WP5: Remarkable call back by Volkswagen

Today Volkswagen placed advertisements in all Dutch daily papers in which they ask owners of a Volkswagen Golf 1 from the construction year 1974 to go back to their dealers. Something would be wrong with the closing mechanism of the dashboard locker... And since this brings down the standards of the quality of the car, Volkswagen decided it needs to be fixed.








It turns out all these owners can get a free maintenance service. I wonder how many response they will get!

WP4: New logo Rijksoverheid

The Dutch National Government has chosen the logo created by Studio Dumbar to represent the government from now on. Prime Minister Balkenende presented the logo on December 21st. This is the first impression of the new logo:














The definite version of the logo and the complete house style will be ready and presented somewhere halfway 2008. The implementation process will take three years.











"For the first time in Dutch history, the Dutch government has decided to present a unified graphic identity nationwide, which will apply to all organisations that fall directly under Ministerial responsibility. These include the 13 ministries, inspectorates and interdepartmental senders such as Postbus 51, regering.nl and Job Mobility Centre." (studiodumbar.com)

The logo looks 'sober', to emphasize neutrality and continuity of the Dutch government.

In my opinion the logo does look sober. I expected something more original; the chosen image isn't, but it's definitely recognizable for the Dutch people and I think that is important.
I am very curious about the next step. Which fonts will be chosen to indicate who the sender of a letter is, or how it's going to be used in communication.

WP3: Finally the fresh breeze in Insuranceland

Last year we did a battle of concepts for Nationale Nederlanden. The assignment: to create a new insurance which looked less boring and would take away the dusty and complicated image from insurances. I don't know who won the battle but I guess one company got inspired...

It all started not so long ago when posters in the shelters of bus stops started popping up, showing the word 'Datzo', visualized in a logo from well known insurance companies.

With Google, the 'Datzo' website is found easily. The website offers you the most ridiculous insurances, way too many tabs and a guy who's looking like a typical person who you wouldn't want to handle your insurance stuff. Not really a website to take seriously…especially considering the subject.

It took me a while to find out what really was the point... But here it is.
There is a new insurance company on the market, called 'Ditzo'. Now 'Ditzo' has released a guerilla campaign in which they refer to all the other insurance companies as 'Datzo'. So instead of using the real competitors names, they've just chosen to use a collective name, associated to the name of their own company. Pretty clever!!

The guerrilla campaign has now expanded to commercials on youtube where Ditzo makes it a little clearer how they think about Datzo insurances and why people should shift to Ditzo. They’ve also released a press report.

Ditzo makes a few promises other insurance companies don’t (like when your car is total loss, you get a car equally to the one you had) so that’s how they differentiate. With a little over 1300 views in just one week I think the campaign can really become a hit.

Now just wait and see if they can get people to sign up for their insurances!

Thanks to: molblog.nl

WP 2: About trends

When looking for trends for the final assignment of this minor, I ran into a nicely visualized trendwatch in the Adformatie.
The trend is called 'the Smaakmassa', which implies that 'design' nowadays is not just for people who can afford 'design', it's for everybody. Design should be part of everything, from everyday products to luxury goods.
Everything should look pretty, ugly is just old fashioned.
Take a look at the picture below!

WP1: Interesting means to practice narrowcasting

Since this really is the time to get deep into the subject of my thesis, I've been doing a lot of research about narrowcasting. Two applications caught my eye, because of the new visual way of reaching people.

The 3M Vikuiti Rear Projection Film
3M created a new application which consists of foils that are made of glass pearls and a beamer. The foil can be placed on a display (shopping) window and a beamer projects information on the back of the foil. This allows the retailer to show dynamic visuals on the display window.

Mirror application by MagicDisplay
This mirror can be put in clubs, hotels, restaurants or any other place which has public mirrors. It looks like a regular mirror, if the person who looks in it is close enough to it. If the person changes his or her angle towards the mirror, the mirror changes into a display which can show advertisements.