The Wasted Time in Web DesignJune 30th, 2006
I’d be laughing if it wasn’t so true. But it is true and that’s exactly why I am laughing. There is, however, one important thing missing - that elevated circle in the center of the pie chart that reads, “Time spent blogging after giving up for the day.”
Courtesy of Backup Brain.
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High Praises for SpectorbrainJune 29th, 2006
Justin Lim - design theorist, critic, and self-imposed “hot guy” - has written a wonderful critique about one of my previous posts, “Should food be in food advertising?” In it, he breaks down the article into its essential elements and very effectively relates it to various points of view in design theory and criticism. Justin’s review is well thought out, clearly written, engaging, and gave this designer’s ego a nice little pat on the back.
Now, I could easily take the high road and let you read the full critique as it’s meant to be read. Or I could take the low road and quote some of the highlights. Hmmmm…The low road. A little self-serving, but what the heck.
Spectorbrain is yet another example of how a blog can effectively contribute to the world of design, through criticism.
The manner in which Spector writes, is highly personal and emotive especially in painting the background story of what influenced his tackling of this issue/s.
I found this blog post an enjoyable and thought provoking piece of design criticism.
All kidding aside, I really appreciate Justin’s honest and insightful critique. After being “encouraged” to join the blogging addiction, I spent a lot of time understanding and refining my voice. I know this is a never-ending process, but I’m glad to see that the impression of me on-line is aligned with my intentions.
On a side note, I truly urge, nudge, and force all of you to take a look at Justin’s blog. Not because of appreciation or reciprocation, but for the simple fact that it is intelligently written and a great read. I spent some time on his other posts, after my review of course, and I definitely think it’s worth it.
Thank you, Justin.
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Making Music with a Sunburned BottomJune 28th, 2006
While walking quietly down the beach, I noticed many half-naked, burnt red bodies broiling on the sand. Reminiscent of Cornish game hens, I gazed up at the sky and wondered what McCormick seasonings would go best with SPF 15.
I was soon interrupted by the most painful, ear-piercing screams. Innocently, of course, I tripped over an unsuspecting sun worshipper onto another then fell backwards onto two more. In between apologizing and dodging lifeguards, I realized that the screams were almost musical. Quickly I stood up and, in order, slapped the legs of the remaining broiled chickens. Do Ray Me Fa So? Genius!
After hours of trying unsuccessfully to convince 8 burnt women to lie next to each other and scream in pain on cue, a passerby informed me that I can make the same music in the comfort of my own home. Thanks to DDB Brasil, I now play “Mary had a little lamb” on my La-z-boy in air conditioned Bermuda shorts.
Yes, this is a bit over the top, but it’s a hell of a lot more interesting than saying, “Sundown has created a very unique ad campaign that is well-executed and speaks directly to its target market.” They did, it is and it does. But doesn’t a silly story add so much more entertainment value?
Enjoy the site.
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Is the triple opt-in one too many?June 27th, 2006
Q Interactive announced today that they are launching a new triple opt-in lead generation service. No, you didn’t hear me wrong and yes, you did just do a double-take. According to iMedia, this new service will provide more safeguards to confirm in 3 steps that someone is interested in an advertiser and would like to be contacted by them. Triple opt-in. 1-2-3.
Now, I am a strong proponent of double opt-in. It insures that an e-mail address is valid and offers a greater chance that the person who’s signing up is real. There are ways around it, of course, but the benefits definitely outway the risks. And I’m sure there are many companies out there that legitimately need this new service for the higher levels of consumer qualification.
Human nature, however, will not stop there. We’ll probably take this opportunity to open Pandora’s box of razor blades. Do 4 blades really shave your face any smoother than 2? Probably not. Are there more bloody faces and beards? Quite possibly.
The same holds true for triple opt-in. Advertisers will think, “Hmmmm. If double opt-in works this well, image how much better triple will be?” But to the time-deprived, security-paranoid consumer, this is just another opportunity to move to the competition or give up completely. A year down the line, I’d love to see their conversion reports. Will advertisers’ ROI increase or will the same unscrupulous users make up more fake information while others simply click away? I’m betting on the latter.
