Windowless Aircraft Of The Future

November 6, 2014/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by mulalo siminya

Windowless Aircraft In The Future

A new era of passenger airplanes travel seem to be an idea of the future, BUT an idea that may actually take form! A UK-based tech innovation company Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has unveiled a new concept for planes with the windows replaced with display screens stretched out throughout the entire fuselage.

If the concept is to become a reality (the company believes it could happen in 10 years), it could benefit passengers, manufacturers and the environment. Windowless airplanes would allow the aircraft to have thinner walls that would make them considerably lighter, allowing them to consume less fuel. The reduction in fuel consumption would reduce the planes’ CO2 emissions, making them cheaper for manufacturers, airlines and passengers.

The OLED touch screens would cover the passenger plane’s entire interior, including the backs of the seats. The ultra-thin and flexible screens would broadcast the actual view from around the aircraft and produce cabin lighting and also let passengers access touch screen entertainment.

However , those with a fear of heights or flying may never want to fly again, FOR GOOD, as a panoramic view of the skies might be too much to handle!

The view of the skies around the aircraft would be shown to passengers on the OLED screens that cover its entire interior

windowless-passenger-plane-oled-touchscreen-walls-cpi-5

OLED screens on the backs of seats

windowless-passenger-plane-oled-touchscreen-walls-cpi-6

Passengers would use touch-screens for information on in-flight up-dates and to order service from the cabin crew

The touch screens would also have Internet access

windowless-passenger-plane-oled-touchscreen-walls-cpi-3

The night time views would be an amazing experience.

windowless-passenger-plane-oled-touchscreen-walls-cpi-2

According to CPI, the removal of all passenger windows would allow to make airplane walls thinner, lighter, and stronger

windowless-passenger-plane-oled-touchscreen-walls-cpi-1

The Video/ Commercial for this futuristic innovation is quite convincing.

What a wonderful time to be alive!!!

An Imagination Emporium

October 8, 2014/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by mulalo siminya

An Imagination Emporium

A 36,000 Sq Ft Mural Covers The Ceiling Of This New Market Hall In Rotterdam

One of the biggest architectural projects in Europe in recent years, the Markthal Rotterdam, finally opened it’s doors on October 1st, welcoming visitors with a food market and housing development space, that’s 312 000 square-feet. This unique building was designed by architecture office MVRDV and led by developer Provast, who took 5 years to build it in all it’s worthiness.

This horse-shoe shaped architectural marvel, features an open food market, 100 fresh produce units, 15 food shops, 8 restuarants, 228 apartments and 1200 parking places! Oh, what a time to be alive!! This creation seems to be unreal!

The largest, most eye-catching feature of this architecture, besides its shape and fresh content is the 36 000 square-foot colourful mural, which graces the entire ceiling of the structure.

Designed by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam, it is called ‘Cornucopia’, an enormous image of flowers, insects and fresh produce items are printed on separate squares of perforated aluminium panels attached to the building’s acoustic panels covering the ceiling itself.

I guess we would have to visit to truly enjoy this beautiful vision of art!

China Goes Green

October 2, 2014/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by mulalo siminya

CHINA GOES GREEN.

The China Environmental Protection Foundation in collaboration with Jody Xiong from a Chinese creative agency DDB presented a very direct illustration of how walking more and driving less can help the world.

This is exactly how you advertise and make a statement for all to see.

The creators of the ad unfolded a 12.6 metre-long and 7 metre-wide white canvas on the pedestrian crossings in 15 cities in China, with a huge bare tree drawn on each. On the sides of the sidewalks they put huge sponge cushions soaked in green paint which would leave paint on pedestrian’s shoes. As a result, every step (literally) made the tree go greener and greener.

This inspiring campaign was designed to promote environmentally- friendly decisions, such as walking instead of driving. It was estimated to have involved almost 4 million people, creating 132 trees on the crossings. After the campaign, the print work was exhibited at the Shanghai Zheng Da Art Museum.

Times like these, when advertising gets creative and starts to involve the community, really make you appreciate the lengths that companies will go to make a statement.

