Look at this picture - proof that the US is the mother of innovation culture. In Denmark we also have a tradition for caramel apples. Tradition with a big T, that is. It’s never changed and it is still only possible to get the red classic version that is superimposed bottom right. Randomly browsing I stumbled over this: http://www.amyscandykitchen.com, where the main picture is from.

It’s a perfect illustration of how important it is to look at something you like (the red caramel apple) and think: “that is really nice - how can I make it even better” (look at the that striped monster in the bottom corner of the tray). Thinking “We can do better…” is the heart of progress (a possible path to wealth). Thinking “…and then we can do better again, immediately!” is the heart of innovation (the safest path to survival)- always moving, changing, improving things. Look at this picture and learn a bit about what it means when innovation is a cultural business drive - not just a contemporary management book theme. In the States this drive to innovate somehow repeats itself in just about every business area you look at. Try to impose the feeling from these two pictures on your own field of business, and consider if you do as well as Amy. We can all learn from her:-)

A bit untraditional and just a tad “over the edge”, but to me it’s still a very funny concept on how to use interactive web applications to raise money for a good cause - in this case to cross out male cancer…

To make your own cock-a-dooddle visit:
http://www.cock-a-doodle.co.uk/

I experienced a new temporary screw cap for the first time last week, and I wasn’t impressed. Then yesterday I saw an article in a Danish newspaper that showed that I wasn’t the only one that was pulling their hair out at the new design.

“Can you open it?” read the headline. The article describes how Arla has been forced to change the screw top on their milk cartons following increasing pressure from unsatisfied customers. But the new design, created by Tetra-Pak, has prompted even more complaints than the first. Now the newspaper has created an online vote for the worst packaging.

This is one example of tricky packaging. People are tired of it. Companies have the chance to solve many of these everyday problems through design - and make money in the process. Instead, they opt for quick-fixes that may be cheap but leave the customer frustrated and prompts them to switch to another brand.

Just think what life could be like if companies invested more resources into reinventing packaging as a concept. Be visionary and capitalise on the strategic dimension in ‘packaging usability’. It’s just a small thing but you can be sure it’s got huge commercial potential.

I know! We have all heard this before.

Nevertheless, I still think it is worth repeating over and over again, since it looks like many companies still don’t to get the message. Or at least are doing something whole-hearted about it!

So what is it I’m talking about. Well, it’s the experience you get when you buy a new Apple product. (And this has nothing to do with the never ending battle between Mac or PC.)

This is about something completely different. It’s about the feeling you get – as a consumer – from you open the designed package, read the designed manual, set up the designed product etc. Even when you connect the special designed plugs. The Apple feeling is there – all the way. And that’s unique.

It is the total user experience – and it is worth noticing – not only for the product design or features. Others may try to copy that – or make even smarter products. But if they don’t follow through – e.g. in packaging and communication – they will never succeed in getting that same feeling.

Nevermind that the white gets kind of dirty in the long run or that you can’t use all programs on you Mac. You will always remember that first feeling you got, when you unpacked your new Apple product. They made me feel that they did it all just for me!

Are you feeling it too?

Whatever you design be prepared for surprises. Everything will be used in ways you never imagined. Here’s the proof, spotted in a Shanghai cab! The creative cab driver found this interior detail in his car useful for keeping his stash of favourite toothpicks at hand. I admire this guy for his creativity and sense of personalisation.