Friday, 19 October 2012

SCAN and EARN $$ - Phewtick App!

 What do you have in your mind if I combine three of the followings together:
·         Mobile app
·         Meet new people
·         Earn cash (YES, REAL $$$)

Presenting….



  How to make money with just 3 SIMPLE STEPS?!
 PHEWTICK is a mobile app that allows users to earn real cash for meeting people that is created by a Japanese company. They encourage more ‘serendipitous moments’ and provide a good value of incentive for users to get out from their comfort zone and start meeting new strangers.
 Requirement:
Apple and Android users have to download the PHEWTICK app for their respective store.
It is required to connect through any of the following social networking sites:
  • ·         Facebook
  • ·         Renren
  • ·         Sina Weibo

 How can users use this app to collect points, after scanning the QR code?
1)      Playing games
-          Users can play the cute and simple games and they are entitled to receive points.
2)      Interacting with local advertisement
-          Users are required to click or look at more ads to build up bigger cash pile to pay out
Note: Every 1,000 points is equivalent to $1 which can be claimed via Paypal or Alipay account once your reach a certain amount of point.

This idea is still considered new (providing that they are a few companies that are doing the same in the recent years). PHEWTICK is paying for users, but where and how do they get the money from? Who advertise on this mobile app will pay PHEWTICK and PHEWTICK will us. I personally feel clueless about how does the ‘playing games’ will work, like how PHEWTICK earn from this. This is a brave and interesting app. However, users might feel insecure and clueless as they did not provide sufficient information on their official website. Could it considered as one of the policy violation if we gather a group of people in a certain location to use this app (mass or group scanning)? Would it be long lasting and occur as another new hype, or just another app that receive instant fame? Have your say!

 (part of the idea from this post is take from Technode Techniasia and Phewtick.)

the very Quick Response Code!




This picture is taken at Telstra on Bourke Swanston street in Melbourne CBD. I like the idea of  how the helpful telstra staff are providing instructions and demostration to their customer rather than just posting the QR code advertisement alone, leaving some of the customer being clueless.

Thursday, 18 October 2012

popular QR codes on GRAVES?!

(definitely not a typical post of QR code!)

Popular QR code on graves!
Japanese are popular with their great invention from their great minds. But does producing grave stones with QR codes a good idea?

What is QR code: They are small, square deigns that act like barcode where users can scan with their devices’ camera

These digital tombstones are introduced in 2008 and they are named as Kuyo no Mado referring to ‘Memorial service window’. They are made by Ishinokoe, Voice of the stone’, a company who hope the family and friends can stay to talk about their memories of the deceased for longer. They stated that most memorial services take less than five minutes with just incense and flowers. Therefore, they came up with this idea where contents can be retrieved using QR code. The contents include pictures, messages, videos, family information and other items.
 How to use:
1)      Users using their mobile to scan the QR code
2)      Retrieve memories within a scan
3)      Share and enjoy the moment from looking at the online content

·         PROS: Easy to use, quick, innovative, interesting
·         CONS: Unacceptable (cultural and religion), inappropriate, require significant technical skills and knowledge

Not everyone would accept and get used to this new combination of an engraved stone with data encoding code through telecommunications are brilliant. As the growth of digital media industry, I personally like the idea of the loved ones using this approach to remind them of the deceased relative or friends when visiting a graveyard. They might not be long lasting as the permanent engraved text, even if the QR code has worn off or no longer scannable in 20 years of use. We can still rely on the slab of stone with engaged text and language written on it!  I would also recommend it can link to genecology websites, or some family surname or family tree related information. 
What do you think of this idea – YAY or NAY?  Can you accept and actually use them if you like this idea?
(the idea of this article is taken from Shifteast)

Monday, 1 October 2012

MEME PROPOSAL!


Using a cluster of popular internet memes in the marriage proposal, Tim and Audrey, this couple rose to Internet Fame in late 2011. Tim has not only won over Audrey his sweetheart but also public attention through online media across the world 
 
Tim got his friend and a photography and production team (Crazy Monkey Studio) to document the whole proposal as he surprised Audrey through flipping the meme-cards outside a restaurant to show his true intentions. This proposal finished with will you marry me (a picture of a cat character from Shrek movie with its cute eyes). Most importantly, Tim even prepared for the best and worst response he could received – YES or NO. Following that, Tim knelt and confessed, offering Audrey a ring and flower bouquet who tearfully accepts this well-planned proposal.

Why does it went viral?
Timothy, a 27 year-old success Internet entrepreneur(founder of Nuffnang) and blogger@TimothyTiah , who plans on proposing the unusual way – using poster-sized printed memes. Audrey, also a lovely blogger who owes an entertaining lifestyle blog @Fourfeetnine have a great sense of humour. She even stated that : ‘Oh god please don’t let this be a break up W*F’.

1) People know and read them, but not everyone use them.. in an unusual way!
(people refers to online user that have access to the latest topic and news; them refers to meme or troll, you can have a brief idea after watching this )
This proposal was not only romantic, genuine and touching, they also try to add on a little more of goofy and geeky gesture in the proposal. Unlike those typical old-fashioned marriage proposal, Tim have intergrated the popular meme and the widely use of music (on YouTube specifically) , such as:

the famous yaoming face!
check out the whole list of meme listed in the proposal at FourFeetNine.

2) of course, everything goes online!
The emergence and drastic growing of technology, software and internet, especially online sharing media - YouTube and Vimeo. Everything could be spread online by anyone, from well known news agent to anonymous users who leave a comment on line. Within a simply click, anyone who has a computer and internet access, is allowed to share, post, and see everything they are interest in.
 