Website: ddbchina.co

Swingin’ On A Billboard

October 2, 2014/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by mulalo siminya

SWINGIN’ ON A BILLBOARD

Old and abandoned billboards shouldn’t have to stay vacant and rusted, especially the ones closer to the ground in areas where people are constantly moving around going about their daily lives.

How amazing would it be to have a billboard converted to a swingset?? Many people would pass on by, have a quick swing and then go about their business. The swing set would attract alot more people, than one that’s rusted and bare.

Paris-based architect Didier Faustino made this cool swing set out of a converted advertising billboard for the Shenzenhen- Hong Kong Bi-City Biennial of Urbanism and Architecture. Now many people are asking to do the same to vacant billboards throughout America.

Website: mesarchitecture.org

A beautiful piece written below, that defines the project in the best possible way:

“Double Happiness responds to the society of materialism where individual desires seem to be prevailing over all. This nomad piece of urban furniture allows the reactivation of different public spaces and enables inhabitants to reappropriate fragments of their city. They will both escape and dominate public space through a game of equilibrium and desequilibrium. By playing this “risky” game, and testing their own limits, two persons can experience together a new perception of space and recover an awareness of the physical world.”

There Are Two Kinds Of People

September 18, 2014/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by mulalo siminya

There Are Two Kinds Of People

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

Zomato, is an ultra cool website I stumbled upon, dedicated to foodies around the world. They created a series of insightful infographics stressing the complex differences in human behaviour to promote their new app.

In their “Two Kinds of People Project”, the company focuses on the differnces in food choices, escalating with the never-ending conflict between Coca-Cola and Pepsi fans or coffee and tea drinkers alike.

See which group you best belong in, or perhaps you’re none of the below?

More info: zomato.com | Facebook (h/t: Bored Panda)

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-20

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-12

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-15

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-18

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-8

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-1

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-10

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-14

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-16

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-17

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-3

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-7

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-9

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-11

two-kinds-of-people-infographics-zomato-13

Vehicle Branding Advantages

September 16, 2014/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by mulalo siminya

VEHICLE BRANDING ADVANTAGES

The most effective way to advertise and promote your business is through mobile branding, with the use of a vehicle wrap that places your products on the forefront, for all to see.

Once the branding is applied correctly, neatly and seamlessly, you are set and ready to be a mobile billboard.

Below are exactly all the ways in which you can benefit from a good, clean vehicle wrap job for your company cars.

Highly Visible:

Turning your business or personal vehicle into a mobile billboard is a great way in advertising for your business. Your brand therefore becomes visible 24/7 everywhere you go, especially if your company includes a few sales people who are always on the go.

This kind of exposure is unique and different to the kind that would be received through magazine or newspaper publications.

The quality of the vehicle branding tells people that the business has high working standards and this in turn keeps customers flooding in for a wrap.

Cost-Effective:

If you were to compare the cost of advertising in a newspaper or magazine to the cost of branding your vehicle, you would find that vehicle wraps will save you loads on publications spent on a limited audience.

By branding your vehicle/s is a sure way to spend once off and receive endless amounts of consumer audience.

Brand Identity:

For your brand name to create awareness amongst consumers, people need to see it often. What better way than to wrap your vehicle in messaging and artwork that is relevant to your company? Your brand identity popularity will increase rapidly once you have your name out in the world for all to see.

Always remember to display as much contact information possible so that consumers know where to find you upon interest of your brand.

Security:

Vehicle branding happens to also reduce the risk of theft and hijackings. The fact that your car is a moving billboard, makes it easily identifiable and therefore reduces the risk of it getting stolen.

Branding Done Right!

August 18, 2014/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by mulalo siminya

BRANDING DONE RIGHT!

Every year the Department of Human Settlements hosts a national ceremony called the Govan Mbeki Awards- The GMA’s.

The purpose of these awards, according to the Department of Human Resource, is to promote and illustrate a culture of excellence within the Human Settlement sector in the delivery of quality Human Settlements and dignity to South Africans.

