Having been to a number of emerging technology and new media conferences of late and there was one that really caught my eye.  Oh yes - this might not be to everyones taste.  The future in this area looks very exciting indeed!

I had the opportunity to attend a very interesting NMA live event recently on how Apple’s new Ipad is set to change how brands and agencies market themselves to consumers. So far the Ipad has sold over 1 million units in 28 days (probably more as I write this); thats twice as much as the Iphone did which is a very positive sign that future in this area is set to change. This is great news for many media agencies who will start developing a whole host of applications for consumers.

One of the key discussion points around the event was how much high quality work will be required from both content producers and advertisers in agencies. The user interface (IU) and user experience (UX) is far more engaging than previously used on other website applications and other devices. New methodologies around interactive design and usability are leading many agencies to rethink how they work in this area. Many of the applications that have so far been developed are starting to extend to users spending twice the amount of time on engaging with brands. This is great news for advertisers and the like wishing to get a ROI.

With this is mind the Berger has developed the Popular Science + digital magazine with a rich media interface.

Their project can be viewed here 

With the emergence of the Ipad and the applications the future certainly looks exciting for many as traditional print media platforms moving across on to a digital platform. Its not just about print moving into digital – it about digital moving into spaces previously dominated by print.

Stay tuned for more articles on all things Ipad.

Two of mankind's greatest inventions (well possibly one - the velcro), together at last. Note: this is an exploration of what is possible, not necessarily what is practical.  Enjoy!

I had the chance to sit in on a lunchtime session this week with our Creative Director – Russell to walk through some very successful campaigns like Lynx, Old Spice and the Compare the Market to name a few. One of the key points that Russell made was to be in a mindset to push the everyday boundaries we have on creative work.

So with all this in mind I couldn’t help looking at each of the campaigns shown which made me realise how much colour is used to influence how we live every part of our lives. Throughout history, colour has expressed and represented status, religion, origin, feelings and much much more. To be able to afford clothing or other possessions in certain colours meant you were wealthier than most, as some ingredients to produce specific colours were not available everywhere.

These days we see more colour in commercial and residential architecture, interior design, art and installations, events, retail and hospitality.We also see more colour in products — from aircraft to fashion to everyday items — and in many of the advertising and communications.

Perhaps it was the recessionary economy that enticed designers to use more colour, and attracted the rest of us to it. Whatever the underlying reasons, we see more colour and we love it.

The bloggerati have well and truly taken over the various fashion weeks around the globe, front rows filled with social networkers tweeting to their faceless fans. So how does an old-school fashion magazine stand out?

French Grazia magazine tackled the challenge recently at Paris Fashion Week with pug dog balloons. Of course!! Why not?? A simple, old-school talking-point stunt that certainly got their girls noticed. We're guessing they're referencing the chi-chi practice of carrying a lap-dog to such events. We're not sure why - but does this matter?