CC.BLOG POST

[chehaylechandran]

BLOG POST 7: LEARNING FROM DOCUMENTARIES

Movie: American Factory/Directed by Julia Reichert, and Steve Bogna/ Release Date- January 25, 2019

"Factory Chronicles: Decoding the Storytelling Mastery of “American Factory."

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON STORY:

In post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese billionaire opens a new factory in the husk of an abandoned General Motors plant. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America.

"American Factory" is a documentary that delves into the complexities of globalization and the clash of cultures in a factory setting. The film offers a rich tapestry of storytelling elements that not only inform but also deeply resonate with the audience. In this exploration, we will unravel the major elements that construct the story, analyze the techniques that draw the audience in and extract valuable ideas for future presentations.

MAJOR ELEMENTS:

Compelling Characters: The documentary offers a diverse cast of characters, from factory workers to executives, each with their aspirations, struggles, and perspectives. The character diversity humanizes the narrative, making it relatable to a broader audience. 

Conflict and Tension: A central element of the story is the clash between American and Chinese work cultures. The documentary skillfully builds and maintains tension throughout, creating a narrative arc that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. 

Cultural Context: "American Factory" explores the cultural nuances at play within the factory, shedding light on the impact of cultural differences on communication, teamwork, and overall work dynamics. This cultural context adds depth to the narrative and enhances understanding.

Docuementary Realism: The filmmakers adopt a cinéma vérité approach, capturing unscripted moments and genuine reactions. This realism provides authenticity to the storytelling, allowing the audience to witness events as they unfold, unfiltered and raw.

HOW DID I GET DRAWN INTO THE STORY: 

Intimate Cinmentaography: The documentary uses intimate cinematography to bring the audience into the heart of the factory. Close-ups, fly-on-the-wall shots, and personal interviews create a sense of proximity, making the viewer feel like a participant rather than a passive observer.

Personal Narratives: By intertwining the personal stories of the workers with the broader narrative, the filmmakers evoke empathy and connection. The struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of individual characters become a focal point, drawing the audience emotionally into the larger socio-economic issues explored in the documentary.

Sound Design: The ambient sounds of the factory, combined with a carefully crafted musical score, contribute to the immersive experience. The soundscape reinforces the environment, creating an emotional and sensory connection that enhances the audience's engagement.

WHAT CAN I TAKE AWAY/USE ON MY OWN:

Embrace Complexity: Inspired by the nuanced portrayal of cultural clashes in "American Factory," future presentations can benefit from embracing complexity. Acknowledging and addressing the intricacies of a topic can elevate the narrative and provide a more comprehensive understanding for the audience.

Humanize Data: Just as the documentary humanizes global economic issues through personal narratives, future presentations can humanize data. Incorporating real stories, case studies, and personal experiences can make abstract information more relatable and impactful.

Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting cultural differences is a key takeaway from the documentary. In future presentations, being mindful of cultural nuances and incorporating a global perspective can enhance communication and foster inclusivity.

“​​American Factory”  stands as a testament to the storytelling prowess of documentaries. Its ability to navigate complex themes, draw in the audience through relatable characters, and provide an intimate view into a foreign world offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling capabilities. As I reflect on the documentary's impact, I am inspired to incorporate these storytelling elements into my future presentations, aiming to create narratives that are not only informative but deeply resonate with the audience.

####

[chehaylechandran]

BLOG POST 6:

ANALYZE MY EXPERIENCE...

purchasing a book at the bookstore.

The thought process of purchasing a new book and analyzing the experience can vary from person to person, but it generally involves several stages. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved in my thought process:

Identifying the Need or Desire-

The process often begins with a need or desire for new reading material. This need can be driven by various factors, such as personal interests, educational requirements, or recommendations from others.

Setting a Goal-

The reader may set specific goals for their book purchase. This could include seeking entertainment, gaining knowledge, exploring a new genre, or addressing a particular topic or problem.

