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January 30, 2014
GLOBAL MOBILE USAGE STATISTICS

GLOBAL MOBILE USAGE STATISTICS FOR 2014

A couple of weeks ago We Are Social Singapore published a comprehensive global snapshot of predicted mobile penetration across the world in 2014. The full report presents a rich variety of key statistics, data and behavioural indicators for social, digital and mobile channels around the world. The report also presents in-depth analyses for 24 of the world’s largest economies: Argentina, Australia, Brazile, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, and the USA.

Click here to view the full report.

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.

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.

November 16, 2013
THE EXPECTATION GAP

THE EXPECTATION GAP IN THE RETAIL EXPERIENCE

Last month Dubai played host to the Middle East Retail Forum, an annual unique forum where retailers and their associates come together on a common platform to discuss critical issues and trends shaping the future of Middle East retail industry and share their experience and exchange industry knowledge.

One of the interesting output reports we came across online was by digital agency FITCH, titled “The Joy of Shopping: It’s all in the mind”. An examination of what consumers want from the shopping experience, the findings are based on a 2012 survey in which 7,250 shoppers in seven markets – China, India, Brazil, Russia, USA, UK and UAE were polled. Referred to as the first quantitative global study of shopper mindstates, the survey explored today’s shoppers from a number of critical angles: 1) degree of involvement in the shopping experience, 2) satisfaction levels with current shopping experiences, 3) perceived channel preference across: store, website, app & social media, and 4) the gap between their current and ideal imagined shopping experience. To give a bit more of a truer context, polling questions were limited to three categories: electronics, groceries & fashion.

Below is a summary of some of the report findings:

Despite the entrance of e-commerce, sluggish world economies, people’s enthusiasm for the world’s favourite pastime remains high.

The electronics category enjoys the highest levels of enthusiasm for shopping across genders & income classes.

Shopping enthusiasm is felt most strongly in emerging markets. This is largely attributed to burgeoning middle classes and their enjoyment of the opportunities brought by higher disposable incomes and expanding retail choices available to them.

Shoppers in mature markets, US & UK, are less likely to describe themselves as enjoying the experiences. It is in these markets that retailers need to explore ways to re-engage customers.

Despite the emergence of e-commerce platforms and evolving use of digital tools, bricks & mortar stores are in no danger of going away anytime soon. Customers still view the physical store as the most preferred shopping channel.

People do a lot more shopping “in the mind” and don’t restrict their browsing and buying to physical stores. Retailers should work to develop an integrated and rich range of experiences that can satisfy the shopper’s need to dream about and explore new product choices as we as efficiently locate their final choices.

Readers interested in viewing the full report can do so here. In a destination like Dubai which has successfully leveraged itself as a strong player in the shopping tourism industry, ongoing surveys such as this offer useful insight on how retails brands and even shopping mall brands can continually inspire & satisfy their customers. Shoppers want to be inspired, whether they are shopping for Saturday evening’s dinner, or something to wear for a first day at work. As shoppers gain more access to brand & product knowledge and evolve their behaviours, retailers need to invest in keeping pace and matching or surpassing the shopper’s expectations.

August 4, 2013
INFOGRAPHIC – WHAT HAPPENS

INFOGRAPHIC – WHAT HAPPENS ONLINE IN 60s?

A few days ago I discovered this interesting infographic below, created by MyCleverAgency, which presents what exactly happens on average every minute of every day on the most popular digital platforms.  Highlights include:

  • 2 million search queries are entered on Google
  • 41 thousand posts, 1.8 million likes and 340GB of data are shared on Facebook
  • 278 thousand tweets are published on Twitter
  • 72 hours of videos are uploaded to Youtube
  • 204 million emails are sent
  • 3,600 photos are shared every second on Instagram

Original article spotted on Wamda.com

October 16, 2011
What are the habits

What are the habits of creative people?

The ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ book is probably one of the most widely known self-help books out there. Published in 1989, it was written by author Stephen R. Covey who outlined seven core principles to being effective in the attainment of one’s goals.

In today’s post we’re interested in exploring this subject but more in the context of the communications design industry. We work in a field that requires constant pursuit of creativity of ‘out of the box’ thinking all in the name of coming up with that BIG idea that will knock our clients’ socks off! So how does one do it? How does one stay plugged into the well of creativity?

There is no doubt that there is a plethora of self-help books for the creative profession; we’ll review some of our favourite ones in a future post. In the online space there are numerous blogs and podcasts by industry veterans on how they’ve managed to sustain that energy and fresh perspective after working with many clients.

Below is a selection of 10 habits recommended for creative professions, each supplemented with links to blogs that have more useful tips on things one can do to keep a fresh perspective and steer well clear of the boring box.

