A brand identity for a new way to power LED lighting

The Think Tank was recently appointed to develop the brand identity and launch a new way of powering and controlling LED lighting from a start up company, Isotera.

The challenge was to develop a clear identity and messaging that allowed audiences to gain a quick understanding of what the company offered whilst explaining a completely new concept in installing LED lighting.

We worked with Isotera to develop their brand values and positioning and then created an identity that represented these and communicated the core offering of the business. The Think Tank developed a marketing strategy to bring the new product to market and launch the brand combining Press Relations, Direct Marketing and Events.

The initial response to the launch of this innovative new system has been very positive and it is set to change the way LED lighting is installed both in the UK and beyond.

for more information please view their temporary website here. A new website will be launched early in the new year.

Top 10 Architecture and Interiors Design 2012

Design Milk  has suggested their Top 10 Architecture and Interiors projects of 2012. We have featured a couple of these over the year but also missed a few.

Their number 10 is Nettleton 199 by SAOTA and OKHA Interiors which is located in Cape Town, South Africa, a home that you can see straight through from the back to the pool and the Atlantic Ocean - Stunning and this is only Number 10.

Number 4 is The Candy Room by Red Design Group, a sweet shop with a one-off design and Number 1 is Micro Cabin in Finland.

See all the Top Ten here on Design Milk.

The Walking Dumb - Mashup short

You may have seen our blog post about the 'Dumb Ways to Die' short film a couple of weeks ago. Well for those that were following the zombie series 'The Walking Dead' here is a mashup between the two - 'The Walking Dumb (Ways to Die)'.

A lot of gore but also a lot of dancing zombies.

Great fun. Enjoy!

Top 20 marketing flops of 2012

Adweek, in the US, takes a look at the Top 20 Marketing Flops of 2012. 

A great round up including ads from Harvey Nichols, that see models wetting themselves, to IKEA removing all the women from its catalogue in Saudi Arabia.

One not to be missed. Click here to see the Top 20.

Google Analytics ridicules online retailing in new clips

In an attempt to demonstrate what poor website design can do to an ecommerce site Google Analytics has developed a series of film clips that replicate the online experience in real life.

We think that everyone will recognise the annoying sales tactics that online retailers now employ but surely this is the pot calling the kettle black?

The clips encourage web site owners to use Google Analytics to learn more about their customers habits. The only reason is to target products at customers and thus sell more - exactly what the clips are ridiculing.

Are we missing something here? If so, please enlighten us.

Junior PR Account Executive position available

Looking for a new career in the New Year then this might be for you.

The Think Tank is looking for a Junior PR Account Executive.

Do you have an understanding of media relations and gaining press coverage? Can you offer an organised approach, good telephone and interpersonal skills, the ability to work within a team and meet deadlines? We offer a fun and informal atmosphere but one which is about achieving great results for our clients.

To be successful at the job you will need to be super organised, have an eye for detail, be extremely positive and have a proven interest in business to business PR through your education or experience. An outstanding grasp of English (written and spoken) is an absolute must, as is the ability to multi-task with a smile on your face and produce superb results under high pressure and tight deadlines. Candidates with a second language skill, ideally French, are preferred.

If this is thejob for you then email samanthad@thinktank.org.uk with your CV and a covering letter. Applications will only be accepted with a covering letter. The position is based in Central London.

Celebrating the GIF

For all you creative types out there take a look at this great stop motion video celebrating the History of the Gif.

An interesting film short and a bit of fun created by Legs Media of New York and Los Angeles.

Enjoy!

Your friend the lamp

Pinokia is an innovative lamp that brings the Pixar logo to life, replicating the moving lamp through the use of a host of servs, sensors, microphones and a webcam that can detect facial expressions.

This animatronic lamp is designed to be aware of its surroundings, exude emotions and interact through sound, movement and touch.

See more below:

Museum takes shape

Take a look at this building designed by Korean architects UAD in Seoul and see if it reminds you of anything.

