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January 25, 2014
FOR THE LOVE OF TYPOGRAPHY…

FOR THE LOVE OF TYPOGRAPHY…

Below are a few typography-related articles and news from around the world that crossed our radar over the last couple of days. Enjoy!

1. Helvetica Or Garamond: Typography-Inspired Eyewear – Japanese company Type, draws inspiration from ‘Helvetica’ and ‘Garamond’ typeface and creates two lines of respective eyewear. Link here.

2. A Rustic Bespoke Typeface That Is Carved Out Of A Fallen Tree – London-based firm Carter Wong Design recently embarked upon a lovely hand-made project to create a bespoke typeface for organic clothing company Howies. The resulting font is named Castan—instead of creating the typeface digitally, the firm had the letters carved out of a tree before printing them out onto paper and uploading them onto the computer.

3. Top Web Fonts of 2013: Extensis Reports. Link here

4. 26 famous architects designed an alphabet – Archibet is an illustrated alphabet honoring 26 rock star architects, from Alvar Aalto to Zaha Hadid. Archibet is a playful spin on the idea of architectural design as visual communication, as letters are the primary building blocks of meaning. The project beautifully conflates architecture and typography. Link here.

5. Typeface Designer Creates Book That Teaches Toddlers About Typography – ‘The Clothes Letter Wears’ is a picture book that teaches toddlers about the different typefaces through illustrations that shows each font as text playing dress-up. This book also features the “Cabrito”, a custom typeface based on the Bookman Old Style that the designer has made for the project—it has been designed to be especially legible for young eyes. No doubt a great gift idea for designer friends & colleagues with tiny tots to start them of on the right career path :)  Link here

January 22, 2014
SHUTTERSTOCK PREDICTS GLOBAL DESIGN

SHUTTERSTOCK PREDICTS GLOBAL DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2014

Shutterstock released its 3rd annual infographic revealing design and emerging visual trends around the world. For the 2014 edition, Shutterstock used data from their over 350 million all-time image downloads to reveal these recent and emerging visual trends from around the world. Shutterstock licenses 3 images every second from a collection of over 30 million photos, illustrations, vectors and video clips to businesses and visual communicators, making them a world leader in volume stock image downloads.

Some of the trends that came out in latest edition of the study include the rising popularity of video as a medium for storytellers and Instagram-inspired images as the top visual theme for the year. The infographic also shows the search terms with the largest year-on-year growth and the varying design themes across different countries in the world. Below are some of the trends outlined in the study which is presented as an infographic include:

No two countries design alike: From pastel colors in China to vibrant textures in the Netherlands, unique themes around the world continue to emerge.

Flat, minimalist design elements replace skeuomorphism: Led by changes in app and software design, downloads of flat design elements increased by 200% over the past year.

Instagram-esque images were a top visual theme of the year: With the popularity of retro cameras and mobile apps, searches for filtered images soared 661% in 2013, with no signs of abating.

Video is an increasingly popular medium: For visual storytellers and access to new image-capture technology such as 4K is growing. Popular video content topics include education, 3D renderings, transportation and cityscapes.

In an official statement released by Shutterstock, VP of Content Scott Braut said “The increasing demand for imagery is leading to new and innovative content types. Our data reveals how photographers, illustrators, designers and videographers are influencing design trends on a local and global scale.”

The full info graphic can be viewed here.

January 18, 2014
CREATE THE PERFECT SOCIAL MEDIA

CREATE THE PERFECT SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT

As any online brand managers should know, when it comes to leveraging popular social media networks, posting content that fits the audience type & function of an specific social network will naturally lead to an increase in reach and engagement.  When it comes to managing a successful social media brand presence that will contribute to the set business goals, it’s important to tailor each communication piece to a specific audience then drill down to a specific social network.

There are numerous resources freely available online to help brand managers understand and make better use of the functionality and content marketing opportunities offered by the current popular sites: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & Google+ . Below is one such resource; an infograph we came across created by ‘My Clever Agency’, which gives some indication on how to achieve better fit between your brand content & these four channels. Do you agree? Have you noticed an increase/decrease in engagement when including pictures?

January 13, 2014
BRANDING ACROSS MULTIPLE SCREENS

BRANDING ACROSS MULTIPLE SCREENS

As new screens, from ‘wearables’ (think Google Glass) to other connected devices, continue to become mainstream, this constant connectivity to information by consumers offers brands and business opportunities to reach their customers on multiple screens. Consumers today are constantly connected as they move between devices – from tablet, to PC to mobile throughout their daily routines.

Businesses need to create websites that fit the needs of customers on all screens, from desktop displays to handheld devices, in all the moments that matter. For many businesses, and we can see this in the GCC by way of the limited interesting brand case studies available that mobile continues to be the biggest missing piece in the multi-screen equation. People use the device that’s handiest for them at the moment, whether that means the desktop at lunchtime, the tablet at bedtime, or the smartphone at the mall.

Whatever screen users have on they don’t want to have to pinch, slide and struggle to get pages to load, fill out a form or make a purchase. So a mobile-friendly site has to be part of your overall multi-screen plan. This takes planning, investment and the right tools. Mobile is its own experience, with a smaller screen and a touch interface, not a mouse. Smartphones have added capabilities for on-the-go users, like cameras, GPS and phones. And while desktop users stay at their desks, smartphone users may be anywhere at any time.