1. Solitude

Creativity flourishes in solitude. With quietness, you can hear your thoughts, you can reach deep within yourself, and you can focus. Of course, there are lots of ways to find this solitude. Via ZenHabits

2. Embrace your individuality

Individuality is something that we were all born with whether we like it or not. You have unique experiences and unique perspectives. If you can acknowledge this – that you have singular traits and singular ideas, your creative output will explode in both volume and distinction as you embrace who you are. Via ChangingMinds

3. Expect the unexpected

Take anomalies seriously. Recover from familiars and learn from them. Avoid excessive attachment to your own ideas and always be willing to recognize and admit mistakes. Via PT.com

4. Ask questions

Identify the problem and writing nothing but questions about it for 10 minutes a day for 30 days. This helps you fully explore issues around the challenge and gives you time to shift your perspective. Via FastCompany

5. Have fun

Creativity needs two ingredients, in comedy especially. It needs the sort of relaxing bull shitting, left-brain throwing ideas around where 99 percent of it is a waste of time. But then someone throws out a weird nugget or they’re just riffing on something completely inconsequential and they come up with something great. And then the next day is about we’re assembling them, we’re putting it together. Via Conan Obrien interview

6. Read, read, read

If you’re stuck for an idea, open a dictionary, randomly select a word and then try to formulate ideas incorporating this word. You’d be surprised how well this works. The concept is based on a simple but little known truth: freedom inhibits creativity. There are nothing like restrictions to get you thinking. Via Alex Shalman

7. Reject fear, embrace imagination

Fear is an emotion and it’s impossible to counter an emotion with logic. So you need to mount emotional arguments for why your fear of the new is the thing you truly need to fear. [For imagination] just knowing it exists ought to be enough. Once you realize you’re settling, it may just be enough to get you wondering… wondering whether maybe, just maybe, something better is behind curtain number 2. Via Seth Godin

8.Don’t emulate your heroes & competition

There is a form of oppression that emerges when we allow the work of our influences or competitors to drive our creating in an unhealthy way. The creative process is a personal assault on the beachhead of apathy and a push to explore and break new ground, even when we are uncertain of a successful result. The more we try to force a successful (and derivative) result, the less likely we are to see true breakthrough. It’s only when we are free to abandon our need to measure up and instead simply trust our abilities that we will begin to see real creative brilliance emerge. Via FastCompany

9.Play games

Always carry a small notebook and a pen or pencil around with you. That way, if you are struck by an idea, you can quickly note it down. Upon rereading your notes, you may discover about 90% of your ideas are daft. Don’t worry, that’s normal. What’s important are the 10% that are brilliant. Via Jpb

10.Be flexible in thought, opinion & decisions

A creative genius is flexible in thought, opinion and decision because creativity requires an open mind that takes many perspectives and opinions into consideration at one time. It is from this information that the creative mind is then able to piece together all of the essential ingredients that are required to bring their unique ideas into the physical world. Via IQ Matrix Blog

What habits or routines have helped you nurture your creativity?

June 26, 2011
Robert Redford, Cannes

Robert Redford talks brands at Cannes

CANNES 2011 – A good brand needs to have “authenticity” and “quality” to resonant with consumers in the 21st Century, according to Hollywood legend Robert Redford.

The star of ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ turned independent film producer, was speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Yahoo at the Cannes 2011 Festival of Creativity yesterday (21 June).

He said: “Authenticity and quality are key to great brands. Both lead to trust, and you have to have a certain amount of integrity to achieve that.”

After many years in front of the camera, Redford now manages his own brand, the Sundance Festival and Channel, which showcases smaller indie productions and recognises upcoming talent and creativity.

Redford explained the premise behind his Sundance empire is to nurture creativity and upcoming talent.

He said: “Nobody votes for a new idea. If no one believes in you, you’re going to have to grind it out yourself.”

In words of encouragement for those pushing the boundaries of creativity, he added: “You have to look at failure not as the end of the road, but as a step forward.”

We felt so inspired when we came across this interview, hearing  Robert Redford speak about Brand authenticity, to see the complete interview click here

June 6, 2011
open call to all design enthusiasts

open call to all design enthusiasts

Zaman is calling all Design enthusiasts in the Middle East to part of the ” Common Expressions” Design Competition.

As part of an ongoing investigation on how authenticity can be sustained in the Arab culture, Zaman is calling all Design Enthusiasts to be part of Zaman’s Signature Calendar.

“Common Expressions” is a collection of Arab proverbs which we hear everywhere. The challenge is to bring them to life through the eyes of emerging design enthusiasts that will add meaning to them through visual interpretations. Zaman’s Signature Calendar will feature the 12 best art works that will be selected and judged on artistic merit. See below  images of the calendar from previous years.

This competition is a bridge for design enthusiasts and Zaman to make their design commercially viable. The aim of the calendar’s next collection is to introduce new talent to the broad public and business community. The selected designers will feature on Zaman’s Signature Calender which has now become a reference amongst Zaman’s business community. You will receive a copy of the Calender and your art work will reference your name and contact.

Below are the 12 proverbs, pick the one that inspires you the most and start designing, there are no restraints in terms of your art form, the proverb you will choose will be your starting point in terms of inspiration….so start designing away…and go where your inspiration takes you..!

