When websites fall short

Have you ever noticed how many a brand has a gorgeous image, to die-for product, sumptuous advertising and ….. a woeful website? Given that this whole digital thing has been around for a while (and doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere), shouldn’t this facet of a brand experience be better?

Of course, but how do you find the right talent for the job? A common scenario is you get someone with technological skills, but not the creative eye, or designers who have the creative skills, but their websites look like digital print ads.

There are website designers and agencies who combine creative vision with technological know-how beautifully (and I have a couple of recommendations at the end of this post), but why aren’t they as ubiquitous as the ‘can’t swing a cat without hitting one’ graphic designers?

The New York Times recently wrote a piece about the Boulder Digital Works program at the University of Colorado. Created by David Slayden in 2009, the goal of this course is to bridge the gap between creativity and technology with a hands on, ever evolving program. Taught by professors as well as industry leaders in advertising and technology, it combines creative approaches with technology with entrepreneurship.

I for one am looking forward to a day in the near future when digital talent are beating a path to my door in droves.

In the meantime, here are two killer agencies you should check out:

www.swedenunlimited.com/

http://www.knowawall.com

Hendrick’s gin campaign is pure delight

When we see something we love, we like to share and this month’s favorite campaign is the Hendrick’s Gin Curiositorium.

Created by New York based agency, LBi, this delightfully wacky website seamlessly weaves together a unique brand positioning, distinctive voice, fantastic illustrations and technological know how.

At first glance the website is a dizzying mix of Victorian high jinx, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, odd (but possibly useful) facts and recipes that you can’t wait to try. But it’s the unique brand positioning that really appeals to me. Not many companies declare that “it’s not for everyone” straight out of the gate, but in doing so Hendrick’s have clearly identified their customer as unique, discerning and a person who colors just outside the lines. If you relate to those qualities (and like gin), the chances are you’re going to want to be a part of this gang.

Bottoms up!

Hendricks Gin
LBI