Saturday, February 21, 2009

emotionally draining

TasteSpotting

a delicious look at trends for your tongue.

kids say the darndest things

Besides just showcasing kids for primetime comedic purposes, there is something really admirable about people who turn to kids for directions to the truth. Or a truth, in some cases.

Obviously admirable for other reasons, Unicef values the opinion of a child. So awesome. Keeping the control in the hands of those who have little control in other aspects of their lives.

Check out some more information about their methodologies and rationales.

I encourage everyone to click through the actual findings, as they present it very nicely. But here are 10 imperatives they've listed for children of the world; BY children of the world.
  1. Leave no child out
  2. Put children first.
  3. Care for every child.
  4. Fight HIV/AIDS
  5. Stop harming and exploiting children
  6. Listen to children
  7. Educate every child
  8. Protect children from war
  9. Protect the earth for children
  10. Fight poverty; invest in children
None of these should serve as a surprise - but interesting to think about through the voice of children.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Portrait of an INFJ

Portrait of an INFJ

It's always interesting to read the occasional self-analysis.

Strangely introspective; deliciously accurate.  

recess in a recession


















Planning : Advertising :: Building a playground : Recess

It may sound like a bit of a stretch, but this thought came to me the other day.  It seems as if great advertising (or creative thought in any field) can only come about if it's grounded in a solid base or strategy.  The planner's job is to understand the big picture, and to inform/inspire creative minds to run off and play.  

This thought first popped into my head when I looked at the face of a bewildered creative - then looked next to him at a creative who truly understood what the "playground" looked like.  It was identical to the forlorn face of a child who had to stay inside during recess - he didn't quite understand why, and it seemed ever so perplexing to him.

Interestingly, creatives are still allowed to go to recess in a way, despite the decrease in job options for others.  In fact, it's encouraged.  I don't think this should be viewed as a bad thing - if we take the creative innocence away from this unique group of talent, how should we expect a business of creative thought to survive?  I could take this off the deep end by pondering about what role creative thought will have in society, etc . . . but maybe another time.

Essentially, I think we need to think about the creatives.  Because their work is precious.

So, as planners, how can we ensure that every playground we build is the most enjoyable for the creatives?  I might argue that we listen to what the creatives want, similar to the way we so attentively open our ears for consumers.  

Just a quick thought.  

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

trends for my birthday


















My attention is showing its true colors.  

The majority of conversations these days seem to start out with something like "In this troublesome economy . . ." or "Consumer confidence" blah blah blah.  The blah blah blah is not underestimating the severity of the economic situation, but instead should highlight the need for the new.  Once our eyes begin to process and interpret stories or articles by first reciting some script about the economy, our minds eventually begin to accept this as a norm.  Taken out of context of course, this could get really annoying for our brains.

Regardless, my attention is beginning to fade with these sorts of openings - even if they provide adequate set-up for what follows.  Just an introspective observation of how we're interpreting the odd economic consequences the world is witnessing.

I digress.  The economy has surely had some pretty unfortunate side-effects.  As a sort of "economic decoration," I'd recommend you have a look-see here.  It's a little bit biased with its agenda towards the end, but it's an interesting combo of technology, economic truth and beautiful, amateur-created music.  Delightful animation.  

But I've noticed that gift giving comes with some interesting and slightly awkward emotions.  Less of an expectation, but certainly an equal amount of obligation for the receiver and giver, respectively.  Odd, right?  Unfortunate, yes.  But I think it will make people truly monitor their presentation of valued objects at a time of pure celebration.  I'm keeping my eyes on the sales of candy 'n stuff next week.  Everyone should invest in this real heart -- show someone how much you really [anatomically] care. 

That being said, I have grown a bit apprehensive about birthday celebrations.  I can't help but think there is a nervousness and tenseness in the mind of anyone buying or about to receive a gift at this point in time.  What's too expensive?  What's too cheap?  What does the person want?  What should I ask for?  Wait, do I really want anything?  I don't even need anything!  Should I feel obligated to tell them something that I saw that I liked once because there is a slight possibility that they might buy something too expensive and I think they might be happier purchasing my coveted $10 token?  Hmm, questions.  All of which are valid.

I want this, though:  Color and branding workshop.  One of my favorite organizations.  They've been sending me emails for a few years now, and this is the first one that has really made me think about possibly attending - ironically at a time where my bank account laughs at me whenever I check my balance.  They bring a certain je ne sais quoi to the world of trend reporting.  They genuinely cater to a number of different industries, and point out the implications merely because of the intrinsic quality possessed in color.  Color in life.  Color in brands.  Color in psychology.  Color in fashion.  Etc.  Colorful wonderfulness.

How lovely.  What could be better than a discussion of color and branding trends and research in NY?  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  

Except maybe some sort of promised post-graduate employment.  I guess that would be pretty stellar, too.  And cheap.  (*Not a begging plea for a job - merely a fact)

Alright, cheers all.

drinking measured in doughnuts

Iconoculture - Consumer Research Service: Trend Observation: "BuzzFeed.com"