Designthusiast

JCPenney’s Virtual Fashion Show

I remember reading an article in recent years about JCPenney re-branding themselves. I was on there website and I thought it was really interesting that they have a in the women’s clothing section a women’s fashion show where you can see the latest fashion trends with an actual person walking on the virtual fashion show. You can see the clothing from all angles as if it were real fashion show. Then next to the model there is a button that says get this outfit. When you click on it a new window opens up where it displays all the components of the outfit where you can add each one to build the look seen in the fashion show or whatever pieces you liked. I think this is definitely a great way to engage the consumer to the brand as well as JCPenney’s products. The customer is literally seeing what the outfit looks like how to build the look and within a click can purchase it. I think this yet another way how braning effects consumers in and effective way.

Where The Wild Things Are

I remember reading Where the Wild Things Are as a child and when I first saw the trailer for this movie I couldn’t wait for it to come to theaters. Since October 16th is not so far away at this point I wanted to share it. This movie will great from the story to the graphics. The website for Where The Wild Things Are was also designed well with animation and video.

Borders

In the past few years I’ve noticed a lot of retail stores like Borders making recommendations to their consumers based on their interests/previous purchases. This is a unique way to engage consumers on a personal level. You see this more online at sites like Amazon. I think it is a good idea to do this in stores as well.

London tube & Shakespeare

A colleague and friend of mine works at INC Design which has a fairly new blog. I checked it out today and came across this interesting blog post about the Royal Shakespeare Company’s campaign which uses the London Underground system map as an illustration of Shakespeare’s characters, archetypes and their intertwining relationships. This reminding me of my journey to London which was around this time last year. I think the use of a map or other means than a map constitutes thinking outside the box. Please check out the full post on Royal Shakespeare Company’s campaign.

via INC Design

2025 Vision for BMW

In today’s mail pile was my current BMW Magazine. I flipped through and saw these awesome concept car designs for BMW in 2025. Students from an Italian design school submitted their visionary concepts for the BMW brand the future of the look of the BMW car.  I really liked the two above and wonder if this is what cars will really look in the future. If and when this article is available online I will post it.

Santa Cruz branded USB Flash Drives

I came across these awesome skateboard/snowboard//surfboard 4GB USB drives at Costco. I think I may have to pick these up.

Design Folios with Google Maps

I was checking out a few of my favorite blogs and when I saw this I had to post it!

Using an application, like CASA’s Image Cutter or the Automatic Tile Cutter, you can create your own map tiles for Google Maps. This means that you can replace image map tiles with any image tiles you like including other maps, or more importantly for designers and artist, replace them with portfolio images! How incredibly cool!

Click here for 5 examples of design portfolios using Google Maps. The above example is: Microtyp.org

(via swissmiss and Rhett)

Chef’n SleekStor™ Cup Set

As you all know I love design, food and cooking. Most of my decision purchases seem to be based off of design of the product that it’s packaged in but sometimes it’s the actual product design. I am a very organized person and tend to like things that can make my life easier and more organized. It’s even better when it is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and the functionality is just as good. Chef’n's design of the measuring cups allow the cups to collapse and can be stored together for space saving with quick expandability, dish washer safe and heat resistant. I really think design as a whole is slowly changing everything around us from canned goods to eco-friendly products.

Nike Reuse-A-Shoe

Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program allows people to donate their old worn athletic sneakers to be recycled and turned into part a basketball court, track, field, playgrounds or even new sneakers. You can donate any brand sneaker to any Reuse-A-Shoe collection center or shoe drive.

Street Sweets

I walk outside today and see this eccentric bright colored food truck with great typography. Street Sweets food truck has croissants that you can choose any filling from almond butter to nutella, cookies, cupcakes, quiches, scones, muffins, danishes and many more treats! Everything is beautifully designed from their truck, business card and to-go packaging. Sweet Treats is currently on 57th and 8th. You can follow them on twitter for where the truck will be.