It’s a real challenge for businesses to deliver a great experience for all these screens and contexts. But a good multi-screen site is worth the effort, because it’s a vital way to strengthen your brand, nurture lasting customer relationships and grow your business. A few tips for brand managers to consider before embarking on investing in a multiscreen strategy:

Ask yourself – What’s the value proposition? Why should prospective customers visit our website and use our business?

Understand and anticipate what multi-screen users see and want on our current site by using an analytics program like Google Analytics to see where, if any, current mobile users come from, what actions they take, and how their behavior differs from desktop users (e.g. compare site search queries by device).

Things to remember:

  • People who are used to desktop screens want to find the same basic content and user experience on other screens, too. It is critical to preserve these familiar functions while creating an experience that works on mobile screens and tablets.
  • Consider what customers will want from your site when they’re on each kind of device. A user on the go with a smartphone may want a store locator or phone number.
  • Rethink your website and make the most of the power of mobile & your customers will be thankful.

(via ThinkWithGoogle)

January 8, 2014
CROWDSOURCED STORYTELLING THROUGH

CROWDSOURCED STORYTELLING THROUGH #MYDUBAI

A few days ago Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Crown Prince of Dubai launched an initiative to write the world’s first autobiography of a city through social media. Playing on the popularity of hashtags as seen in 2013, the initiative aims to tell the story of modern day Dubai through the eyes of its nationals and foreign residents that have come to call this city home.

Set to run for 12months, participants are invited to contribute their photos or short videos via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter by using the hashtag #MyDubai. By doing this they will be able to introduce the unique values and culture of the Emirate to the world through social media, which has become one of the most important channels to tell a story, the world over.

In past posts we’ve spoken about the power of imagery and presented various contexts by way of sharing some of the client projects we’ve worked on. In 2011 Zaman worked with the Al Ain City Municipality to conceptualize and manage the inaugural Al Ain Photographia Award. Although this was a contest with rewards for participation provided by sponsors, the spirit of the campaign was the same as that of #MyDubai; showcase Al Ain through the eyes of its residents.

“In the fabric of Dubai there are more than 2.1 million stories – the individual lives and experiences of all those who call Dubai home. A city’s story is created by its people and as we look towards a prosperous future, it’s time to join together and show the world how 2.1 million people can create one remarkable story. Together we will create the world’s first autobiography of a city.” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed

Crowdsourced storytelling – this is a powerful aspect of the campaign. In past posts we have referred to the fundamentals of storytelling which include authenticity, honesty, consistentency. We’ve also discussed fairly extensively destination branding and how the most successful campaigns conducted by countries or cities are those that have a 100% buy-in from the local residents, who in turn become almost brand ambassadors championing key narratives to entice would-be visitors.

According to reports from the Dubai’s Department of  Tourism & Commerce, parallel to this a number of activities and events related to the hashtag will be launched throughout the year. Likewise, a specialised team will work on the project, curating people’s contributions for use across different media platforms, for example at international exhibitions and to inspire art installations, films and books.

Although its only been a couple days since launching this sounds like the makings of an interesting case study at the end of 2014 on the creative ways that destination branding can leverage social media to be more engaging. Best wishes to all participants of of #MyDubai!

January 4, 2014
ON ZAMAN’S RADAR – FIRST WEEK OF JAN 2014

ON ZAMAN’S RADAR – FIRST WEEK OF JAN 2014

Kicking off the new year, our first post is a roundup of news and happenings that are on our radar as we gear up for another year of exciting year of inspiring projects and continued collaborations with our valued clients.

1. 2014 Digital marketing trends

a) Content continues its royal reign as king

2013 saw an incremental embrace by marketers that content is a critical resource in their efforts. So much so that studies conducted by social media blog Social Media Today reported that 78% of CMO’s believe custom content is the future of marketing. Likewise, on the platform side 2013 also saw the influx of content discovery apps which support the growth trend: Flipboard, Pulse, Fancy, Houzzer, etc. This trend is expected to continue in 2014, with marketers, more likely to consider allocating better budgets to the content development process.

b) Video marketing will continue to grow

In past posts we’ve underlined the power of story telling. The delivery format of the story is just as important. Videos have the ability to convey a message that is ten times more powerful than text content. Campaigns such as KONY 2012 that gained viral fame are proof that great video content has the potential of becoming an overnight viral success. Also, with apps like Instagram, Snapchat and Vine, videos are increasingly being easily created, viewed and shared on mobile devices. Facebook has also introduced and enhanced their mobile ads platform.

2. Five brands that are winning on Pinterest

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When it comes to Pinterest, many brands aren’t quite sure how to turn boards and pins into followers and potential customers. However, now more than ever it is important to not overlook this image sharing social network. Numerous studies suggest that online consumers have made a purchase based on recommendations from Pinterest. The same studies indicate that Pinterest generates 4x more revenue per click than Twitter and 27% more per click than Facebook.