3) Celebrity endorsement
Chirstina Perri, the singer of the music used in the video, tweeted that she was feeling happy and honoured that her song was used in this proposal. Also, she stated on FacebookAhhh I just cried my eyes out (and) couldn’t stop smiling all at the same time! Hahha! So beautful!' and ‘awww!! That was thes sweetest video ever!!! Im so honored to be singing thru it!! Happy forever to you guys! xo on Twitter.
Another celebrity mention on the Offical Ryan Seacrest website, and personal tweet by Ryan Seacrest himself who knows Simon Cowell who most likely knows everyones in Hollywood.

4) Meme could be romantic too!
need i say more?
Also appeared on:MSNBC, CBS news, Huffington Post, PC world, Gizmodo, Mashable, Assosicated Press, Wedding Guide Asia, MSN Malaysia, Yahoo Taiwan.

The following is a list of proposal method using social media as a platform to put a ring on:
 Groupon
  
 Twitter
 
 Google Map
 
 What do you of MEME and this MEME PROPOSAL?
WOW for girls? BLEH for guys?
share your opinion better
(of course i will  leave a comment on yours as a return!)
 

Friday, 28 September 2012

the inner beauty of security camera in the digital world


look at the world a little differently


Have you seen an ad that featuring from stealing, robberies and traffic accidents to couple kissing and random person dancing with a broom in a shop?
 YES, they are clips of security camera footage from different countries of the world that capturing and expressing the element of love, exuberance and heroism. This is a different, unsual amd non-old fashioned approach to look at the world a little differently. Coca-cola understands that the lack of love among all communities that faces challenges in daily lives from this hectic world. I personally love the idea of adding a touch of ‘random act of kindness’ and ‘happiness elements’ in this video demonstrating Coca-Cola’s mission to spread happiness and optimism. Many big successful brands are using video as part of their digital marketing strategies. But how many of them actually make you feel and touch the bottom of your heart and get you thinking the presence and beauty of the love in every corner of this world?
(Ideas taken from thedifferentbrain and Digital trends)

Friday, 14 September 2012

the new Sticky Specials by Woolworths




Woolworths' new Sticky Specials 


firstly, let's start off with this....





The following ads give you an idea what is Woolworths'sSticky Specials.




Woolworths has introduced Sticky Specials, a new ‘price-saving’ marketing strategy that come in a catalogue and works like coupons but in the form of stickers.  Consumers can ‘PEAL, STICK and SAVE’ on selected products at all Woolworths stores from 12-15 Sept 2012 (YES! Only for this period of time).  



On the 12 September 2012, 7.7 million of Sticky Specials sticker sheets were bundled with each weekly Woolworths catalogues, both were delivered to household across Australia.

Woolworth claimed they are paying for this multi-million market give-aways, promising money off hundreds of big brand items to their consumers. This discount would be on top of the existing Woolworth everyday reward and regular weekly special, creating another alternative for customers to shop.


Consumers are allowed to decide what is on special and when to use (as long as within the promotional period). Here, they are feeling superior and excited as they have the power and control over the product prices they are after rather than the discounts are guided and fixed by the grocery stores.



The PROs 

These concepts are innovative and interesting in Australian market in which can create customer engagement and a great potential to encourage consumers to buy items that they won't ordinary buy (eg. Blackmore health products ) they are definitely another new spin on the traditional coupon techniques. It only requires three simple and easy steps:




The CONS L

However, it does not seem incredible and impressive to me.

1) how much exactly can consumers save when they use this? 

2) it requires additional effort and time just to save approximately a dollar or two? 

3) the-first-time-using-sticky-special consumers want to explore this new for a different shopping experience and adventure, but they are not long lasting. Consumers use this Sticky Special for the first time, because everyone (majority) loves to trying new things; but does it worth the effort for the second time? (children would but definitely not for busy working adults).

4) their main target audience are housewife who loves reading catalogue to compare products’ prices.  Those who is not given a catalogue or not aware of the Sticky Special special attachment in the catalogue are not involved in this



Comparing this (Woolworths' new Sticky Specials) to Coles my5, which do you prefer?




ending with... (have you been in such situation?)



(this passage is inspired by  Campaign Brief and Mumbrella, you can check out for more details at MSN page)


Friday, 7 September 2012

World’s smallest IKEA store: 2,800 products in 10.5cm x 8.8cm


IKEA's new online advertising method 

The following two diagrams are the pictures of the traditional Ikea store. 






Presenting… one of the world’s BIGGEST retailers making an attempt on the possible SMALLEST new advertising campaign.



Yes, what you have seen is IKEA’s smallest store worldwide, yet it also could be the BIGGEST web banner ad, fitting every single products - 2800+ products in an entire IKEA store with a 10.5 cmx 8.8 cm online banner.


 

This online banner can be placed on any website, directing customer to the IKEA official website within a simple click on it - EXAMPLE.






IKEA’s commitments:

Making the most of ANY space &  smartest storage solution


They clearly demonstrate the above simple concept in which that can lead customers to make purchase within few clicks – easy and convenient Although this online banner allows customer to browse all of IKEA's products by department (see third diagram above), but in terms of usability and time issue, online user most likely require additional time and effort in searching for the item they intended to buy than going directly to IKEA's official website to make their product preferences and purchase. 


I personally feel excited for such a cool and creative advertising idea. Firstly, they are attention grabbing, something that’s getting people talking later on, even its not actually effective and impactful as expected, or perhaps the practicality issue remain questioned. But I really love how the great use of online banner representing Ikea’s branding and, of course, not to deny that it is a really clever twist on other big traditional box banner advertising.

Wow interesting? Or .. oh well… just another usual advertisement? Please share your thoughts and your comments are much appreciated! (in return, I will leave a feedback on your blog too!)


note: this article is inspired by The next web