new technologies and ideas that allow design to be put into the consumers hands with tools such as NikeID. This project gives the customer near full control of designing the style of their shoe. Programs such as NikeID have been extremely successful in that they have helped to reconnect the consumer back to the brand in a way that not many other brands have been able to do. By being able to design your own shoe you are able to immerse yourself in the Nike brand without feeling as if you are trapped by what the brand would like you to wear. People are beginning to understand that we as consumers have more control than we may think when it comes to what brands can sell us. Nike is a brand that has realized consumers want more control over the products that they buy, so that is exactly what they have given them.
http://nikeid.nike.com/nikeid/index.jsp?sitesrc=uslp
Another way in which Nike has broken down some boundaries as discussed in the 5 new design trends reading is that they have expanded upon just selling athletic shoes and apparel. Now you can find the Nike brand in places that many people never would have expected such as skateparks or even in the apple store. This type of expansion has allowed Nike to continuously reach new audiences that may have never accepted the Nike brand (i.e. skateboarders, snowboarders, action sports community) Nike has broken down these barriers by finding out what is important to these communities and providing those assets within their products.
http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nke6/en_US/?sitesrc=uslp
http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/
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