Research and Discovery-

Readers typically begin by searching for books that align with their goals and interests. That could be choosing a specific self-help book or a type of genre.

Book Selection-

Once potential books have been identified, the reader must make a choice. Factors that are crucial in this include author reputation, book reviews, cover design (because yes you do have to judge a book by its cover), and a personal connection to the subject matter.

Reading Experience-

Once the book is in hand the reader begins the reading experience. This involves absorbing the content, engaging with the narrative, and enjoying the author's writing style.

Analyzing the Experience-

As the reader progresses through the book, they may continually analyze their experience. This could involve evaluating the book's impact on their emotions, thoughts, and understandings. They might also reflect on the writing style, character development, and themes.

Future Reading Choices-

The experience with this one book often influences future reading choices. Readers may seek out more books by the same author, explore related topics, or continue to diversify their reading habits. This thought process may vary from person to person and the analysis of the reading experience is highly subjective and personal. It depends on who the reader is and the book itself.

Certain things set apart the experience of buying a book, going into the store you notice attributes of the store that make you feel as if you belong there. 

Bookstores often employ various strategies to entice customers to purchase books. Here are some noticeable elements and tactics you might encounter in a bookstore designed to encourage book buying:

Well-Organized Shelves: Neatly organized bookshelves make it easier for customers to browse and find books that interest them. Books are often categorized by genre, author, or theme.

Staff Recommendations: Bookstore employees may create shelves or displays featuring their personal recommendations. These curated lists can help customers discover new books and authors.

Comfortable Seating: Bookstores often provide cozy seating areas where customers can sit down and flip through books. This encourages extended browsing and a comfortable environment for reading.

In-Store Coffee Shops: Many bookstores have coffee shops or cafes, allowing customers to enjoy a drink while perusing books. This creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Book Summaries and Reviews: Some bookstores place summary cards or reviews next to books to provide a glimpse of the content and potential appeal.

Interactive Displays: Some bookstores incorporate interactive displays or digital screens that provide additional information about books and authors.

Seasonal and Thematic Displays: Bookstores often create displays based on seasons, holidays, or current events, making it easier for customers to find books relevant to the time of year.

Ambiance and Music: The ambiance of a bookstore, including background music and decor, can enhance the overall experience and make customers feel more comfortable and immersed in the world of books.

These elements collectively create a welcoming and engaging environment that encourages customers to explore, discover, and ultimately make a book purchase. Bookstores strive to make the act of buying a book not just a transaction but an enjoyable and enriching experience.

4 P'S OF MARKETING

PRODUCT/ PRICE/PLACE/PROMOTION

PRODUCT-

a. Diversify your product range: Besides selling physical books, consider offering e-books, audiobooks, and even book-related merchandise (e.g., bookmarks, book-themed gifts) to cater to different customer preferences.

b. Curate your selection: Create unique, curated book collections to cater to specific interests, genres, or demographics, providing a personalized shopping experience.

c. Partner with local authors: Collaborate with local authors to feature and promote their books in your store, fostering a sense of community and supporting local talent.

PRICE-

a. Loyalty programs: Introduce loyalty programs or subscription models that offer discounts, exclusive content, or early access to new releases to incentivize customer retention.

b. Competitive pricing: Regularly review and adjust your book prices to remain competitive with online retailers, and consider price matching policies.

c. Bundle deals: Offer package deals where customers can buy multiple books at a discounted price, encouraging them to buy more.

PLACE-

a. Online presence: Develop a robust e-commerce website or partner with established online marketplaces to reach customers beyond your physical location.

b. Digital delivery options: Implement digital delivery options for e-books and audiobooks, allowing customers to purchase and enjoy books instantly.

c. Mobile apps: Create a mobile app for your store, enabling customers to browse, purchase, and track their orders on the go.

