Great post from Copyblogger: Never save a good idea. When I know I have many creative deadlines to meet, it is tempting to “save” a few good ideas for later. New ideas will always come so always give your best ideas.

Ideas really are everywhere. You’ll probably find that some of your best ideas come when you are doing something completely unrelated to the idea itself…so record your ideas on the go! Liz Strauss says “The art is in training your mind to see the ideas and pull them in before your thoughts pass by them–to make your mind into an idea magnet of sorts.”

Twitter today is as wide open and uncontrolled as TV panels are closed and controlled. No longer just a platform for friends to stay connected in real time, Twitter has evolved into an important component of brand marketing. Dave Morgan posts an interesting question: Is Twitter the new black when it comes to consumer marketing research?

As more and more marketing becomes real-time, so must the tools that enable it. Twitter is a focus group/survey tool on steroids. It lets you watch, interact and survey lots of different types of people very quickly and very efficiently. As this general-purpose tool becomes more widespread, lots of ways for business to use it are emerging.

All about map mashups and local content.
Geography is about everything that is (literally) close to consumers, and it’s a universally familiar method of organizing, finding and tracking relevant information on objects, events and people. We’re getting close to the “Local Wide Web“. Maps are an intrinsic part of local search.

Made-in-SF Laptop Messenger wrapped in a San Francisco street map. It doesn’t get more local than this.

Those of us who are Apple people know that when we purchase an Apple product the brand starts in the packaging.
John Silva with DuPuis says:
“There is an art to delighting consumers that goes beyond calculation and measurement. It’s often an intangible nuance through visual language and smart risk-taking that separates the wall-flowers from the heroes.”
Designers that weave marketing science into their art and marketers that allow art to express personality in seemingly abstract ways are mustering to the call.

Great concept by Seitz
Coleman Kids Promotional piece designed to encourage family bonding through camping. Based on campfire activities, and are housed within an over size matchbox. Owl lantern, bear, eating s’mores, bird… harmonica and fire fox for fire starters…

While a brand is more than a package, for most consumer packaged goods the packaging is the purest expression of the brand and often the first opportunity to project its value and tone. Packaging now protects, informs, differentiates, delights and entertains.


Developing great branding and packaging requires consumer insights and a keen awareness of their need-states, combined with visionary instinct and bold creativity.

Illustrator Hiroko Sanders created the illustrations for the new Kleenex “Perfect Slice of Summer” tissue box series. Since the illustrations are the primary part of each carton, the challenge was to create artwork utilizing a style that embodies the spirit of summer, and that works uniquely with the carton design. 

A cool concept created by Antrepo Design, D size battery S&P shaker. These are the last members of “the I’m not product series”.

Strong visibility and passion are the dictating themes in logo trends.
2009 trends usher in something new, something experimental, something outrageous.

‘09 is proving to be a very interesting year, design-wise with effective and strong concept based logos. We’re witnessing a fading out of minimalism, and this is paving the way for spectacular remixes to take over.

We’re also going to see a few designers becoming far more aware and sensitive to design history movements and styles than they were in previous years. They are discovering ways to make logos reflect their roots. To stand out, and be refreshingly different and bold– that’s the message we’re getting from today’s logos.

Here are some direction examples to serve as traction in moving you forward in identity design:

Words:

Type and text is clearly more critical. Words carry a more concise message. They convey specific rather than generic information. People are busy; money is tight. Logos must be interpreted, and interpretation takes time. Words deliver their message immediately.

Increased Chroma:

Logos have a vibrancy of color and energy that in past years might have not been considered proper corporate behavior. They are setting a very optimistic course. Everywhere, there is a bold use of hue, even in the most unexpected places, such as in the identities of very large and conservative clients.

Apps:

There’s a very small item on the horizon that may has gigantic effect on logo design. When Google introduced its new favicon at the start of 2009, it was a very visible reminder of how powerful that tiny piece of real estate really is. The favicon may turn out to be a measuring stick against which the success of any new logo design might be measured – as in, can this logo be made to fit in a 15 x 15-pixel square?

