ReThinc Advertising

A simple, powerful and moving approach to advertising help for...

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:08:00 -0400

A simple, powerful and moving approach to advertising help for victims of child abuse.

The poster is fully visible only when it is viewed from a lower perspective, the average size of the child, up to 135 inches.

While the parents (or abusers) on the poster only see the frightened boy and message “Sometimes the abuse is only visible to the one who has been abused”, children will see a boy with bruises, phone number and the sentence “If someone hurts you, call us and we’ll give you assistance”.

"The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones."

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:06:17 -0400

““The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones.””

- John Maynard Keynes

What a great idea! A soccer ball that can provide power. Much...

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:01:44 -0400

What a great idea! A soccer ball that can provide power.

Much more than a normal soccer ball, the SOCCKET is a portable generator that provides fun and power to those who play with it.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/unchartedplay/soccket-the-energy-harnessing-soccer-ball

This eliminates all of the sleepy fumbling with your phone when...

Wed, 01 May 2013 17:23:13 -0400

This eliminates all of the sleepy fumbling with your phone when the alarm goes off. Slide your phone up for “snooze” and down to turn it off. Clever!

Introducing the Tangible Alarm!

Working seamlessly to make turning your alarm off easier, the Tangible Alarm requires just a simple movement of the phone to get the desired outcome.

Whether it is snoozing or turning off the alarm, the Tangible Alarm has you covered. Now, go sleep some more and try this out.

A simple and elegant solution to a problem most of us...

Wed, 01 May 2013 17:13:05 -0400

A simple and elegant solution to a problem most of us face.

Donut by Suhyun Yoo, Eunah Kim and Jinwoo Chae

‘DONUT’ consent has a donut-shaped hole in the middle instead of two small holes. This makes life a lot easier because you can plug in all directions. You are not being constrained by just two holes. Even if this outlet is placed in out of sight. You can plug your sockets easily.

More about it: Behance

How cool is this watch? Only see what the actual time...

Wed, 01 May 2013 17:07:43 -0400

How cool is this watch? Only see what the actual time is.

Filip Slováček | http://slvczch.com

“This is my very first watch concept. It’s called Mask Watch because of two rotary layers which are masking numbers.”

the design blog: facebook | twitter | pinterest | subscribe

The Skinny on 2013 Tech

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:30:30 -0400

Most of us have experienced it at some point: the buyers’ remorse that comes after rushing out, waiting in line, and shelling out our hard-earned cash for the newest gotta-have-it tech that turns out to be a disappointment.

It is an easy error to commit in a world where having the latest tech and being ahead of trends can keep you ahead in life. And with major corporations churning out head-turning gadgets a mile a minute, it can be difficult to know which tech is worth the splurge and which ones you should skip.

2013 has been rife with rumors of tech that looks like it stepped straight out of a Sci-Fi film, but which ones will really be available for purchase, and more importantly, which ones are worth your money?

Rethinc has a list of some of the biggest tech gadgets circling the rumor mill, and details for potential buyers.

iPhone 5s

If you have been holding off on buying the iPhone 5, it might be worth it to hold out a little longer. According to buyersguide.com, if Apple follows its own trends, consumers can expect a new and less buggy version this fall. The 5s will probably be a minor upgrade to the current version. So if you already have an iPhone 5, this one might not be worth running out and buying.

iPad 5

Rumor has it that this model might have a bigger screen and be thinner than the iPad 4. But bear in mind that a bigger screen with less room for a bigger battery could be an inconvenience. Photos leaked in early April of what could be the front bezel of the fifth generation iPad. Some have claimed that Apple is shooting for an October release, but Digitimes claims that potential buyers might see the iPad 5 as early as July or August.

Google Glass

Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt announced that techies itching to get their hands on the glasses of the future can look for them sometime within a year. It is a fair bet that Google Glass will be a pricy addition to anyone’s tech arsenal (early users paid $1,500). So unless you have a use for these already in mind, it might be better to wait on buying.

Amazon Kindle Phone

Rumors of an Amazon Kindle Phone are nothing new. Amazon recently purchased British startup Evi Technologies, further igniting rumors. A new smartphone for Amazon would most likely tap into their existing services, but with details so scarce, even if Amazon announces a Kindle Phone, it might be best to wait until the bugs are worked out.

BlackBerry Q10

BlackBerry announced that the Q10 will come to Canada on May 1^st and the US sometime afterward. Boasting the BlackBerry’s signature physical keyboard, the phone could bring back speed typing. Other than that, the phone does not seem to have any features a user could not get from the older Z10 model. The Q10 could be the phone that catapults BlackBerry back to success, or it could be the company’s last gasp. Unless you have a need for a full keyboard, the Q10 might not offer anything new for smartphone users.