PROMOTION-

a. Social media marketing: Maintain an active presence on social media platforms to engage with your audience, share book recommendations, and run targeted ad campaigns.

b. Content Marketing: Start a blog or newsletter to provide book reviews, author interviews, and literary content that can attract and retain readers.

c. In-store events: Host book readings, author signings, and book club meetings to create a sense of community and encourage foot traffic.

By incorporating these additional Ps and modernizing the traditional 4 Ps, a bookstore can better adapt to the changing retail landscape and enhance its appeal to a broader range of customers.

####

[chehaylechandran]

BLOG POST 5-

{QUAKER OATS CREATIVE BRIEF DEBRIEF}

The creative brief is already following brand guidelines by staying on brand with the colors and font they are using in their brief. Already consumers know who is talking to them from two simple steps, color & font. From the beginning, you know what the objectives are that Quaker is trying to accomplish: increase brand awareness, and market share for Quaker Oats Oatmeal, Promote the health benefits of oatmeal as a nutritious breakfast option, and encourage customer engagement and loyalty. 

While there is no target audience they are trying to specifically target, you can assume the average 25-45-year-old, health-conscious individuals who live a busy life but seek to fulfill their body with nutritious meals would be enticed by this creative brief. On the contrary, it could also be well for families that are also in a time crunch but need healthy foods for growing kids. 

The key message Quaker is getting across is, “Start your day off right with Quaker Oats Oatmeal- the perfect breakfast choice for a healthier you.” It engrains into the minds of consumers that they care for you and want to fulfill the needs of their consumers wants. 

Their campaign theme “Morning fuel for champions,” creates a unifying concept that guides the creative direction, ensuring consistency and cohesion across various marketing materials. 

Creative elements are displayed in the brief like visuals, taglines, and key features. This gives the creative team a clear starting point and direction for design and content creation. Their tone and voice are described, ensuring that all marketing materials have a consistent and appropriate style that resonates with the audience.

The objective in this brief is to create more sales for Quaker Oats. Ways you can entice your audience is using numbers and charts which are presented in the infographic. It makes readers want to learn more about what is going on. 

Measurements of success are recorded by; an increase in sales revenue compared to the previous year, conversion rates from digital advertising, Tracking coupon code redemptions, and customer feedback and surveys to understand the impact of promotional strategies.

This creative brief is tailored to prioritize strategies and messaging that directly contribute to increased sales, making it clear that the campaign's main focus is on driving product purchases.

A couple of things that could benefit from changing the focus of wanting to change people's minds, but trying to relate to them in a way that has not been done before. Connecting with people on a level that has not been tried before when attracting consumers to the product.  Trying something new with people, because they are already tied into a category of a busy life, the need for a short and quick informative video for them to watch is going to increase their likelihood of buying it which would in return boost sales for the Quaker Oats company. 

#####

[chehaylechandran]

BLOG POST 4-

YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS

Everyone expresses their actions and choices through what they do. The decisions they make are all based on how a certain individual goes about them, with similar outcomes everyone first starts off with their OWN thinking patterns and how they light their own lightbulb to pour out ideas.  

The creative process is a complex and often highly individualized series of steps individuals go through to generate new and valuable ideas, concepts, or works. It can vary from person to person and across different creative domains, such as art, music, writing, or problem-solving. 

While there is not one exact way that this process is established usually there is a solid dynamic that most follow, usually subconsciously to process and deliver ideas. 

According to WeWork Ideas, “Understanding the four stages of the creative process, and how science can teach us about our creative process and how to utilize the tools we already have.”

The four stages include; preparation, incubation, Illuminiations, and verification. 

In the preparation stage, I take the time to gather information, explore relevant concepts, and immerse myself in the subject matter. Conduct research, brainstorm, or simply allow ideas to marinate in your mind. This stage lays the foundation for creativity by building knowledge and understanding of the problem or topic.