3. Augmented reality continues to inspire brands

Today we live in a world where brand and project launches have to compete to create amazing, engaging experiences in order to win the attention of intended audiences; and experimenting with interactive technologies is certainly a good place to start. In a promotion for the recently released game, Forza Motorsport 5, Pizza Hut UK has teamed up with Xbox One and augmented reality app, Blippar, to provide customers with exclusive game content directly on their smartphones.

4. The power of brand advocacy

In previous posts we have mentioned our belief that brands that act in an authentic manner & stick to a clear brand story will be rewarded by loyal customers. People who love your brand will introduce you to your new customers. Recommendations come from your advocates – a network of highly satisfied, passionate and connected customers who love your products and service. It can create awareness of your brand, help increase your sales, and increase consumers’ trust in your brand. 50% of advocates recommend a brand because they had a good experience with a product or service.

Recently we came across an infographic, which illustrates the importance of brand advocacy in your marketing strategy using the digital space as a context. Customers trust people like them, and that is who you’re brand advocates are. They are customers who love your product and want to recommend it to the people they care about. Click here to view infographic.

December 20, 2013
GOOGLE REVEALS TOP ONLINE

GOOGLE REVEALS TOP ONLINE SEARCHES FOR 2013

Search engine Google has unveiled its annual year-end Zeitgeist, which highlights the top searches in 2013. Described by the company as its “most global Zeitgeist to date”, it features over 1,000 top 10 lists across various categories from 72 countries. “In our annual Year-End Zeitgeist (“spirit of the times”), we reflect on the people, places, and moments that captured the world’s attention throughout the year. This year marks our most global Zeitgeist to date—with 1,000+ top 10 lists across categories like Trending People, Most-Searched Events and Top Trending Searches from 72 countries.”

Here’s a full look at the search engine’s top 10 global trending searches of 2013:

  1. Nelson Mandela
  2. Paul Walker
  3. iPhone 5s
  4. Cory Monteith
  5. Harlem Shake
  6. Boston Marathon
  7. Royal Baby
  8. Samsung Galaxy s4
  9. PlayStation 4
  10. North Korea

This year Google split the list into the top “trending” searches – i.e. those with the most intense periods of interest – and “most searched” terms overall. Among the highlights were the fact that Paul Walker was the top trending search of the year, after his untimely death following a car crash in November, followed by ‘iPhone 5S’ and ‘royal baby’.

For the UAE, search trends pretty much mirrored the overall global trends with results such as footballer Lionel Messi winning spot of ‘most searched for athlete’ while local shows such as Arab Idol made it in the top 3 spot for most searched for TV show. Although the list serves more as an interesting review on events of the year past, some brands in industries such as gadgets & tech, more specifically mobile phone categories, could find value in matching the results against marketing key campaigns carried out for the year e.g. which mobile phone brands & models were searched for the most & in which part of the world. The full list can be found on Google’s blog here.

December 15, 2013
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN IN THE 1960s

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN IN THE 1960s

A new exhibition in London called “Systems” invited top designers to pay tribute with a series of 34 posters to industrial designer Dieter Rams’s work with Braun – an epitome of the ever austere German Functionalism.

At Braun in the 1960s, Rams put into practice a comprehensive approach to ID and brand strategy where products weren’t designed in isolation, but rather as a part of a family of iconic products. Many critics today say Rams’s influence can be seen today in the Apple-dominated world of highly stylized product lines.

“In the 1960s, the entire Braun program was a single system that informed the design of everything from the products, the packaging, the guarantee slips, and they brochures,” says James Charles-Edwards of Walter Knoll, a prestigious European furniture company which is hosting the exhibition at its London showroom. “What remains impressive today is the way that this great range of objects interlocked to produce a single coherent program.”

“Systems” celebrates the cohesiveness of Rams’s design program by displaying examples of the company’s classic 1960s products coupled with the exhibition of commissioned posters, which are displayed in an interlocked mosaic on a giant wall of the Walter Knoll showroom.

The exhibition showcases many different approaches: Artica Design emphasized the Braun LE 1 speakers with their clean functionalism and grid-like grill, while Swedish design studio Lundgren+Lindqvist opted to abstract Braun’s design language through pixelation.

Bernd Grenther’s design explores the evolution of Braun’s color palette from 1955 to 1995. Designer Tom Higston, on the other hand, showcases how the design of one of Braun’s iconic products–the egg-beater– is still a beautiful object even when splattered with batter.

Although, today Braun’s products have moved away from their utilitarian intentions and become more like decorative objects, Braun’s systemic approach to rational industrial design, under Rams’ legacy, provides a great blueprint for achieving branding cohesiveness which contributes to brand success and can be seen practiced even today by companies such as Apple.

For those traveling to London anytime soon, Systems will be on exhibit until January 31, 2014.

Original article: FastCoDesign

November 27, 2013
INFOGRAPH: PANTONE COLOUR

INFOGRAPH: PANTONE COLOUR FOR 2014

An unofficial panel of senior designers from countries including Australia, Japan, Brazil, Italy, UK, Germany and USA cast their votes for Pantone’s 2014 Color of the Year. They predictions are presented in the infograph below:

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