Speedy reflection and the blending of elements:

Economies, governments, and individuals continue to call for “greater transparency” in society. Though this is not a literal request for visual transparency, for several years, designers have taken liberties with the concept to deliver metaphoric solutions that consumers understand.

Depicting motion in sequential steps combined with transparency is the latest iteration to branch out from this trend family .The introduction of sequential color steps help to further define the concept by demonstrating movement: time passage through seasons, temperature shifts, or just a rainbow-colored transition that demonstrates order and harmony, not chaos.

Mosaic:

These logos look like a roomful of diverse pixels pushed together to make a visual shape.

Shaped:

The symbolic texture of these logos does not let consumer’s vision wander. Often illustrated with a unique visual message that gives context and dimension to the shape.

Typographic:

A logo seems to be incomplete without a good type face, the “Nike” logo is exceptional. An excellent logo emerges when text and icon are packed up in a strong way.

A particular style can’t emerge and expect to stay at the top indefinitely. Developments in logo design indicate that these trends have a short lifespan, going through a “now-you-see-it now-you-don’t” kind of roller coaster. Consumers react to the messages they hear via the media and then make “educated” decisions on how they should react which obviously effects how designers work and operate. As designers we must allow for these new considerations and this is where the so called trend comes in.
Inspiration Link
LogoLounge

The new green products are design driven, with as much visual appeal as their more traditional counterparts.

What about Online/Web Green?
Good green web design is a balancing act. As more designer labels promote the green benefits of their products, web designers will need to skillfully marry diverse marketing objectives for the new green market.
How can web design best meet the marketing needs of the new, design oriented green market? A few ideas…

Use Texture.

Web design can often feel sterile and harsh. Texture adds warmth and personality to the web design. It suggests a tactile quality and depth seen in recycled papers. The key is not going overboard with the use of this design element. The subtlety conveys just the right amount of texture without robbing the web pages of style.

Use Nature.

Nature has always been a source of inspiration for the design of the human environment, but in recent years this relationship has grown even more intense.”Nature as model” has influenced the most diverse possible concepts and developmental processes and is revealed in a large spectrum of forms and functions. Nature Design brings together projects and objects from design, architecture, landscape architecture, photography, and art that have been inspired by nature to develop complex and innovative works.
Typical web design color palettes are often over saturated and cold. Chose colors that mimic what is seen in nature. And monochromatic colors that fade into the background, providing an elegant and quiet backdrop for the product. Warm colors that engage the eye and heart.
Some fresh examples:

Trend observations and analysis by industry, demographic and theme. The changes you want to know about!
Are you looking for inspiration for your business? A dynamic source of creative stimulation?
We have a unique combination of market expertise and trend literacy, designed to provide you with an informed view of the implications of change for your customer or brand.


Understand the trends impacting behavior, culture and society.
No matter what your business need – product innovation, strategic planning, brand and category management, or simply new creative idea generation.
Maverick Dean Creative – What’s Next inspiration, ideas and application.

Having a plan of attack to address multiple consumer touch points.

In researching and planning a PR strategy, designing or promoting a new product, consider input and exposure from multiple viewpoints.

There’s no room in the marketplace for all things and all people, so you need to figure out how to be something to somebody.  At the get-go in planning, narrow your audience and be unique, you need to embrace the niche and the out of the ordinary.

It is important to have a plan of attack and address each touch point, whether it’s gender, generation or geography.

So much new technology on the horizon!
I’ll be capturing my “fast finds” in this blog…
Here’s a new one out in market today…Inhaled Chocolate. A new inhaler concept named Le Whif is a revolutionary gastronomic gadget developed by scientists, allowing chocoholics to enjoy all the treats they can handle for zero calories.
A chocoholic’s dream!