In the next step, you step back from actively working on the problem or project. Your subconscious mind continues to work on the issue, and new ideas might emerge when you least expect them. This often happens during "aha" moments when you're doing something unrelated to the project. It is important to follow this step, for me, because when you take a look back at how all the puzzle pieces are fitting, there is almost likely something you can edit, replace, or get rid of. Most of the time taking a break allows one another to have a greater sense of accomplishment in the end result. 

Besides taking a step back from your work, the one thing that really can accelerate your process is sharing your process with other people. Just talking about how the wheel in your brain works, can spark inspiration for someone else or could bring a side that you never could see because of the other person's background knowledge. 

It is interesting to see how others indulge in your own work and what they take, which can further your knowledge and expand the idea of creativity. 

It's important to note that the creative process is not always linear, and it can be iterative. You may find yourself moving back and forth between stages as you refine your ideas and work on creative projects. Also, not all creative projects follow all these stages, and some may skip or repeat steps. Creativity is a dynamic and personal process that can vary from person to person, so it's important to find what works best for you and your specific creative pursuits.

####

[chehaylechandran]

BLOG POST 3

Good Questions- Changing the Narrative

A series of questions below are mentioned in a close-ended way:

Have you ever sent a text message while driving?

Would you say you travel abroad frequently?

Do you post a lot of pictures on Instagram?

Do you prefer to shop at big boxes or locally owned stores?

Do you have an iPhone or an Android phone?

How often do you eat sweets?

Do you tend to buy things that are on sale?

I tried to change the narrative by opening up the discussion and allowing more room for conversation, or a open-ended question:

Can you share your thoughts on the importance of avoiding distractions while driving?

What are some memorable travel experiences you've had abroad, and how have they influenced you?

What kind of content do you like to share on social media platforms like Instagram, and why?

When it comes to shopping, do you have any particular preferences for supporting local/small businesses or choosing larger retail chains? Why?

What are the features or aspects of your smartphone that you find most valuable and why?

Tell me about your favorite types of sweets or desserts, and why you enjoy them.

How do you approach shopping for products, and does getting items on sale play a significant role in your decision-making process? Why or why not?

These questions allow the person asking them to get a tremendous amount of insight from the interviewee rather than one-word answers.

Sometimes when you ask questions that are too close- ended you tend to not get the right information and will need to ask clarifying questions. This allows the person being interviewed to present in the way they feel need to be.

So why is it important to ask the right questions?

Asking the right question is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost for clarity and understanding. Properly phrased questions can lead to clear and concise answers. They help to eliminate ambiguity and ensure that both the interviewer and the interviewee are on the same page. This is dominant in all aspects of life, professional relationships, education systems, and anything with a problem-solving context.

Another reason why it is important to ask questions is for the advancement of critical thinking. First formulating thoughtful questions encourages critical thinking, when one thing is said another is triggered by the respondent. It pushes individuals to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, leading to a deeper understanding of the issues arising.

An article posted by Forbes by former writer Ashira Prossack, explains the importance of asking the right questions and how it helps people communicate with confidence, clarity, and credibility.

In summary, asking the right questions is a fundamental skill that underpins effective communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and learning. It is essential in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors, and can lead to better outcomes and deeper understanding.

###

[chehaylechandran]

BLOG POST 2

FACT VS INSIGHT

A fact is a true datum about one or more aspects of a circumstance. Standard reference works are often used to check facts. Scientific facts are verified by repeatable careful observation or measurement by experiments or other means. Insight means the understanding of a specific cause and effect within a particular context. The capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person/ thing. While these both showcase the word truth, we know both are accurate, valid, and valuable information that is being given. But where do they differ?

Sometimes the addition of a little information can bring a new perspective to a problem or help you to better understand a person or situation. For example: Meeting a friend's parents can help you understand why they do some of the things they do. Understanding the traits of others can also lead to longer friendships.

Insight comes in many shapes and forms and has a little more leeway of understanding. Unlike facts where things are usually black and white, either correct or false. 