It was built to house the Simone Handbag Museum which includes handbags from all over the world including designer classics as well as historical items.

Se more about the museum here.

Is Father Christmas Dead?

Design studio Beyond has created this short animated film as a Christmas card to their clients.

This is certainly not one to watch when the children are around and it adds a new meaning to 'Bah Humbug'! A hint to its content is in the name 'Dead Father Christmas'.

Dangerous times at the office party

The office Christmas party gets nasty in this new ad for Harvey Nichols.

This is the sequel to an ad we featured on our blog last year, 'The Walk of Shame' and was created by Adam & Eve/DDB.

It is very funny and suggests 'How to avoid a same dress disaster this season'.

Enjoy!

Gravity defying device by 2D House

Be amazed by this gravity defying chain reaction Rube Goldberg device created by 2D House - Rube Goldberg vs. Isaac Newton..

Using magnets and visual trickery it will blow your mind - which way up and how do they do that!

You can see more of the devices they have created here.

The Think Tank wins Best Brand Campaign Award at CMA's

We had a great night at the Construction Marketing Awards yesterday - shortlisted for three awards we picked up the trophy for Best Brand and Positioning Campaign for our work with electrical distributor Rexel.

We were approached by Rexel to develop the brand identity for a new online merchant, NaturalSparx, supplying the renewables sector.

The Think Tank was tasked with developing the messaging, brand design and identity for use in marketing collateral both off and on-line.

We created a vibrant look and feel for the brand that delivered standout within the renewables sector, alongside a series of icons to represent core products and services and a positioning statement for this new brand.The brand identity was developed, along with the messaging, to work across a range of media from the website to direct marketing, advertising and point-of-sale.

In stiff competition from five other shortlisted entries in this category we managed to scoop the prize with the judges commenting, 'A very well executed campaign, with striking creative ideas that set the business apart in a very crowded market place.'

Well done to all The Think Tank team and to Rexel for giving us the opportunity to help launch one of their brands.

We were also shortlisted in the awards for:
SAS International - Best Product Launch
Rexel - Best Campaign over £25k

Stella Artois sings carols at your door

This is a fantastic Facebook app from Stella Artois - the only problem is that it is US based so only recognises addresses from the US and Canada, however have a play as it is very clever.

Punch in your address (or make one up) and watch as Alice Eve and her cool band comes to sing carols outside your 'house'.

Come on Stella - add some other countries and give all a chance to send our Christmas message.

How to kill a moustache

With Movember having come to an end are you are struggling to get rid of that manly stubble on your top lip? If so then this is the video for you.

Very funny, and worth a watch even if you have not got a moustache, 'How to kill a Moustache' helps you through those difficult minutes pre and post removal.

Spa House Cape Town

If you're feeling the chill as winter takes hold then you may not want to take a further look at this beautiful Spa House designed by Metropolis Design in Cape Town, South Africa.

It's quite outstanding.

A very crowded sky

Take a look at how every flight landing at San Diego International Airport looks like when compressed into 30 seconds.

This film by Cy Kuckenbaker is of course a composite but it is quite fun to watch - especially towards the end.

Imagine what this would look like if it was Heathrow Airport.

The corner shop comes to life with Red Stripe

This stunt for Red Stripeby ad agency KesselsKramer (along with Stinkdigital director Greg Brunkalla and creative technology consultancy Hirsch&Mann) popped up in a convenience store in East London.

They rigged up loads of products in a corner store to suddenly start dancing and making music whenever a customer picked up a Red Stripe from the fridge.

It a great bit of fun but knowing these types of stores well the late night crowd may get a bit freaked out!

A great gadget for Christmas

If you're looking for the perfect gadget for someone with an iPhone then have a look at The Pinball Magic accessory.

Apparently it is a very realistic experience with a machine cabinet that holds the phone and folding legs for easy transport.

You can get hold of it for around £25 fro various retailers - find it here.