Adcentered

Inside Iris Nation

Cargotecture Makes Shipping Containers Beautiful

We were allowed to choose any product in home and garden or appliance for Rick Boyko's Brand Campaigns class. We chose a home product, literally. Cargotecture is an innovative concept that combines sustainability, architecture, beauty and functionality. The trade deficit with China has created a surplus of unused shipping containers. These containers are modified and made in modular buildings with flare. They can be used as studios, work spaces, mobile medical buildings, homes, or apartments. Cargotecture is owned by a group of architects and designers who started a company called HybridSeattle. A company in London used a similar concept to create a riverfront complex near the O2. The cargo homes are not available to the masses due to highly regulated zoning and permit laws in the U.S., but that may change in the near future as demand continues to increase.

Brian Collins, Helio House & Design

The board members were in town this week. We were privileged to have Brian Collins talk to us about some of his design projects. Brian was head of Ogilvy's Brand Innovation Group, he's also a professor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

One of Brian's coolest projects was BP's Helio House, a sustainable gas station in the heart of Los Angeles.

Helio House challenges everything a gas station (and energy company) should be. It combines sustainability, design, education, and experience in an unforgettable package.
The term "designer" has a broader meaning to creatives like Brian. Designing communication is about designing an experience that includes a 360 approach to interaction. Great designers think beyond print. They challenges the concept of media and communication. Brian was also on the design team that created the Hershey store in Times Square.

Creative Brand Management

There's been a lot of talk about the creative class and a new generation of business leaders. This video illustrates some of the ways this is happening. Design schools are partnering up with business programs and engineering schools are adding design centered around the human experience. It's a great time to be a part of the creative class in the Creative Economy. 

New Zune or Last Year's Ipod?

Microsoft announced it's redesigned Zune this week. The model shown above has a striking resemblance to the iPod Nano. This flash based music player comes in a 4MB or 8MB size. The Zune also comes in and 80GB Video version. The button in the center is touch sensitive, similar to the trade mark iPod wheel. To the Zune's credit, they do feature a radio tuner built in, that's the most memorable difference. Microsoft also revamped their music store and now offers over 3 millions songs. In its first year the Zune sold 1.3 million units compared to 40 million iPod units during the same time. I will say that I have not heard too many complaints about the Zune, but that's because I don't know many Zune owners.

In reality, the Zune is a solid product, but Microsoft could have done a better job of not being so me-too. The X-box's success is partially driven by not being like Sony. That's actually more Sony's fault for moving too fast too soon with their Blu-Ray technology. Sony tried to score on the first date. But X-box also has an edge on content with the recent release of Halo 3. If Microsoft wants to sell more Zunes, they better create a new unique experience that Apple can't claim or focus on content. They should so something newer, better, or just plain different. Dear Microsoft, stop playing high-stakes follow the leader.

The Bar Experience

Another cool video I borrowed from Umesh, an experiential expert in the UK. This iBar surface teases the senses and ads value to a mundane experience. I could see this being a hit in Las Vegas. If you're listening Las Vegas... make the tables more entertaining and people will be more entertained. I'm not even going to do math on this one. There is room for design and innovation in everything. For more experiential, design, and other cool shit, visit the-uMe.

User-Centered Design & Innovation

If you've ever wanted to know more about user-centered design and innovation, this one's for you. The INDEX: has assembled a team of experts that lay down all the necessary information needed to gain a solid understanding. Sections of the report include, strategic design, anthropology, mass customization, and business model design. Download the full document by clicking here. It's a great read and you'll be a better person for it.

This Ain't No Disco

One of the most difficult choices you'll ever have to make in the ad business is finding the right agency culture. I was lucky enough to find a place where the internal culture was beyond outstanding. Iris is a small 260+ shop which is growing fast. I would attribute some of that growth to happy workers. The day after the agency's big summer social, they set up a hangover bar, complete with fresh fruits, juices, and  sweets. They bought us Thai food/drinks at least once a week, we went go-karting/pub crawling, and there was also a day when they had random strawberries and cream for everyone. It's the little unexpected things that make being part of the Iris Nation so nice. (www.irisnation.com)

I came across, www.aintnodisco.com, a site that features internal photos and brief descriptions of ad agencies. That's where I came across some of these photos of Iris.

It's a cool place to start if you're curious about an agency. Of course it's difficult to get a full understanding of the internal culture from pictures, but sometimes things like the creative space layout can tell you something. With a little research and a little luck you can find the perfect agency for you.

Nike Goes Retro

Waffles, anyone? Nike has gone back in time. If you really want to kick it old school, check out www.nike.com/nikevintage/. Cool Design and cool concept.

How to Design For Branding

I first saw this on Umesh Pandya's blog. It's from a Google lecture series and deals with digital branding. It's worth watching all the way through.