This year, the awards were held at the Sandton Convention Centre. FrontSeat Group was asked through Tsalena Media, to re-brand the glass panels within the centre hallways.

Existing branding had to be removed in an area where food is served within the Exhibition Area 2, and be re-branded with the GMA artwork given.

We were supplied with the creative artwork of the logo used for the ceremony, and applied the design concept on all the glass panels hanging along the hallway.

Seven sections of glass in different sizes had to be branded with clear printed vinyl which needed to be complete by the end of the day.

Before you knew it the job was complete and our client was super impressed at the neatness and overall

punctuality of a job well done.

Tsalena Media together with the Department of Human Settlements were impressed with the work we did in the short amount of space as well as the wonderful print work.

We are now in the process of removing the GMA prints and re-applying the old creative that was originally there, as the event is now over.

That’s just how FrontSeat Rolls.

Digital Signage Fails

August 12, 2014/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by mulalo siminya

DIGITAL SIGNAGE FAILS

Digital Signage is a market that is creating a stir in the media, signage and advertising industry, as the ‘go-to’ factor when spreading the word about your products and services. This form of signage is hard to ignore and lights up business platforms in ways that increase business and get the people talking.

Although Digital Signage is sweeping up the signage industry within malls, business parks, gymnasiums and outdoor media, it has to be executed correctly or else your business signage may end up in a fail blog topic quite like this one.

Many things can go wrong with Digital signage, Technical difficulties and electrical problems alike.The main mission is to make sure everything is connected well and updated frequently as well supervised on a daily basis, and all should be fine.

The Blue Screen of Death.

Windows or any other software tend to run into problems regarding viruses, firewalls, information overload etc .Thereafter the blue screen of death appears and all the fun comes to a dead end.

Make sure your software is updated and able to keep your product/advertisements on loop all day, and avoid this not-so-pretty blue screen.

Missing piece of the puzzle

Like a puzzle, a missing screen of a video wall makes the picture incomplete. Video walls are very hard to manage without the correct software and hardware.

Make a faulty screen the least of your worries by making sure there is supervision of the video wall, and only the best in quality in terms of hardware.

A distracting Masterpiece

Oh great…another video wall with distracting consequences!!

Alignment is a key element to always execute correctly, when displaying a video wall message, along with the graphics and content depicting the products of a particular company. The incorrect visual displays per screen were not measured out correctly, the alignment was neglected, the windows task bar is still visible to customers …the list is endless with just how WRONG this video wall came out.

This is a key factor to always remember when using digital signage in this format. Alignment!!

The rest speak for themselves, note each one and avoid it ever happening to your business!

Dead screens.

Pop up tabs that indicate limits to certain functions.

No signal!

And more Blue screens of death..

5 Types Of Signage No Retailer Can Ignore

August 6, 2014/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by mulalo siminya

5 Types of Signage No Retailer Can Afford to Ignore

by Katelyn Gray from SmartSign.

If you want to operate a successful retail business that attracts customers and drives sales, then you need to get noticed – and smart retailer know that signage is the way forward.

Signage in your brick-and -mortar business is just as important as your website design, and retail signage shouldn’t be an afterthought.

Much like you set standards for an employee’s appearance and expectations for their conduct, the colour, visibility, messaging and quality of signs also require a certain amount of development and consideration. Also like employees, signs can be given on-the-job-tasks, ranging from sales information and wayfinding to general product information and usage. With that in mind, here are some practices you will need to keep in mind when thinking about store layout and signage, followed by five types you won’t be able to do without.

Retail Signage Best Practices

Be specific: A customized sign can give you just the right message in just the right place, known as narrow casting. When designing a sign, include specific details, such as location-specific instructions and relevant product information.
Keep it simple: Your sign’s message needs to be clear, because one with too much information is often ignored. Use the five-second rule which states that if you can convey the main themes of the sign in less than five seconds, you pass. If it takes longer, shorten your message or use a series of signs.
Write in headline text: This should help you be concise and simple all at once. Understand the first principle of print journalism: the punch line matters. Can you simplify your text? Can you take out prepositions and extra words? Effective custom signs use a message hierarchy: headline, explanatory text, and finally, a call to action.
Make a call to action: Signs are advertisements, and as any good advertiser knows, you need to get the customer to do something; that’s the call to action. An effective sign needs to have a simple goal.

