Touchless Remote Control Concept

Bang and Olufsen has created a remote control concept that is intended to keep devices bacteria free.

The remote responds to finger gestures and lifts and falls when the volume is adjusted.

What’s nice about this concept is that B&O’s approach maintains the brands tradition of providing high performing products that look and sound great, while keeping in mind that technology should work for people.

Although the prototype needs some work, the potential to add value to the entertainment experience could raise the profile of the overall brand. If they can deliver on the promise of hardware as functional art, the brand idea could lead to sustainable future innovation initiatives.

Video clips of the remote concept and an actual prototype are below.

Concept of remote

Actual prototype

http://www.vimeo.com/833656

Religion in America

So, i’ve been a little lax posting these days, my office is in full pitch mode so my attention has been in other places.  Got to pay the bills!!!

Anyway, I saw this video on Yahoo! homepage this morning and wondered out loud are we intolerant as a society?  Which led me to ask another question – if we can’t make exceptions to the rule, how can we make forward progress as a society?  How can we innovate?

I’m in the business of innovation / branding and one of the biggest things I believe in is to always have an open mind.  Inspiration, ideas and ultimately innovation comes from unexpected places.  I see this girl’s adaptation of her track suit as innovative because it gives her the flexibility to compete while still adhering to her beliefs.  Forget society, as people and as individuals we should recognize a good ideas and adapt it because in the end we win.

Think of the implications.  From small scale rebellion on the high school level to the widespread acceptance of talented Muslim athletes competiting in the Olympics.  This increases competition, while encouraging inclusion.     If Muslim women can compete with gentile women on a national stage then that proves that as people and as nations we can all get along.

This on small gesture could have worldwide implications.

5 Gum

Props to 5 Gum for making stick gum relevant again. The category hasn’t seen much change since the 80’s when brands like Winterfresh and Juicy Fruit introduced the slim pack form.

What I like about the new 5 Gum is:

1. it’s specifically designed to open with one hand

2. it’s durable (the packaging can withstands the daily wear and tear of carrying it around better than most gums)

3. it stands out on the shelf (this post might not have happened without an impulse buy)

It also satisfies 2 other needs of mine, presentation and sharing. When i’m out and about and I open the pack it becomes more of a talking point with its sleek black packaging and imagery (the labeling is also visible under a black light).  And for those moments when I don’t feel like sharing I can dig in my pocket, unhook the latch with one finger, unwrap the a stick and pop one in for long lasting taste without anyone ever knowing.

I think Wrigley has done a good job of paying attention to changing consumer habits and then responding with a functional design that has aesthetic appeal.