~Lauren Hillhouse

Great design! designcloud: bedside lamp model by Sina...

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:07:58 -0400

Great design!

designcloud:

bedside lamp model by Sina Sohrab,

The lamp itself is a rechargeable flashlight. The flashlight can be removed from a steel base alongside the lampshade and utilized as easy as any other flashlight—even more so with its one-button control and smooth design frame.

yoannmichaux: In Vanilla & Choco Crème. Oreo Optical...

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:05:27 -0400

yoannmichaux:

In Vanilla & Choco Crème. Oreo Optical Illusion Ad by Interface Communication

"As competition intensifies, the need for creative thinking increases. It is no longer enough to do..."

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:22:54 -0400

““As competition intensifies, the need for creative thinking increases. It is no longer enough to do the same thing better … no longer enough to be efficient and solve problems””

- Edward de Bono

What Does Twitter #music Mean For Advertising?

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:07:00 -0400

This Thursday, Twitter launched its first foray into music with the app Twitter #music. Touted as a way to “surface songs people are tweeting about”, the app allows users to listen to snippets of songs from artists and instantly share what they are listening to. If a user wants to hear the song in its entirety, they will have to find it elsewhere.

Twitter has announced no plans to make money off of the music itself and with Spotify, Pandora and Rdio already in competition, many are asking what the point is.

It all comes down to advertising. Twitter #music gives users a reason to visit and stay on their site, and also gives advertisers a way to utilize keyword targeting. Fans that follow their favorite artists on Twitter can now hear their latest single. Users can tweet what they are listening to and venues and musicians can respond with advertisements for concert tickets.

Will Twitter #music be able to compete with other music streaming services? The app is already receiving mixed reviews and may not be enough to seriously compete with Pandora, which just registered over 200 million users, and Spotify, which has around 24 million users.

There is no doubt though that the app is stimulating buzz and site traffic for Twitter. With the potential to benefit not only advertisers, but musicians, only time will tell if Twitter #music will amount to more than a 140-character tweet.

~Lauren Hillhouse

What A Difference 7 Years Makes...

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:00:00 -0400

2006 saw the advent of Twitter. 7 Years later, the website continues to expand and gain new users. In honor of Twitter’s 7th birthday, here are 7 things that happened in the year 2006.

1. Pluto Was Demoted

2. The Steelers Won the Superbowl

3. Justin Timberlake released his 2nd solo album

4. The World Lost the Crocodile Hunter

5. Crash Won Best Picture At The Oscars

6. The Nintendo Wii Was Released

7. And of Course… Twitter Hit the Web

The NBA Goes Viral

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:04:00 -0500

The Miami Heat made a “Harlem Shake” video this week. You may have seen it. If not, you are one of the few.

You probably also saw the Minnesota Timberwolves response video. And chances are you have seen the dozens of other teams racing to make videos of their own and go viral.

The National Basketball Association used to rely on commercials to gain viewers and showcase creativity. And while those ads have not disappeared, it seems that players are doing a fine job of selling themselves.

Twitter, Instagram and YouTube bring fans closer to the superstars they love more than ever before. Players update frequently, until their posts become as common on a user’s news feed as their own friends’.

Want to know what Dwayne Wade thinks first thing in the morning? Chances are he tweeted it.

Or what the Clippers’ do on their private plane? Chris Paul just posted a picture.

Locker room rituals? Parties? Family pictures? What they ate? Check. Check. Check and check.

32% of online talk centered around the NBA this week and while much of it stemmed from televised games, players are attracting attention of their own.

The Miami Heat version of the Harlem Shake gained over 34 million viewers in less than a week.

So are viral videos and player tweets going to take the place of NBA ad campaigns? Unlikely.

However, there is no doubt that the players are doing their part in bringing [free] attention to themselves, and the league.

~Lauren Hillhouse

On the off chance that you have not seen the “Harlem Shake” heard round the world, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir2TdfSwH8g

Give a Little Joy This Season!

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:56:00 -0500

Often during this time of year, in between spending hours waiting in line at the mall to buy your cousin a camo print Snuggie and having to deal with grandma asking you one more time why you don’t have a boy/girlfriend, it becomes easy to lose sight of the charitable spirit of the season. Well, I have the solution for your winter woes! Studies show that philanthropy and volunteerism can greatly improve your mood and not only add a sense of purpose to your life but also to the lives of those you help as well.