1. Outdoor Signage

Outdoor signage is arguably the most important kind in physical retail because it’s what gets customers in the door, it therefore is the largest hurdle to beginning a relationship. Exterior signage is the first impression customers have of your business.

These signs need to do more than simply announce who you are, they need to draw in customers and make them want something from you. Effective signage may encourage people who have passed your store many times before to finally give it a chance.

Outdoor signage can take the form of sidewalk signs, entrance signs, awnings, or window signs. Place signage where it is visible to as much walk-by and drive-by traffic as possible. Outdoor signage in particular should be branded effectively to draw the customer in and help to convey the experience that they can expect inside the establishment.

2. Informational Signage

Informational signage may also be known as departmental, directional, organizational, or wayfinding signage. These signs help the customer navigate around your space more easily. The easier it is for a customer to find what they came in for, the more likely they are to rely on that convenience in the future.

Directional signage is self-explanatory: it tells customers where to go. All types of informational signage need to be concise and easy to read so that clients can understand the message with just a split-second glance. Large, bold fonts in highly-visible color schemes best accomplish this goal.

Once you start putting up informational signage, it becomes clear to you if your store is arranged in an orderly fashion with some rhythim or reason behind decision-making. Not only does systematic signage benefit your customers, but it also makes your internal structure more organized.

3. Persuasive Signage

Persuasive signage influences consumer behavior through convincing language or attractive imagery. These signs can advertise a particular product or promotion. Persuasive signs or displays can influence customer flow and improve interactivity with otherwise unnoticed products. Signs that showcase a particular type of product offer an opportunity for retailers to communicate specific details of new, seasonal, or featured items.

Using persuasive signage allows products or brands to more effective communication with customers. These displays can turn an otherwise ordinary product into a popular “hidden gem.” Effective persuasive messaging can also create a higher perceived value for products, increase brand awareness and improve retail sales.

Remember: While persuasive sales signs should be eye-catching and witty, they are not the main attraction. The most effective signs draw the customers to the product.

4. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Compliant Signage -( in our case South African)

Making customers feel welcome means all customers. Offering accessibility by way of parking, entrances/exits, restrooms, cashier stations, fitting rooms, and elevators will make disabled patrons’ experience more comfort and joy. If your location offers accessible features, but does not make them known, you’re doing your customers a serious disservice.

If your store uses a portable ramp with a doorbell or intercom, you will need to install an appropriate sign, letting customers know they can request an employee to bring the ramp to the door. If your store’s accessible entrance is not the same as the main entry way, a sign at the main entrance must indicate where to find the accessible entrance.

Any permanent interior signs indicating bathrooms, elevators, entrances and exits also have to include Braille and tactile characters in legible fonts and contrasting colors, and they must be mounted at specific heights (typically 40 to 60 inches from the ground) for consistency and access.

5. Mats

You may be surprised that mats can also be used as signs, but they’re actually the most versatile signage of all. Mats serve not only safety and cleanliness needs, but also promotional and informational purposes.

You may choose to use mats for branding purposes, or feature something as simple as your company’s logo. Mats can be used for directional wayfinding within the store, in places where hanging signage is not as viable, or to lead the customer to a sale product. Mats also keep stores cleaner during inclement weather. Lastly, mats ease the stress employees impose on their bodies by standing for long periods of time. Ergonomic, cushioned mats help workers feel rejuvenated, as if their shift just started.

When investing in any of these five signage types, try to analyze them with fresh eyes. Imagine entering your store as a new customer. Be honest with yourself about what’s clear and what may be perplexing. Establish a consistent brand and use it across your business, from outdoor signage to your website. If you managed to do just that, you’ll be well on your way to leveraging signage to your retail advantage and cashing in while you’re at it.

