Marketing 2.0

Microsoft's approach to AI design

Image source: Microsoft

Great article here on the strategies that Microsoft uses to add artificial intelligence to its products. I love their fundamental premise that "humans are the heroes." We Homo sapiens need to stick together!

The Real Story Behind Microsoft’s Quietly Brilliant AI Design.

Florida city "debrands" itself

I came across an interesting article from Fast Company on debranding. The example used is the city of Gainesville Florida. Getting away from logos and taglines, the city is using a very simple wordmark. It's an effort to apply more human-centered design to the core messages the city wants to communicate. It also follows a consultation with leading design firm IDEO to become a more citizen-friendly city.

Why This Florida City Is Debranding Itself.

Code of ethics for designers?

Image source: Knowledge @ Wharton

Here's an interesting article from Fast Company that deals with some of the ethical questions raised for designers working with new technologies such as AI and location-tracking apps.

What Designers Could Learn From Lawyers, Doctors, And Priests.

Digital disruption claims another icon

The digital revolution has swept aside another icon of the industrial era. Xerox will be merged with, aka acquired by Fujifilm Industries. Layoffs to follow.

After Era That Made It a Verb, Xerox, in a Sale, Is Past Tense - The New York Times.

A conversation with Walter Isaacson

Wharton professor Adam Grant conducted a wonderful interview with Walter Isaacson about creativity and what makes people like Leonardo Da Vinci and Steve Jobs unique. I've read three of Isaacson's books now and plan to tackle his bio of Einstein next. In the meantime you can read the interview or listen to the podcast by clicking the link below.

From Leonardo da Vinci to Steve Jobs: The Benefits of Being a Misfit - Knowledge@Wharton.

Should Apple worry about iPhone addiction?

Image source: Huffington Post

 

Well this is a sign you've got a popular product. Two major investor funds recently asked Apple to take a more active role in fighting iPhone addiction among young people. Presumably, this would be done by adding more robust parental controls. I find this similar to concerns raised about drug manufacturers selling products that people become addicted to. It certainly demonstrates how central the mobile phone has become in our lives, for better or worse.

Investors to Apple: Fight iPhone addiction among kids - Jan. 8, 2018.

Brand-building advice from Inc.

Check out this article from Inc. with good advice on building brands in the online era. My favorite example is Dollar Shave Club. The founder, Michael Dubin, put all of his capital into creating the YouTube spot that told the brand's story. That, combined with his disruptive business model of selling razors direct, turned into a startup success story. 

Online Sales and the Importance of Branding Your Business From Day 1.

IBM replaces Helvetica

IBM has just launched a beta version of Plex, the font they created in house to replace Helvetica. It will be free to download and the company is hoping for widespread adoption. Here's a video the company produced to explain the project.

 

 

Retail bleeding continues

Image source: Reuters

This is just sad. Lord and Taylor is selling its iconic 5th Ave. building to WeWork. I enjoy shopping there when I visit NYC. As much as I enjoy the convenience of Amazon, I still like the personal service I receive from traditional retailers who understand how to create a unique customer experience. 

Lord & Taylor, WeWork and the Death of Leisure - The New York Times.

Social media tools and certifications

If you are an educator or a practitioner looking to build social media skills, here's a an excellent compendium of what's out there.

(8) Social media tools + certifications for #SMprofs to incorporate into classes | LinkedIn.