Back in the pre-iPhone days, QR codes were a truly useful and innovative idea. It’s difficult to type a URL into an old-style mobile browser, so QR codes enabled the (mainly Japanese) user to get to a website more quickly.

Those days are over now and this way of using QR codes has no part to play in modern marketing. Continue reading ‘QR Code Marketing – Why You Shouldn’t Use It’

Instagram works so well because each photo represents a ‘moment’ that’s been specially chosen and uploaded. These moments tell a personal story about the photographer. The square dimensions and mandatory application of a filter provide some aesthetic unity to the diverse subjects.

The Instagram feed is pretty addictive and there’s an opportunity for brands to use this channel to drive awareness and interest amongst early adopters. Many brands are using Instagram already to share content and reach out to consumers.

There are some celebrities on Instagram too, notably Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez.

Instagram ignites a lot of passion amongst iPhone users, but outside of the iPhone app itself, Instagram doesn’t provide a way to show your latest photos online yet. Believe me, they’re working on it, but in the meantime, a few third parties have filled this gap. Here are the best three:

1. Inkstagram was created by Joshua Inkenbrandt
2. Instagrid is simple, fast and clean and was created by Benjamin Lotan
3. Webstagram is the most feature-packed site and really the one to watch. It was created by Joe Mio.

I first encountered 3D printing in 2009 when we were working on an idea that involved kids designing their own bespoke ‘collectable’ for a drinks brand.

If you’ve never heard of 3D printing, you’ll be amazed at how advanced the technology is, and I’m certain it’s going to be a very common household technology one day. Check out Freedom of Creation‘s website to get an idea of the sort of things that are possible. Freedom of Creation is a Dutch company that produces – and sells – products that would be impossible to create using any other technology.

MakerBot sell a self-assembly 3D printer called Thing-O-Matic that is reminiscent of the early days of personal computing. At a staggeringly cheap $1,299.00, innovation is going to be fast and furious over the next couple of years.

Thingiverse is a truly exciting online community for sharing 3D designs, and it’s kickstarting a revolution in personal manufacturing that puts a whole new physical dimension to the pace of technological change that we’ve become so used to.