Image Credits: Corona Del Mar Today, The Store Starters, Webstagram)

42 Powerful Social And Environmental Ads

August 1, 2014/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by mulalo siminya

42 Of The Most Powerful Social And Environmental Ads

No matter how tired and irritated we might be about the overwhelming flow of ads around us, social ads still manage to catch our attention and make us think twice about the choices we make in life.

Issues of public interest, like our health, the environment and human and animal rights, always strike a chord in our hearts and conscience.

Here are 42 powerful ad campaigns that will inevitably leave you thinking about the issues our world faces. You have got to admire these advertisers’ creativity and insight too.

*viewers discretion is advised*

1. Save Paper – Save The Planet

Advertising Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi, Copenhagen, Denmark

2. Your Skin Color Shouldn’t Dictate Your Future

Advertising Agency: Publicis Conseil, Paris, France

3. Liking Isn’t Helping. Be A Volunteer. Change A Life

Liking a Facebook page, status or twitter feed, that supports a cause is not actually helping.

Advertising Agency: Publicis, Singapore

4. Torture Victims Are People Just Like You And Me

Advertising Agency: Advico Y&R, Zurich, Switzerland

5. Stop The Violence: Don’t Drink And Drive

Advertising Agency: Terremoto Propaganda, Curitiba, Brazil

6. The Right to Childhood Should Be Protected

Image credits: Erik Ravelo

7. Premature Ending: “If you smoke, statistically your story will end 15% before it should.”

“THE END. If you smoke, statistically your story will end 15% before it should. For help with quiting call QUITTLINE on 0200 00 22 00″ (Advertising Agency: Iris, London, UK)

8. World Wide Fund For Nature: Frightening vs. More Frightening

Advertising Agency: DDB&CO., Istanbul, Turkey

9. Deforestation Continues With The Turn Of A Page

Advertising Agency: LINKSUS, Beijing, China

10. Unhate

The Unhate Foundation by United Colors of Benetton, decided to play with a little photoshop. lol.

Advertising Agency: Fabrica, Italy

11. Elm Grove Police Department: Slower Is Better

Advertising Agency: Cramer-Krasselt, Milwaukee, USA

12. Air Pollution Kills 60.000 People A Year

Advertising Agency: unknown

13. Bird Conservation: If You Don’t Pick It Up They Will

Advertising Agency: TBWAHuntLascaris, Johannesburg, South Africa

14. What We See When You Smoke

Advertising Agency: JWT, Atlanta, USA

15. Animal Anti-Cruelty League: That’s Not A Football

Advertising Agency: Lowe Bull, Cape Town, South Africa

16. Bangalore Traffic Police: Don’t Talk While Driving

Advertising Agency: Mudra Group, India

17. Child Soldiers: It’s Not Happening Here, But It’s Happening Now

Creative/Art director Pius Walker, Amnesty International, Switzerland.

18. Censorship Tells The Wrong Story

Advertising Agency: Memac Ogilvy & Mather Dubai, UAE

19. Distracted Driving: Think Of Both Sides

Advertising Agency: Red Pepper, Ekaterinburg, Russia

20. Every 60 Seconds a Species Dies Out. Each Minute Counts

Advertising Agency: Scholz & Friends, Berlin, Germany

21. Innocence In Danger: Where’s The Pedophile?

Art Director: Michael Arguello, Copywriter: Bassam Tariq, Additional credits: Jason Musante

22. Sexual Predators Can Hide In Your Child’s Smartphone

Advertising Agency: Herezie, Paris, France

23. Smoking Causes Premature Aging

Advertising Agency: Euro RSCG Australia

24. You’re Not A Sketch. Say No To Anorexia

Advertising Agency: Revolution Brasil

25. Neglected Children Are Made To Feel Invisible. Stop Child Abuse Now

“To dramatize the issue of neglect, we placed mannequins dressed as children behind billposters. When the inevitable happened, we revealed a second message.” (Australian Childhood Foundation, JWT Melbourne)