Burgeoning trends in mass customization and do-it-yourself, as well as user-generated content on blogs, YouTube, and social networks, reflect consumers’ growing interest in brands and products that reflect their unique personalities. Here are two examples of companies that leverage consumer interest in brands that enable self-expression. Scion owners can choose from “hundreds of symbols, all designed by a professional graffiti artist,” to create their crest. Then, if they choose, they can pay to have it rendered by an auto-shop. “some bagz are offered in multiple colors, some are not. it's what we've got at the moment. we only print 12 of each sign; WHEN WE'RE OUT, WE'RE OUT. that's how we roll.”
Scion hopes to attract “younger, stylish drivers” by hopping on the social network bandwagon with ScionSpeak, a website enabling Scion owners to express themselves by creating their “personal ‘coats of arms’.”
Self-expression with a generous dose of irreverence is the core equity of Durtbagz ---bags that purchasers can customize with witty sayings masquerading as ‘street signs,' such as “Don’t Drive Durnk.” Website copy informs potential purchasers:
Erin Atherton, head bag lady and owner of Durtbagz, helpfully points out that Durtbagz bags can be used for overnights, shopping, or to carry around a severed head. The “Just Dust” page offers “all you durtbagz” an opportunity to “speak your minds, assuming you have one.” The Durtbag who posts the best ‘durt’ could win a free Durtbagz bag.
“Durty Laundry” is the company blog where
Is the desire for self-expression a core attribute of your target audience? Strengthen your relationship with them by providing opportunities for them to express themselves and make the brand uniquely their own.
Source for ScionSpeak: International Herald Tribune
Dreaming up fresh, original, ground breaking ideas is tough. Yet some people create new ideas effortlessly, while others struggle.
Want to exercise your creative muscle? Take a look at this article to learn some of the techniques Google utilizes to encourage innovation within the company.
One example: “Creativity Loves Constraints,” says Google’s VP of Search Products. “People think of creativity as this sort of unbridled thing, but engineers thrive on constraints.”
So true. The most creative and prolific agency folks I’ve known are those that rely on a creative strategy or strategic roadmap to frame their creative efforts.
And briefs aren’t just for agencies, btw; every company needs guidelines to keep ideation on track.
If you have a minute, take a look. The article is a fast read and well worth your time if innovation is important to your business.
Linkify is a managed multi-company collaboration system that facilitates project management, process automation, and repository collaboration.
ConceptShare is online design collaboration software that lets users "create shared visual workspaces that can be marked up and chatted in."
Via Techcrunch
Thinkature is collaboration software designed to provide "a fast and free way to collaborate around a design proccess."
Source: Techcrunch