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Flash and the Marketing of Human InteractionJune 22nd, 2006
The latest and greatest of Macromedia (now Adobe) Flash brings the ability to interact with another human being – at least on-line - to the masses. By incorporating video, anyone can create animated shorts, marketing campaigns, etc. that allow the user to choose and watch the person’s response.
Here are six such projects that stand out in my eyes. They are creative, targeted, hilarious, suggestive and addictive with subjects ranging from eating anything and gum cults to bodily grooming (read my review), brushing teeth and a bartender’s sage advice. And let’s not forget Pjotro: The Man with the Musical Suit. These projects engage their target viewers while entertaining and feeding into the viral nature of the larger audience.
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I know there are many more of these Flash video campaigns out there, so if you come across one that is definitely worth mentioning, please let me know. I’ll either include the site listing (with a finder’s credit) in a future compilation post or do an in-depth critique (see Pointroll and Bridezilla). Enjoy.
Read/Add Comments (2) | 1,929 Views | Marketing, Animation
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The Unknown Blogger and First ImpressionsJune 19th, 2006
When communicating with other bloggers through their web sites, I’m reminded how much first impressions have an impact. In the olden days of the telephone, I would unintentionally create an image of the person at the other end of the line and speak to them based on those sometimes false conclusions.
Now blogs have taken it to a whole new level by removing all vocal cues. What most readers are left with are the site design, branding, content, and writing style. And it’s that initial dependency on the design for those conversational cues - even before the other elements - which I find so intriguing.
I’ve personally made unintended assumptions about a blogger based on their design and writing style. Someone who I was convinced was an utter argumentative ass turned out to be a pretty nice guy and vice versa. I also found myself interacting with what I thought was a female blogger until I read through their comment strings. And although my reactions to these differences may by subtle, some people can have great variances in their conversations regarding gender, age, and/or race.
Why don’t I go to the author’s bio when I first enter the blog? Good question. The answer is in standard on-line behavior. Bloggers are no different than the millions on-line who read the news, check e-mail or visit retail sites. We just spend that time reading other blogs. In short blocks of time (usually at the start of the work day, lunch break, or the end of the work day), we quickly scan the headlines and continue on if we’re interested. Most of us probably don’t consider the bio until the need arises or time allows.
So what can you do to give your readers a more accurate reflection of you and a better blog conversation?
I know that this is an oversimplified list, but it makes the necessary points. Before you design a blog or quickly grab an available template, think about whom you are and who you want your audience to be. Remember that people judge websites almost instantly upon initial viewing. In the case of blogs, that decision will influence how your readers speak to you or if they want to speak to you at all.
Read/Add Comments (1) | 1,956 Views | Design, Blogs
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Save the Freedom of the InternetJune 14th, 2006
The Network Neutrality Act, the first amendment of the Internet, insures that the smallest blog to the largest corporation all have the same access to content, applications, and/or devices. This on-line freedom encourages innovation, economic growth and a healthy diversity of political and religious opinion.
The telecommunication giants see things another way. These behemoth corporations - including AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, and Time Warner - are intensely lobbying to be the “gatekeepers” of the Internet. They want to control who can be on the Internet, not just maintaining how. By getting rid of the level playing field, they can reserve the fastest connections for their own products and services or whomever can pay the price. And because only large corporations can afford these astronomical fees, smaller businesses, non-profits and personal sites are left out to dry in slow dial-up speeds if they’re on at all.
On June 8th, ignoring over 800,000 signatures gathered at SaveTheInternet.com, the House passed the “Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006″ or COPE Act. This act offers no protections for net neutrality, but brings us all one step closer to losing control to the telecommunications industry.
It now falls to the Senate to save the free and open Internet. Fortunately, Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Byron Dorgan (R-N.D.) have introduced a bipartisan measure, the “Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2006″ (S. 2917), that would provide meaningful protection for Net Neutrality. This excellent bill may be introduced as an amendment when the Senate takes up its own rewrite of the Telecommunications Act later this summer. The next key hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee is scheduled for June 20.
