#generating concepts

[thedesignmatrix]

GAMIFICATION 

Great presentation on the concept of Gamification - applying game principles to non-game contexts.

I view Gramification as an extension of behavioral economic principles as opposed to an extension of video games. Which is an unfortunate result of the branded name "Gamification".

Gamification embraces that fact that human beings are not only Homo Sapiens (The Wise Man). But also Homo Ludens (Man the player).

Ultimately, game mechanics are a powerful tool to engage with customers and extend the relationship beyond the transaction.

[thedesignmatrix]

WHY HOW WHAT

Every organization knows what they do. A few know how they do it. Very few know why they do it. Why is not making money - making money is a result.

So, what does this look like in communication?

WHAT first communication We make great computers. They are well designed. Want to buy one?

WHY first communication Everything we do we believe in challenging the status quo. The way we challenge the status quo is by making them well designed and friendly. We happen to make computers. Want to buy one?

What = Rational thought How/Why = Human loyalty, emotion and decision-making.

It comes down to, "What do you believe."

[thedesignmatrix]

TRANSFORMING YOUR STORYTELLING

[thedesignmatrix]

DATA VISUALIZATION MASTER CLASS

Great overview of logic behind creating a data visualization. Some key factors include:

Are you looking to educate or persuade? 

Are you looking to explore or explain?

Define the desired knowledge before the structure.

Use the correct properties for visual coding. http://complexdiagrams.com/properties

Colors are not ordered – Values are.

Use defaults. Not invent new visual languages.

The answers to these questions will have a dramatic impact on the outcome of the data visualization. It is quite possible that the same set of data could generate multiple data visualizations that are accurate.

More data is indistinguishable from noise. So present the data that is important to the user. Setting goals first, will help to make this decision.

This is the danger of data. It feels concrete but it really is subjective.

Learn more here: http://complexdiagrams.com/ Color palettes for data viz: http://colorbrewer2.org

[thedesignmatrix]

GENERIC OPPORTUNITY SPACES FOR BRAND BUILDING

Wondering how to target your first steps into branding? Instead of going big – go small. Look for the smallest, significant, tangible activity you can create a distinctive capability around.

The danger with the first steps into branding is that effort may be spent on experience that don't move the needle for your company. The reason is because brand is an abstract concept – and therefore hard to get footing in. Especially, if it is a new activity for your company.

Where do you start?

There are two main opportunity spaces to get started growing your brand.

Internal Opportunity: Look for a Strategic Tactic Look within your yearly strategy plan - which is all about finding opportunities for growth. What is the signature tactic of your plan? What is the must win? Take a tactic (for example: your showroom experience or call-center operations) and begin to build a cohesive brand experience there. The Challenge: Determining if this tactic has differentiating value for your customer. Is it big enough to generate business value?

External Opportunity: Look into Analogous Industries What industries are similar to the value that you produce for your customers? They might also face analogous business problems but in different context. Their approach may be recognizable, relevant and transferable. Look at your market and your customer. Define this gap in the market and create a solution that works within your capabilities. The Challenge: Determining if this gap can be filled with capabilities and systems already in place.

These small wins add-up faster than you think.

(Speaking of analogous markets - concepts from this post come from Analytics at Work.)

[thedesignmatrix]

WHAT IS DESIGN?

Charles Eames' classic Q&A on Design.

[thedesignmatrix]

ON AUTHENTICITY, DIFFERENTIATION, QUALITY

"Making a seamless record, where every note and syllable is in place and every bass drum beat is identical, its no trick. Any idiot with the patience and the budget to allow for such foolishness can do it. I prefer to work on records that aspire to greater things, like originality, personality, and enthusiasm. If every element of the music and dynamics of a band is controlled by click tracks, computers, automated mixes, gates, samplers and sequencers, then the record may not incompetent, but it certainly won't be exceptional. It will also bear very little relationship to the live band, which is what all this hooey is supposed to be about."

- Steve Albini's appeal to Nirvana