...that’s what you get in Cracker Jack® When I saw the latest "prize" in Cracker Jack® is an augmented reality app, I took note that it is driving kids to smartphones. It is an app called Blippar which is an augmented reality game for your smartphone. The "prizes" allow the user to open new aspects of a game from their phone. I was underwhelmed. I guess, however, the … [Read more...]
Outside Agency or In-House Agency? Pros and Cons for the CE Industry.
I may be uniquely qualified to ponder this question. I spent part of my career managing a corporate CE in-house design team, and now I own and manage a design agency. I was extremely proud of the team I built, but back then the internal art department was looked down upon. They didn't think we had the talent of an outside firm. We were relegated to documentation and internal … [Read more...]
The earBudeez Brand Story
As a design agency, we are lucky enough to work with clients who trust us to deliver creative that fulfills their design criteria and creates brand advocates. We assisted with Audiovox's "Mobility Expanded" rebranding effort several years ago. One of the brands, earBudeez, took on a life of it's own. This earbud product line was focused on the tween demographic at a price point … [Read more...]
Everlane’s Retail Transparency
What is Retail Transparency? Everlane, at least for me, was the first company I saw fully embrace the concept of retail transparency. I'm not even sure how I first became acquainted with the their online retail store, but I do remember why I signed up for their emails and website access. They were transparent about their costs to produce high quality merchandise. Part of … [Read more...]
How to Sell Your Product to a Technology Retailer
One of the biggest hurdles to getting your product on the self of a technology retailer, is selling it to the category buyer. It is even more difficult if your product doesn't have brand recognition with the customers. We have worked with many start up companies who sell on-line but have trouble getting their product on the shelf of a technology retailer. Below are 5 ways to … [Read more...]