Standards Vs. Expectations

Over the years both Flash gurus and Web Development Gurus have argued over standards, both from a technical standpoint when creating and deploying websites and content as well as user-based standards with UI development and experience, as a take-away. The utility of the website, being a competent component of branding. This is to say, Utility + Messaging ≠ Branding = User Experience.

Through this unsheathing of coded swords and semantic throwing stars, compiled with the Jedi-mind trick known as Jargon, both sides continue to pulverize each other with ever more unique and interesting approaches to each camps respective capabilities. In my experience, it has usually been the messaging and the utility of the messaging that decides what to use and how to use it. But as expected, many developers have decided that there is in-fact a need for both platforms. Hybrid-sites are among the most popular of sites when it comes to campaign initiatives. These sites often apply the social applications, as an extension–not main function, of the site using standards based development while the experiential side of the site is driven almost exclusively by Flash. A big reason being the integration of video as an application, in itself. I've expressed my thoughts on this several times on both my blog and Twitter. Video will need to become an application, as the lines between screens merge and there is truly one-to-rule-all. If I am correct, standards-based development cannot support this. Considering the Browsers have not yet agreed to support Ogg, we're very much in need of video applications that are either supported through Flash or even the fledgling Silverlight and Expressions. Lets also not forget the that there are gaming applications being developed that will incorporate both of these utilities into one stand-alone program.

I have experimented with Flash, developing a few short videos with interactive content built in, but Flash's authoring environment is still somewhat cumbersome. Gia can't support this type of development however, I have not used Flash Builder–so its hard to say what program or application development environment can support a large number of people building and creating for this type of site. I'm sure there are plenty of proprietary methods.

Back to standards and expectations; The user rules the content, the site manages and presents it while we create it. I would like my visitors to explore a site, dive into it, take from it–if possible, contribute to it. There is a general consensus that the web is largely a dichotomy of Searcher and Escapist. This is to say, one wants something quickly and does not care how it is presented as long as it is relevant. While the other will explore, like entering a bookstore, browsing the shelves indiscriminately. Secretly between that core dichotomy lies the experience of both prospects. If its a positive one, you can be sure that your site will be passed on, bookmarked and referred to often by others. Attribution is the heart of the web. That is what we are ultimately designing and creating for. That is what our client's products, services and ideas are looking for. That is what we, as bloggers and contributors ourselves, generally look for. So, to conspicuously add to and possibly dilute the jargon that comprises of a large portion of this debate; I agree to and understand the standard's positioning, but I also think the user's have standards. And in order to remain successful, we are creating for their expectations. Their standards matter the most.

As all websites move closer to a self-contained, self-moderated portal, all three of these standards will need to be present in order to succeed. Search is almost dead, delivery is the new search. Visitors will need to enjoy being on your site. A pleasant experience that is both relevant and entertaining.

Dunkin Donuts | Spike TV | Yoga, Swim, Lacrosse, Chess, Baby

These spots for Dunkin Donuts are funny. My favorite one is at the end. Watch them all or scrub through at :30.


Client: Dunkin Donuts/Spike
Agency: Spike In-House/Hill Holiday
Writer/Editorial Director: Scott Rosenblit
Executive Producer: Jennifer Savage,
Stephen Orent,
Tom Rossano
Production Company: Station Film
Director: Southpaw
Line Producer: Rich Krekian
Director of Photography: Jonathan Freeman
Post Production: Post Works
Music/Sound Design: Bionic
Sound Designer: Jody Nazzaro

Food Spring Network

I do not generally post information about work I've done, well–at work, but thought this was worth posting, as it has collectively taken a little under a year to develop and everyone at the agency is quite proud of it.


FOOD SPRING NETWORK
"The Foodspring Network links the websites of the world's best specialty food companies to create a marketing community. Working together, the Network websites help individual specialty food companies of any size reach more consumers, simplify their marketing and save time and money with a professional online presence."

Just to one-sheet the options and offering of being part of the network;
• Cross-marketing with other members.
• Online marketing tools
• Retail and Commerce backend development and checkout
• Customizable store-fronts
• Self-contained ad network

I would go into more detail, but seriously, there is a link in the copy below and the site is very easy to navigate through. A lot of information is provided upfront. Plus, I've attached pictures. wink-wink





So if you know of anyone that is into making, selling or distributing Food Goods, pass along this link. Or if you have a client that is need of a complete package that includes; website, ad-revenue and commerce, Food Spring is worth checking out, too.

Food Spring Network is also supported by NASFT; National Association for the Specialty Food Trade.

I do not know what that means. It sounds impressive and looks even more impressive in title-case.

Handbook for Client Management

This is pretty funny. Brian Carlock is a creative director with an undisclosed agency in an undisclosed city. He re-designed and re-purposed this army manual. I've separated the pages for individual viewing.
Visit Brian, here.

ZOMBIECONOMY

"That's the big problem behind the zombieconomy. We don't reward people for creating, growing, nurturing, or even remixing assets. We just reward them for allocating the same old assets."

Jump here for the rest.
via @michaelSurtees

ARE YOU SKYNET?

iPhone Vs. Pre, what the people are saying

CROWDSOURCING OR GUESS WORK

Here is what is most ridiculous and ironic about these debates; Business people believing that design communications or the commercial arts are a service offering independent from any other Business or service.

Interesting and inane.

The only person(s) at fault here are; The business people themselves, on both client and creator-side.

We've moved from creating value to the value of creativity.
And let's not over exemplify what it is being asked of young creatives–free work. Plain and simple.

Inevitably clients cheat themselves of effective communications that generally should be tailored to their respective ideas, products or services. Yet–some are willing to ask for free work, or even guess work. Neither of which, are quantifiable from a business perspective.

Everyone is fast, everyone can be cheap but everyone cannot be good. Especially when dealing with these two important considerations; 1) A client's unique idiosyncratic perspective or vision 2) What the market can bare or needs in order for the communication to be effective.

Guess work will not provide you with scalable communications or brand equity. And if you believe that design, writing, communications, interactive development ( or any service you're not capable of doing yourself ) is only a means to the end, I question the clarity of one's vision. And furthermore, one's understanding of the difference between art and communication design.

Art requires no explanation. Design communication is an explanation.

iPhone Controlling Ableton & VDMX

MSA Remote + VDMX + Ableton Live from Memo Akten on Vimeo.

What will DJ's do now?

Remotely control Abelton using your iPhone.
Creator, Memo.tv, is currently waiting Apple's approval.
This app is impressive.

GOOGLE CHROME JAPAN

In-house creative. I like the execution and the concept, but that last line doesn't pay-off for me.
I'm assuming it's a simple demonstration of the browser being clutter-free and simple or even less is more, but the line doesn't communicate that to me.

Still a nice idea. Nice work.

BEARDYMAN AND NATHAN "FLUTEBOX" LEE @ GOOGLE