Design matters. New York City have adopted a updated design of the all too familiar icon used to depict facilities for the handicapped. Due to activists from activists at Gordon College, a small Christian institution in eastern Massachusetts, things have changed. The figure is no longer static, or passive, but shows action and therefore independence. Familiar enough that it’s instantly recognizable but with subtle differences that say so very much. Find out more about this innovation, but simple project here (it’s worth the read) (via design taxi)
How do you say thank you to your customers, your Facebook fans, and your supporters. Land Rover just took the time (and that’s what counts) to make a video thanking their million Facebook fans. Worth a watch while you think about how you say thank you to those who make your business possible. Video below (via notcot)
These made me go awwwww so I thought they were worth sharing. Handmade Driftwood Sailboat Napkin Holders from Ocean Swept on Etsy. I love that the napkin creates the sail on these little boats.
Sometimes it really is all about the packaging – how something is presented can influence how we think about it. This butterfly tea bag is the perfect example. It changes the tea from something you may grab and go, to something you would savor, share and relish. Imagine the magic that this would bring to a child or a wedding, or just a simple summer day in the garden with a book. See how simply packaging something differently has made me start thinking this way. I love it. What in your business could you package a different way? How could you change how people feel about your product or service? (If you can get a urbanite like me dreaming of tea in the garden you have done it right).
Butterfly tea bags here (or if you are crafty it would be pretty easy to make them yourself)
Just when I think I have gotten over my notebook fetish (not stopped buying them just settled on one good design) DODO go and do this. A notebook that your iphone sits in… the perfect blend of technology and good old creative paper. Love it. See them here (via google alerts)
I’m completely intrigued by the images in ‘Things come apart: A Teardown Manual for Modern Living’ the new book fromToronto photographer Todd McLellan, who’s disassembled everything from bicycle to smartphones. Reserve your copy here (via notcot)
One of the most common questions that I’m asked from the small businesses I work with, is about promotions. They are always looking for new ideas, especially those that look good on Facebook. Yesterday I saw what the very clever people at Mills Jewelers in Lockport, New York, have come up with for Mother’s Day – they found a great way to combine the important elements of Mother’s day (making Mothers feel appreciated and letting the kids actually do something themselves) This is from their website:
Sidewalk Chalk Coloring – Kids earn a $50 gift card May 6-11! Sign your children or grandchildren up to color the sidewalk in front of Mills Jewelers with a Mother’s Day message and picture.
We provide the chalk. Coloring will go on every day after school during the week before Mothers Day, weather permitting. Children ages 4-12 are eligible. Each child or family group will have one square to work with.
When their square is finished, they will be rewarded with a $50 gift card. There is a limit of one card per family and there is a limited number of sidewalk squares available. Parents must stay with their kids. Call 716-433-6456 to register.
What a great way to include the community, attract attention to your store, and brighten up the day of so many people (including me). Keep it up Mills Jewelers. (Like their Facebook page here, they deserve it)
These are the sweetest little herb & seasonings shakers ever. Like little snow globes they would look good on any table – and they made me smile. From Fab (and your favorite local little design store)
I saw these yesterday in a store and couldn’t stop thinking about them afterwards. I think maybe my fridge needs these – what fridge doesn’t? From Doiy.
This is a very clever use of technology and paper together. Drawnimal is available for ipad and iphone and let’s your kid add their imagination to the technology – and learn their alphabet at the same time. I hope we see more and more stuff like this appearing for children (and adults). Find out more here (via notcot)
I love having a little note on me to say thank you in the most unusual places. One of my business cards simply says ‘thank you’ and I use it a lot. These little “Thank you for the superb service” cards are perfect. Good service needs to be mentioned – those doing it right deserve a little credit. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to keep a couple of these in your handbag. From Fifi Du Vie
Great business card for The Denia Salu Tennis Academy – they even produced one for grass, and one for clay courts – now that’s clever. What does your business card say about you? (via notcot)
These ads for American Garden Microwave Popcorn had me laughing out loud. All my friends know I’m a little obsessed by the idea of Sharktopus (just the idea of it, not actually the movie – if you meet me, ask me about Sharktopus 2, his brother Bob). Made by Y&R Dubai for the UAE market. I wish they showed them here. If you have the same strange sense of humor as I do there are other videos below. (via bestadsontv)
Daily advice for “How to work with Creative People” from Amrit Richmond The site features original quotes from designers, managers, strategists, executives, and CEOs on how people can work more effectively with creative types. Love it.
I drive a Beetle convertible (though not the new Cabriolet) and this made me smile. VW always have so much fun with their advertising and it shows. Does your advertising make people smile? Does your product
Clever print ads for Guitar Player Magazine showing that “Nothing goes right when music goes wrong” – simple, humorous, and elitist in exactly the right way for their audience. From Leo Burnett Tailor Made, Brazil (via bestadsontv.com – one of my favorite resources sites)
When you see a clever idea, ask yourself "how does this apply to what I'm doing?" You will be amazed what you can learn from seemingly unrelated ideas.
Aileen is a graphic designer turned cynical motivational speaker who is obsessed with clever ideas and the creative process. She is a published author, columnist, award-winning speaker and English. She helps businesses create, develop and launch ideas to help marketing, culture, customer service and profits.
Design matters. New York City have adopted a updated design of the all too familiar icon used to depict facilities for the handicapped. Due to activists from activists at Gordon College, a small Christian institution in eastern Massachusetts, things have changed. The figure is no longer static, or passive, but shows action and therefore independence. Familiar enough that it’s instantly recognizable but with subtle differences that say so very much. Find out more about this innovation, but simple project here (it’s worth the read) (via design taxi)