Help preserve the freedom of the Internet by signing the petition and adding your blog to their blogroll. We can all make a difference.
Resources:
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The Truth about Animators and Their AnimationsJune 13th, 2006
If you’ve never worked in Flash, you’ll probably just enjoy this animated piece for its entertainment value. But for all those Flash guys and gals out there, including myself, I’d consider “Animator vs. Animation” a classic. I found myself laughing out loud as well as impressed by its creativity.
Unlike my previous critiques, which have been detailed, witty, and a piece of art in and of itself (that’s a joke, son), I’m keeping this post short and sweet for one reason - I don’t want to ruin it for any of the Flash fanatics. See for yourself.
Courtesy of Deeplyshallow.
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What kind of designer are you?June 13th, 2006
Since my little workplace venting about web designers and print designers and the responses I’ve received on-line and off, I’ve been curious about career choices. What makes someone a print designer, web designer, etc. and why? Is it an inevitable part of their internal make-up or simply a work/life decision?
There are, of course, people who claim to be “designers”, that overly-generalized label that encompasses almost anything creative. Whether these “designers” admit it or not, there are tendencies towards an area of design. It might be the type of work, client, the tools and software, or unexplained internal drive - but it does exist.
I gravitated towards design as my creative outlet but was destined for web and interactive. I grew up an intense fan of animation and video games. Animation taught me timing and transitions – kudos to Bugs Bunny - while video games showed me the basic understanding of user interaction. Click here and this happens, but click here and something else happens. Very cool stuff.
My mind works in motion and interaction. It’s kind of tough to create a magazine ad when you’re thinking about how the photo and tagline will fade into each other and what the next page will look like once they click. So I wasn’t exactly suited for print. Thankfully, the web was waiting with open arms. That’s my story, what’s yours?
If you’re a designer or if you know one (you lucky, lucky person), please take a few moments to answer any of the following questions.
This is an informal survey, so feel free to elaborate. I love a good story. I’ll communicate the results in a future post.
Read/Add Comments (1) | 2,133 Views | Design, Business
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Norelco Shaves Below the Belt with New CampaignJune 9th, 2006
In the latest adventure into the nether regions of the male body, Philips Norelco and Tribal DDB have created a on-line marketing campaign that is sure to reach the heights of viral gold called Shave Everywhere.
![Shave Everywhere - You're [beep] will thank you](http://spectorbrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/shaved.jpg "Shave Everywhere - Your [beep] will thank you")
To test the comfort levels of all men, their spokesman dressed only in a white robe very casually and securely walks in and discusses his [beep] and [beep] as well as various other body parts that can be shaved with the new Bodygroom. He also gives some very fine examples the fun your [beep], [beep] and [beep] might have after using the product. So direct is his conversation that the video itself becomes the “family-friendly” censor. Philips replaces his graphic, yet biologically-correct, statements about his [beep] with Austin Powers-like symbols of edible imagery. Bananas, coconuts - well, you get the picture.
It’s very odd and intriguing piece that’s hard to turn away from, which is exactly the point. Philips and Tribal take the conversations that men usually have with their spouses, mirrors, and/or [beep] and bring it out for all to hear and thankfully not see. The Flash video is polished and well-executed with a tone that is sarcastic and just a bit naughty, which is perfect for their target market.
This campaign includes the standard FAQs and product usage tips, but has some extra captivating features that I’m sure will excite your [beep] and [beep] with just the thought of using the Bodygroom. Make sure you learn “Where to Shave”, take the new Bodygroom for a “Test Drive” and discover how much better your life will be with another “Optical Inch”. Plus, in the spirit of every 80’s cheesy rock ballad, you can sway to the music of the Bodygroom music video.
Check it out at shaveeverywhere.com. Your [beep], [beep] and [beep] will definitely thank you.
Read/Add Comments (1) | 3,303 Views | Marketing, Design
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