Simple yet concise. There are things about the Japanese culture which makes it so unique and attractive. Be it their music, culture or fashion, everything seems to have that very special flair that could almost transcend reality. Clothes that might look so weird and ideas so radical making its way on to the streets, becoming an everyday affair is proof of the society’s acceptance to constant change. How did youth culture transformed traditional mentality into what it is today? Check out this video by Japanese agency, Hakuhodo, as they create this amazing mash of music video to illustrate the transition of times for Beams in the last 40 years. Amazing work.
Fly!
While working on a previous brief for a client of mine, the idea of VR struck us in the midst of our brainstorming session. Some cringe while others embrace it passionately. Consumer VR experience in today’s context revolves greatly in a ‘controlled’ interactive environment. Why is that so? It becomes extremely challenging to bridge that level of experience into consumer retail, exhibition or even online. Brands are riding on the technology wave but are always skeptical about its outcome and especially for those who are cautious of the perceptions from their target audience. So, we have always had a conservative approach to emerging technologies. Have a look at Parrot’s new Drone plane. The drone offers real time flight experience by allowing the user to navigate the flight from a first person view. The “Disco” drone is no mediocre technology. It ramps up to 80km/hr and its glide trajectory is almost impeccable. Running at 45mins per flight, it allows consumers now to own a piece of technology that brings drone flights to a whole new experience. VR is no longer just a novelty experience used to boost brand’s ego but a usable technology that consumers can indulge in.
Fun in the box
Another interesting way we can improve brand experience through packaging design. Prior to this execution, Pizza Hut had a movie box concept which also taps on mobile technology. This had a really fun theme to it. The use of the 50s music themed together with the individual donut flavour makes it a rather interesting combination. Somehow the formula for a successful engagement is to combine different experiences into one and to create a fresh perspective to the brand. I think its a brilliant move by Krispy Kreme. Check out this video.
Kill those mozzies
WOW. A brilliant idea indeed. Mosquito Killing billboards. Once again, billboard advertising continues to amaze me. More and more awesome ideas get spun through such open media platforms. This billboard was created with the ultimate goal to kill those disgusting mosquitos. The initiative was launched by two advertising agencies in Brazil. Both agencies, Posterscope and NBS wanted to create a billboard that would simulate human sweat to attract mosquitos and eventually ambush them inside. This should aim to totally annihilate all the mosquitos around the area. The idea was originally conceived to help destroy the Zika virus that is currently a sore issue in Brazil and Latin America. Not sure of its effectivity, the billboard is no doubt a deterrent against the spread Zika. At this moment, it is essential to keep the spread in check. There is a debate that this might eventually have a backlash effect as mosquitos are now lured to a specific area. There is a high chance it might even create a large feeding ground if there are humans around area. Again, putting these practicalities aside, I want to applaud both agencies for their brilliant idea to help fight the mozzies and the disease they carry through creative ideas.
Balls, balls and more balls.
I think humour has got no limits. Not that there is nothing under the roof you can’t joke about, but its more of what did you just joke about that caught my attention. check out this billboard execution. Very simple, very clear and extremely hilarious execution. once again, its a damn funny billboard.
Wheels of innovation
Wow, if you ask me what good design is, I would certainly vote for solid aesthetics combined with unrivalled functionality. Our landscape is changing, the building structures in modern environments are less forgiving compared to the spacious environments we were once so used to. Of course, adaptation means solutions that allows us to commute with efficiency. Check out this new mobile cycle. The Cargob Urban Eco-Bicycle is a very awesome delivery bike. I love how it places the cargo in front, making it so easy to access parcels. On top of that, there is a motorised mechanism at the back which basically accumulates energy from the riding and braking. This useful energy can be used as electronic energy to power devices like your mobile phones as well as the LED lights! And what’s forward moving if we don’t incorporate anything or everything with mobile right? There is the app which allows the user to navigate his route upon scanning the details of the parcel box. In addition, it also has a messaging system and parcel acknowledgement feature. Very neat and innovative product.
Hire and fire
Two things: Never diss the employees who you fired because you never know if they would ever make a lethal comeback at you. And the next thing you probably want to consider as a CEO is to make sure you fired ONLY the right people. When asked if the employees he fired had indeed been hired by Apple, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk’s sarcastic(well, at least in my own opinion) remarks made quite a clear statement. “They hired people we’ve fired. We always jokingly call Apple the ‘Tesla Graveyard.’ If you don’t make it at Tesla, you go work at Apple. I’m not kidding.”
Ironically, it seems that this man is now hiring an ex Apple employee. Microprocessor engineer, Jim Keller has been officially hired to work on the Autopilot Hardware Engineering for Tesla. Apparently, this was a strategic decision where Tesla sees the value that Keller could bring on board for their project. Tesla officially declares Keller as a potential employee who would “bring together the best internal and external hardware technologies to develop the safest, most advanced autopilot systems in the world.” Keller was given the position as Vice President of Autopilot Hardware Engineering. Now, expect more awesome stuffs from Tesla.
Igloo bungalow!
I believe in the concept of Airbnb; where people could connect with one another as they enjoy a part of their lodging together. The concept itself is beautiful. It connects people, enables travellers to enjoy a rather unique experience. We can certainly stretch the concept of unique all the way towards exotic. We can all pretty much agree that creativity has no limits. Check out the “Boutique Winter Igloo”. A freelance art director, Patrick Horton, and his room mates had just built an amazing winter cave, made up of natural elements. It promises a rather exotic experience for two. After having listed it on Airbnb, the ad got taken down by an employee from Airbnb. This was what he said to Patrick:
“We are happy to see that you guys are saying busy and having fun during Blizpocalype,” an Airbnb rep wrote. “Unfortunately, you igloo, while very well constructed, has failed to meet our occupancy standards.”
Check out the pictures. Its really one chic looking backyard bungalow! Enjoy the snow people.
Talking fries
I love crowded sourced content. The power of people cannot be underestimated. When curating popular content, one must anticipate spontaneous reaction from their fans. Take McDonald’s, Australia for example, their newly released social film was directed using script provided from over 3 million fans. They helped gave creative ideas, copy and direction for this movie. The film, “Loaded”, was created in slightly over two weeks with an episode being launched almost every 3 days in tandem to its gathering of ideas from their fan base. It helped mould the final movie which lasted almost 8 minutes. Not only is it humorous, its also very creative. Be sure to watched till the end credits! Well, its basically french fries doing most of the talking!
To die in style
Like they say, if you are going to die, you rather do it in a glorious fashion. This video speaks it all. Saatchi & Saatchi, New Zealand has created amazing work for the Toyota Hilux. They not only dramatises the idea, the content is both extremely hilarious and engaging. An alternative approach towards selling a commercial vehicle with lesser traction compared to Toyota’s flagship models. Nice.
Zack Chia 