It’s been 10 years since Facebook launched, and whilst we’ve seen many design and development changes, the one concern that has remained constant is its invasion of people’s privacy. It is no secret that the tech giant’s key revenue generator is targeted advertising, possible solely via the large volume of personal data it possesses. Continually under such privacy-related duress, it interesting to learn about a new feature released just a few days ago – ‘Nearby Friends’.
How online brands still feel “human”
Very rarely is a brand associated with the customer service it delivers…more often than not, consumers will think of the products, the logo, the design, the retail environment and purchasing experience. While the market’s definition of a brand has definitely expanded in recent memory to include the “softer” elements of a business’s interactions with the public, the focus on customer service, however committed a company may claim to be to it, is still lacking, especially in less developed or newly emerging markets.
Brands and colours: An instantaneous method for conveying meaning without words
Colours are a language of their own; in every day life and in visual communication, they are one of the first things we register when we are assessing anything. They evoke emotions and have psychological properties that instantly trigger various thoughts, memories and associations for people, environments and events.
Art, design and music have always been an a representation of how a culture expresses attitudes and emotions of the time: this expression is represented in forms of design. For example, the 70s recession brought earthy colors, environmental movement into the design. In the 80’s, we see an explosion of vibrant colours with the economic upturn and MTV’s influence on spreading pop music. In the 90’s, we see grunge and graffiti style. The 00’s, we see the influence of the technology revolution and minimalism, individualism and globalisation.
Middle East Film & Comic Con
You can be the CEO of a big corporation, a chairman, a fighter or a policeman, but the one thing you probably have in common (particularly, if you grew up in the 80s) is the love for Superman, Batman, Captain America and Marvel massive big books.
What hosting the IPL signifies for brand ‘Dubai’
Just 10 days away, the Pepsi IPL has created much anticipated frenzy, excitement and buzz in the UAE. For those unfamiliar with this event, IPL refers to the “Indian Premier League” and is a professional league for men’s Twenty20 cricket club. Although only Indian clubs compete at this annual event, each team boasts international cricketers from around the world; making it one the most-watched cricket events in the world! In fact, in 2010, the IPL matches were the first sporting event to be broadcasted on YouTube around the world.
Not a surprise then that the UAE, more particularly Dubai, is hosting the first half of this coveted event.
What IS Creativity?
We throw the word around a lot. Companies advertise for “creative types” to fill “creative roles”, look for people who have “creative thinking skills”, and are able to contribute “creative solutions and perspectives”. Companies claim to be “creative companies” or work in the “creative space”. Job candidates splash the word “creative” all across their resumes, their LinkedIn profiles, and their cover letters. There are industry competitions and awards given to companies in every industry from design to technology to architecture to medicine to law to fashion to agriculture that recognizes those who have been “creative”. But what exactly does it mean to be creative? What exactly IS creativity?
Branding and Start-ups
Success in any activity requires the right ingredients and basic fundamentals. Winning a sports championship requires skill and years of practice, baking requires the right mix of ingredients, – similarly a business requires the basic fundamentals to start, grow and establish a presence in the market. A strategic business plan, clear goals and a robust brand from day one are certainly key ingredients towards a strong foundation and success for any large or small business.
From Fad to Reality: The Evolution of “Green” Brands
“Go Green”. A slogan that once represented a trend today represents a lifestyle. What started as a minor effort to adopt environmentally friendly habits has grown into people being conscious global citizens, who are increasingly contributing to a green planet. Amidst their personal efforts, people have also turned to leading global brands with just one (but by no means small) expectation: how to lead the way towards sustainable development.
The Brand Environment: why looks DO matter!
Whenever we think about a brand—we automatically think of a logo. Visions of the different brands in our lives will flash before our eyes: the cursive red Coca Cola logo, the green Starbucks mermaid, Apple Inc.’s white apple with a bite in it, the patterned “LV” splashed across a Louis Vuitton bag.
But there’s a bigger picture…literally.
