A very clever little narrative built around nonsensical captcha words comes together beautifully in this video. Mesmerizing…

Why shop in an overcrowded supermarket when you can shop for groceries using your smartphone…

In an attempt to grow to number one grocery retailer in Korea – without increasing the number of stores – Tesco (Home Plus) created a virtual shopping experience inside busy Korean subway stations, bringing the store to the consumer.

Just watch the video and be amazed!

Gamification, a term you’ve no doubtingly heard of by now, has found a way to break through the trend barrier and enter into our every day lives.

Through these mechanisms, companies and various product makers have found a way to engage audiences through game-like mastery (and some trickery), enticing them to interacting with their product and seamlessly immersing these “games” in our daily lives.

We’ve already noted the rise of gaming as a way to create engagement among consumers, but we didn’t expect to see it applied so soon to something as seemingly mundane as public transport. Sure enough, though, Chromaroma is a new application from UK-based Mudlark that turns Tube travel in London into a rewarding game.
~futuramb

By providing positive feedback these uniquely powerful games are not only fun, but also make the user feel good about themselves, thereby ensuring repeat visits to obtain ‘gold-star’ status.

Further Reading:
A Gamification Framework for Interaction Designers (UX Mag)
‘Gamifying’ The System To Create Better Behavior (NPR)

AT&T teamed up with Psyop‘s uber talented designer Jon Saunders, to produce this wonderfully fantastical video animation.  You can view more of Saunders work and the detailed sketches behind these amazing creatures on his portfolio.

Canadian ad agency John St., put together this mock case study for one of its greatest marketing triumphs: Making Chelsea Bedano’s 8th birthday party a success in an already cluttered birthday market. What’s the takeaway?

The integrated campaign of direct mail, out-of-home and social media was important—as was the pre-party sleepover with the snacks, the movies and the Justin Bieber songs. But to keep the audience engaged, you really do need that mini pony…

/via @adfreak

This pretty little animation tribute to ux designers really made me smile.  Thanks Lyle!

This inspiring and creative documentary by Paul Rojanathara and Davis Johnson presents a study on the essence of influence, and how those that possess it help trends spread through pop culture.

I’ll be the first to admit that I have succumb to these all-to-familiar influencers and many of them have fueled inspiration for my own designs. How have the effected you?

Now the only thing missing is the spinning beach ball while working in Photoshop.  I would have liked to see everyone freeze up while a spiral colored beachball was thrown around – that’s PS in my world!

This creatively animated presentation was adapted from Dan Pink’s talk at the RSA, which illustrates the hidden truths behind what really motivates us at home and in the workplace.  The results are just brilliant.  Take a look…

Check out this very clever online viral piece by Toyota – the Swagger Wagon.  It definitely makes purchasing a minivan a bit more appealing, you know, to drive around the hood.

YouTube Direct

Every once in a while I come across something that just makes me smile. Tonight it was the following video advert for the German energy firm, Epuron. It’s definitely worth watching.

I’m a big fan of the art of paper cuts and much more so of Tim Burton, so when I came across this beautifully crafted video by UnitedFakes I knew I was smitten.

Mr.Burton’s Rabbit Hole, as it’s so aptly named, was created for a seasonal promo of Tim Burton’s films on a Dutch on-demand TV channel.

One  344 sq. ft. apartment with the ability to change into 24 different rooms with the help of some sliding panels and walls. You have to see this to believe it.

(via @drawar)

vimeo DirectPIXELS by Patrick Jean

YouTube Direct

“Wearing Stripped Socks Makes Me Feel More Calm & Grounded”-Tim Burton

Hoping to catch the Tim Burton exibit at Moma this weekend. Although I’ve always been a fan of Burton’s characters and macabre charm he doesn’t seem to me the most likely of candidates for a show at the prestigious art museum. I’m curious as to why Burton’s work was chosen to take place alongside the likes of Claude Monet and William Kentridge, both of whom also have shows at Moma at the moment, and how his work fits into and enhances a larger art culture.