So if your heart is feeling two sizes too small this year, keep reading because there is still time left to bring meaning to your holiday season before Christmas. Below I have listed five charitable organizations you can give back to—one for each day remaining before Christmas.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Since 1974, Ronald McDonald House Charities have been giving the families of sick children a comfortable place to sleep while their child undergoes hospital care. Ronald McDonald House Charities work not only to provide a bed for these families, but also to bring hope and courage into their lives whilst they face an array of life challenges. Like any charity, however, the Ronald McDonald House cannot function without the help of volunteers and donors. Donations are accepted year-round, and more information can be found at www.rmhcphoenix.com/donate. The House also schedules volunteers to go in and cook dinner for those staying at the House, and more information about that can be found at www.rmhcphoenix.com/cook-dinner.

http://www.rmhcphoenix.com/

American Red Cross

Of course, not everyone is capable of donating their time or money at this time of year. Times are tough, after all. But it is always possible to donate blood in order to save lives. The American Red Cross welcomes people to come in to one of their facilities (check www.redcross.org for more information about how to give) and check to see if they are eligible to donate. Blood is a precious resource that can be used year-round to save lives and help people, and donating won’t even hurt your pocketbook!

http://www.redcross.org/

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

Here in the United States, there are so many brave men and women who fight for our safety. The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is a great organization that gives back to members of the armed forces who have served our country dutifully and need assistance of some sort either in their daily lives or during a period of hospitalization. Though Memorial Day is long past for the year, the holidays are just as good a time as any to give to our veterans. More information can be found at www.semperfifund.org.

http://www.semperfifund.org/

United Food Bank

Canned foods will always be in demand by those who have nothing to eat for dinner. The United Food Bank of Arizona relies on its holiday donations in order to help feed the hungry throughout the rest of the year. So feel free to dig through your pantry or take a trip to the store in order to be able to donate nonperishable food items, because the food you provide today will help to feed those who are less fortunate not only tomorrow but all through next year as well.

http://unitedfoodbank.org/

Arizona Humane Society

During the winter season people often forget our furry, four-legged friends. Thousands of animals go without homes, food, or water just the same as people. Though Arizona’s winters may be mild, there are still thousands of animals throughout the state that rely on food and monetary donations to survive. The Arizona Humane Society has been helping animals of all kinds to not only find homes but to also rehabilitate them and give them a warm place to sleep. More information on donating to the Arizona Humane Society can be found at www.azhumane.org and giving can be as simple as donating a bag of animal food or a dog bed.

http://www.azhumane.org/

While you finish up your shopping and are spending time with family, it never hurts to remember those who may not be as lucky as you are. Being philanthropic doesn’t have to mean spending endless amounts of time or money volunteering (though you are more than welcome to). It can be as simple as taking a bag of dog food to your local pet shelter, giving some cans to a food bank, or dropping a toy off for a child who would not otherwise get anything for Christmas. So if not being able to find a parking spot at the store has you in a stress panic and the holiday season seems to have lost its meaning, try squeezing some volunteerism into your life. You’ll be glad you did!

-Ana Lopez

Super Bowl 2013: Ad Buffs are Gearing Up

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:01:00 -0500

Ever wondered how you could spend $4 million in just thirty seconds?

No?

Okay, we haven’t either. But just in case you’re curious now, the Super Bowl would be a great place to start. That’s how much a half minute spot is selling for on CBS during the most-watched sporting event in the U.S. And that’s not even including costs of production of the spot.

Though it seems a bit early in most people’s minds (since the majority of America is focused on the holidays), the advertising-obsessed are looking ahead to February and what it will mean for contemporary advertising.

In an age of increasingly fragmented markets, it seems a near impossible task to communicate effectively with such a huge group of people at once. Yet every year, Super Bowl ads garner almost as much attention as the game itself, with entire websites dedicated to featuring and reviewing both the best and the worst for that year. While most of America’s attention is focused on which teams will make the Bowl, ad buffs are wondering what brands will pony up the cash for air time. A lot of spots are predictable: Coke, Pepsi, Budweiser, GoDaddy, though in a game changer this year, GM decided not to buy any spots at all, leaving many curious as to who will fill those gigantic shoes.

Ad geeks have also been wondering what ideas will thread together the Super Bowl ad sphere. A theme that proved popular last year was that of hope in the face of economic downturn—definitely an uplifting motif that mirrored American sentiments. This Chrysler ad with Clint Eastwood was a viewer favorite.

So what will be the talk of the airwaves this coming year? It’s hard to say, because companies like to keep their brilliant ideas under tight wraps. But rest assured that corporations will be shelling out the cash in order to make sure you, the viewer, are as entertained by the breaks as you are by the game. Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt if you went out and bought their product either.