Some examples of insight could be you try out different recipes that all seem to fail, then decide to take a break for a few days to suddenly realize the crucial missing ingredient. Or you want to start a new project in the backyard but the budget is high in demand and then fighting out a way that is more cost-effective.

Further research was done about the actual understanding of insight and a case study was done in 1913 by Wolfgang Köhler. The study was explained as such: Köhler presented various animals with a series of problems (fetching fruit) that could only be resolved by overcoming an obstacle. Time and time again, Köhler referred to a time delay between early failed attempts at solving the problem, and the eventual solution being found. He quotes, “After many failures, Tschego (the ape) finally sits down quietly. But her eyes wander and soon fix on the little tree, which she had left lying a little way behind her, and all of a sudden, she seizes it quickly and surely, and breaks off a branch, and immediately pulls the objective to her with it.” The time delay is considered a key property of insight learning.

A fact that is indisputably the case. A fact is a statement or assertion that can be proven to be true or false based on empirical evidence or objective reality.

Facts are objective and verifiable pieces of information that are not influenced by personal opinions, beliefs, or interpretations. They are often used as a basis for forming conclusions and making decisions because they represent an accurate representation of reality.

For example, the statement "The Earth revolves around the Sun" is a fact because it is supported by scientific evidence and observations. On the other hand, statements that are based on personal beliefs or opinions, such as "Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor," are not considered facts because they are subjective and cannot be empirically proven to be universally true.

Facts are essential in fields such as science, history, mathematics, and many others, as they provide a foundation for knowledge and understanding. It's important to distinguish between facts and opinions, as opinions are subjective and can vary from person to person, while facts are objective and consistent.

In summary, while facts are concrete and objective pieces of information that can be proven true or false, insights involve a more subjective, interpretative, and often creative process of gaining a deeper understanding or realization. Both facts and insights have their place in various aspects of human knowledge and decision-making.

[chehaylechandran]

BLOG POST 1

(X) aka Twitter's influence on society.

Twitter communication is powered by a combination of technology and algorithms. Multiple key components play a part in making Twitter communication work. Including followers and following, hashtags, mentions, trending topics, and timelines. Are all influenced by the way your individual platform is set up and the things you do.

The platform influences everyone in different ways but for me, it is a way to communicate, learn, and discover. From all things from what makes you laugh to very serious issues, like who even is running ‘X’.

Overall Twitter’s impact on society is multifaceted and is able to facilitate communication, information dissemination, and social interaction because it is a social media platform.

The real resonation for Twitter for me is that it is an area where one can amplify their voice. Twitter has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups and marginalized communities. It provides a platform for individuals and organizations to raise awareness about social justice issues, share their experiences, and advocate for change. According to ABC News between May 25 and June 15,2020, an outstanding 390 million tweets in the US were about the Black Lives Matter movement.

Another reason it is influential is because of the political engagement. ‘X’ plays a significant role in political communication. Politicians, government officials, and political activists use the platform to reach their constituents, share policy, and announcements, and engage in political discourse, it has become vital for election campaigns and political movements. While this can be good and bad, some may use this power in the wrong ways. There are a few examples below from former president Trump expressing his thoughts on Twitter:

The brand's planning team does intense research in order to fulfill the needs of its users. While lately, things have been different, brand planning teams are here to understand the app better for individuals and design it to their liking. Twitter undergrow a groundbreaking study sharing it with its audience: The analysis uncovered the unique roles that Twitter plays within each community and the reasons people engage with their communities. For brands, the research identified what they can do to make sure that when they get involved with these communities, they can be successful. The study uncovered key motives for people taking part in their communities. These included feeling part of a broader conversation, staying connected, and accessing up-to-date information and news. There was also a place for discovering entertaining content and receiving emotional support and like said before the opportunity to influence others.  

Everyone gets their information in some way or another. I feel as though this would not be a sight for everyone to use. Including politicians if their power is missteered, or people that would not use it for its intended purpose but rather to troll and create an issue for other users on the app.

#####