The device lets users breathe in chocolate to curb cravings and satisfy their sweet tooth. Invented by Harvard professor David Edwards, he is launching four different flavors: raspberry, mint, mango and plain. Edwards worked with his students at Harvard University to develop the product and said he was inspired by thinking beyond normal ways of eating food and into the future.

He says: ”We’ve been eating smaller quantities at shorter and shorter intervals. Eating was tending toward breathing, so, with a mix of culinary art and aerosol science, we’ve helped move eating habits to their logical conclusion. We call it whiffing.” It fills your mouth with almost pure chocolate – it tastes really good. It’s zero calorie, so could also be used as the new diet tool.

Inhaling chocolate flavor is only the beginning – where will this innovation go next?
Consider the sense of smell. When was the last time you actually stopped and smelt flowers, took a deep breath of sea air or let your nose flirt with freshly baked bread? The sense of smell is one of the most powerful and advanced forms of human interaction with our surroundings, but one that has very often been overlooked as a medium of communication.

According to research by Millward Brown, it is estimated that by the end of 2009 over 35% of Fortune 500 companies will adopt the concept of sensory branding. Of the five senses, the sense of smell is by far the most powerful yet also the most underexploited medium through which to connect brand and consumer.

Defining brands through scent.

Keep up with Color!
Essential color moods identifying cultural and lifestyle trends with global relevance. Strategic inspiration, interpretation and adaptation for color in product, packaging, and finishes.
This report includes eight directional color Springboard Themes for 2010.
They are the result of much observation and research of our surrounding natural world as well as the influences that will impact our world in the future. The research includes deep dives into technology, lifestyle and entertainment, and most importantly, the needs, moods, and aspirations of consumers. A guide, a tool, an inspiration and some answers for marketers, retailers, manufacturers seeking insight.
To order report: tamora@maverickdean.com
It is customizable for your product and consumer sector.

Sample/Excerpt 2010 Springboard Theme: Open-Eye

The continuing concern for natural resource management – the need to preserve and reserve – remains of utmost importance in the minds of many. The Earth inspires products and lifestyles with new levels of  sensory appeal. Green concepts permeate our lives – organics, sustainability, hybrids, and new forms of energy.  Our open eye resourcefulness calls not only for the thoughtful use of materials, but the need for originality in reconstructing and redefining products that are both stylish and sustainable.

The colors found in the Open Eye palette, such as Sequoia, Golden Ochre and Aqua Sky, speak of earth and sky, while vibrant Tigerlily and Deep Raspberry Orchid add a unique, distinctive and deep organic presence to the mix.

Materials, textures, finishes are Sensual, Iridescent, Refreshing  and Biodiverse.

Embracing Gaia – It’s about relaxing and strongly connecting with nature.

Touch – Inclusions that feel natural, linked to recycling, reusing, reinventing. 

-There’s this whole movement about bringing back nature into the concrete jungles we’ve built in the past 100 years but this is probably the most direct yet indirect way of doing it.

-Aquapax, one of the purest natural mineral waters on the planet. Packaged inside a beautiful carton that’s mostly made of wood, a natural and renewable resource.

-The Ply Laptop Case formed from two panels of plywood which slide along one another to encase the laptop computer, lined with cork to provide additional heat resistance and protection.

-HP-Touchsmart-TX2-Laptop, the computer is personal again.

-Even Birds Are Going Green-Solar Birdhouse has a solar panel that charges a small battery. At sunset a sensor turns on the illuminated perch, creating a whimsical glow in your garden and hopefully makes it easier for your birdies to get home.

-Thievery Corporation: Radio Retaliation-given the state of the industry, designing for the music business poses a challenge for designers to think outside the box. The innovative and eco-friendly packaging has no gatefold, no digipak, or even a foamy nub to attach the disc to. Instead, a thickly folded poster of liner notes and nestled  inside those folds you’ll find the compact disc.

-Newton Running-environmentally friendly packaging for Newton Running by TDA Advertising and Design.

-Urban Quad Bike-new way of urban transport to reduce pollution and congestion. Electrical vehicle is based on a standard quad bike chassis.