-Ana Lopez

Movember: A Great Opportunity for Awareness

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 12:22:00 -0500

November is officially in full swing now, the holidays are upon us, and many a man has taken the initiative to participate in “Movember”, or No Shave November. “What is this?” you ask. Well, let me break it down for ya.

Starting in 2004, the Movember charity began gaining traction as it spread throughout the world, inspiring men to grow out their facial hair in the name of awareness for men’s health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancer. Since then it has become increasingly popular and garnered its own cultural following. Men are encouraged to shave one last time on October 31^st, and then register at Movember.com to keep them accountable and active within the Movember community. Their new facial hair is meant to prompt conversation surrounding the reason behind their new handlebar/pencil/Dali moustache, leading to awareness for various men’s health issues. They are allowed to bring the razor back out December 1^st, but until then are encouraged to get creative with their facial hair and have a little fun with it.

This movement has gained a definite pop culture following, inspiring men everywhere to get artistic with their newly-grown facial hair. There is even an infographic explaining what kind of moustache each man should grow, for the guys out there who are overwhelmed by all the options.

And for the guys whose ‘stache is still looking rather sparse after two week’s growth—never fret. Nick Offerman reassures that “It Gets Fuller” in his new hilarious video full of “Office” cameos.

Of course this is to say naught of work obligations that men still have to fulfill. The moustache is still not always welcomed at the water cooler. And let’s not even discuss the issues that girlfriends tend to take up with the Fu Manchu. But all those problems aside, the Movember cause is a great one that really brings attention to men’s health issues which often don’t see the light of day. So if you’re late to the game this year, fear not! You can always donate at us.movember.com or get more info at mademan.com/movember. And be sure to mark your calendars for next year, because Movember is only going to gain, both in popularity and in bristiliness.

-Ana Lopez

Designing Symbiotic Success for Clients of the Inscrutable - Kalea Yoshida

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:57:35 -0400

You’re an experimental, up-and-coming designer looking to revolutionize the game and snag a huge promotion. Unfortunately, your agency’s newest client reeks of a Gutenberg printing press and refuses to stray from the industry’s status quo. For a traditionalist marketing VP, thinking “outside the box” typically translates to “out of the question.” So, how do you appease the client and get that coveted Webby, ADDY or CLIO nod that you know is rightfully yours this year?

The equation for an effective marketing project or long-term partnership isn’t that complex and believe it or not, driving sales has little to do with lucrative, lasting business relations. Furthermore, whether your firm considers Reichheld’s Net-Promoter Score to be the Holy Grail or not, word-of-mouth marketing (referrals) can greatly impact new and old business. Over the years, we’ve figured out the secret to transforming radical concepts into genius campaigns. Here’s how we do it:

1. Always have your client’s best interests in mind – ulterior motives are usually transparent from the get-go and can potentially ruin a great relationship. From start to finish, your design and executive team should be asking, “how can we truly help this company?” Instead of thinking about what your agency can sell or which design competition to submit an upcoming project to, dig deep and discover what your client really needs.

2. Be graciously honest. If a client’s archaic paper mailer and outmoded 30-second radio spot are worse off than those singing Quizno’s rodents, please speak up. If you don’t, your creative department will lose credibility with the client, the local design community, and future prospects. Don’t be pushy but feel free to provide company case studies that resulted in advertising magic.

3. Treat clients as friends. Do you constantly ignore friends? Would you help a buddy in need? How do you provide value in a friendship? Would you ever take advantage of a peer? Are conversations repeat gab about old stuff or new times to be had? To treat a clients as friends, think of how you treat your own. Answer a client call whenever possible or respond in a timely manner. When crises arise, offer your agency’s assistance instead of going on a company-wide vacation. In addition, don’t purposely render your agency obsolete but any carefully crafted information-sharing alliance can end up beneficial to all involved.

“The key to having a successful agency-client relationship is taking the time to truly listen and deliver what’s best for their business, not figure out the way to generate the most profit from them.”

-ReThinc Principal Stephanie Riley

hydrogeneportfolio: Minimal Posters - Six Women Who Changed...

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:28:44 -0400

hydrogeneportfolio:

Minimal Posters - Six Women Who Changed Science. And The World.

Roderick/Tokyoflash This has to be one of the coolest watches!

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:24:52 -0400

Roderick/Tokyoflash

This has to be one of the coolest watches!

really-shit: Interesting Museum This museum was designed to...

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:11:12 -0400

really-shit:

Interesting Museum

This museum was designed to look like a block of ice that slid down the mountain. The beautiful lines in the building really give it character and makes it astonishing!