See our Rules of Entry for details on how to send your work.
ردت حليمة على عادتها القديمة
إن كان حبيبك عسل لاتلحسوا كلو
كلمة ياريت مابتعمر بيت
على قد فراشك مد رجليك
من عاشر القوم أربعين يوم صار منهم
طب الجرة على ثمها تطلع البنت على أمها
إذا أنت أمير وأنا أمير مين بيسوق الحمير
إعطي الخبز لخبازة لو أكل نصفة
اللي ما يعرف الصقر يشويه
غاب القط إلعب يافأر
الباب اللي يجيك منه الريح سده واستريح
القرد بعين أمه غزال

Rules of Entry:

  1. All artwork should be original and individual
  2. Each artist may enter one entry
  3. Selected artwork will be produced in Zaman limited edition calendar and will be shown on display during November 2011.
  4. By entering the Competition, all parties agree that Zaman has the right to Display, copy, and distribute
  5. Submissions not selected will be returned to artists

Judging Criteria:

  1. Entries will be evaluated by Zaman creative team and will be judged on artistic merit

Deadline for Submission: 5th of July

Send your work to info@zaman.ae. Call for more info (+971) 04 326 1000

For more images of previous calenders calenders click here

June 5, 2011
Middle East voter response

Middle East voter response to online brand surveys

If you’re a first time visitor to our blog and have been through our April-May 2011 archives you might be forgiven for thinking that we are carrying out the first of its kind people’s choice award for the most authentic Arab brands across the Middle East. That’s because we are. You can find more details here.

We’re hoping insights from this survey will offer Arab brands a better understanding of what consumers want and also enable brand managers to guage how their marketing strategies to date may have influenced customer perception.

Run entirely online until its conclusion on June 9th the primary promotion approach has been through social media channels; specifically through our own Zaman Branding Facebook page as well as our Twitter profile which have been outposts for the primary campaign site. Voter response to the campaign in terms of traffic to the official site has been amazing. Over a four weeks period we’ve had over 15,000 site visits, of which 11,500 are unique visits, with Facebook as the lead traffic referral site. In terms of voter demographics, main sources of traffic have been the UAE, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt. Even as far afield as the USA and Canada; the former contributing the fourth most amount of site visits.

Mirroring the Facebook’s ‘Like’ button and forgoing a registration process, the ease of voting has been a definite plus. To date we’ve received a well over 3500 votes and counting! Unsurprising though given that recent online market trends show the Middle East is among the fastest growing regions on Facebook. The uptake on twitter has been a bit slower, with most responses in the form of retweets by the nominated brands also present on twitter.

All in all, this initiative is really the most honest & genuine type of feedback that brands would be well to pay attention to and act upon. Consumers have enjoyed the interactions with the brand so much that they, of their own volition, are incited to head to our campaign site and vote for the brand. The key lesson here for brands is that experiences in the “real” world definitely have an impact on brand affinity. The conversations are happening 24/7 and brands need to realise not partaking in the conversations is a missed opportunity.

Image source: Flickr

May 24, 2011
Old Brands vs. New brands

Old Brands vs. New brands – Does Size Really matter? Which brands are faring better in terms of staying relevant and authentic ?

In an age of mass consumption, messaging overload, new media and an informed consumer which brands are faring better in terms of staying relevant and authentic ? Is it the Coca Colas, Niveas and Citibank’s of the world that are sitting on a brand legacy spanning more than 100 years of service , with global operations and an enviable marketing budget (Note: this month Coca Cola and Nivea celebrate 125yrs and 100yrs anniversaries respectively)? Or could it be the “newer” brands in existence for say less than 5 years, catering to a niche audience, with a brand story compelling enough to differentiate themselves from competitors and overcome limited marketing resources?

The answer – it doesn’t matter. Sure, while the longevity of a brand name certainly contributes, somewhat, to the awareness of the brand amongst target audiences, it is the value proposition of the brand ( old or new) instead that appeals most to the consumer. A brand’s stated mission and values from the day of launch and the enactment of these in its commercial operations, workforce and engagement with its audiences contribute to a brand depth enabling the brand to continually innovate – staying relevant and developing new streams of customer value.

We’ve seen evidence of this in the currently running 100 Authentic Arab Brands survey we’ve been conducting for the past month. In terms of the life span of each of the 100 nominated brands, and especially those that have managed to make it to the top 10, it’s really a mixed bag without any discernable data suggesting a voter preference for newer “younger” brands over “older” established brands; or vice versa. Renowned jewellery brand Azza Fahmy for example, from Egypt, has been able to stay authentic in their brand delivery with a brand story that is still relevant 40years after it launched. On the other hand ‘newer’ brands such as Animals of Lebanon or specialist magazines Desert Fish and Soura, all in existence for less than 5yrs have been able to quickly gain an impressionable subscription base that is very active online.

Key takeaway for Middle East brand managers? Legacy or “old” brands that have received numerous votes in our survey are those that have been able to adapt their brand legacy to the zeitgeist while the newer brands that have managed to capture significant voter support have done so because they’ve been able to quickly distinguish themselves at launch, defining clear brand values that resonate with discerning consumers of today.

** Note: A bit of trivia for you >> which country has the highest number of oldest existing brands in the world? Click here

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