This would be a dynamic, living backdrop to a store window or a great use for unused tenant spaces. The project is called Window Farms and is the brainchild of NY artists Britta Riley and Rebecca Bray. (via Cool Hunting)
Creative Solutions
Visual Design and Strategy for Commercial Retail
Wonderwall & Nike Town
An interview with Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall for their new design work at Nike Town - Harajuku, Tokyo. (via coolhunting)
Tech: iPhone payment system
In the video above Kevin Rose demonstrates the latest invention from Twitter creator Jack Dorsey called Squareup. A service that allows instant credit card transactions through a tiny card swiping device attached to an internet enabled iPhone. The company provides a slick UI for easy on-the-fly processing; while signing and receipts stay virtual. This device solves the awkward management of spontaneous or external cash only events in the wild (pop shops, garage sales, craigslist, craft fairs). Although Squareup has designed the featherweight champ of portable POS systems, they are not alone. Stay tuned for plenty of activity in this market and lets hope the ‘whale’ doesn’t announce your negative balance. (via Venturebeat)
Tech: Intelligent Windows
Intel’s demonstration of computer assisted ‘window shopping’
The Future is never easy to spot on a daily basis. New technologies often creep in through older versions of itself. But, sometimes they can hit us square on the head, like the automated vacuum (Roomba), hybrid car (Prius) and smart phone (iPhone) to name a few examples. Intel, the computer processor manufacturer, has released a demonstration of their latest processor the Core i7, integrated into a faux store window as digital signage. The presenters demonstrate a working graphical user interface (GUI) within a pane of semi-translucent glass operated by touch sensitivity. A built-in camera is also present to identify gender and proximity of the user for a focused interactive experience. Don’t expect this technology at your local mall just yet, there are still massive cost and manufacturing hurdles to overcome before we can literally window shop. Plus, who wants to clean all those finger prints off the front window all day?
Our Prediction
The built-in camera will make it to main street storefront windows before the touch screens will. Imagine LCD advertisements adjusting to exactly what you might want based on your age, gender or items in hand. Smile for the camera. (via Core77)
Could Swing Shops be the New Pop Up?
Pop up stores may not have made it to the islands (yet) but traveling to the mainland the last couple of years, we came across several of them. Not only did we see small, boutique style pop up’s but giants like Uniqlo, The Gap and Target took over empty spaces at shopping centers to bodegas.
The idea of “get it while you can” really creates a sense of urgency in these temporary stores. Most last a week, while others pop up for the weekend and are gone by Monday.
If Swing shops are the future of retailing, it seems the idea of “seasons” are becoming less and less. It’s about capturing fashion as it happens and simply not waiting for a calendar season to influence you.
Keeping inventory from becoming stagnant is a major challenge for most retailers; maybe swing shops will be the answer. It not only reduces your stock but keeps your brand fresh and appealing, leading to repeat visits.
Click on the link or Here to read more…
Pantone Color of the Year 2010
Pantone Color Institute®, the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, unveils PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise as the color of the year 2010.
It is described as “an inviting, luminous hue”. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green.” This color of the year will evoke thoughts of tranquility while restoring the “sense of well being”.
Whether or not it calms and relaxes you, Turquoise pairs well with any other color in the spectrum while it creates excitement to neutrals and browns.
Pantone® colors are used in ever aspect of design. From fashion, home decor to paint colors and special events. Take a look at some pieces that we began spotting at the end of 2009 and the first few days of the year:
Both pieces from Jonathan Adler.
Dayna B. cut glass votive set, Sears.
Shine Citrine Pendant, Candalabra
Graphic Tote (Hawai‘i designer), Maliko Design via Lei Chic
Eva Mendes in Michael Kors
Wafer Cake, via Martha Stewart Weddings
Supplements NY, 800-631-3844
With Love flower note, Hammerpress
Color Trends for 2010
If you are thinking of starting off the new year with a fresh look for your store, home or office, Pantone has released their 2010 forecast for this year’s hottest color trends for Home and Interiors.
Pantone Color Institute is the leading color authority for over 45 years. Their forecast of colors are used in fashion to home decor and from paint to wedding decorations.
Here are three palettes that we find interesting:
Green Market:
“The need for healthier and more artisanal foods has grown from traditional farmers’ markets to greenmarkets. Found on country roads or urban lots, these visually appealing and tastetempting sites invite us to stop and sample a broader and more diverse selection of goods and goodies. From Tomato Puree and Beaujolais with the tang of Super Lemon or bite of Apple Green, to the more exotic flavors of Dijon, Paprika and Chutney, Greenmarket contains representational hues that entice and appeal to both the eyes and the taste buds.”
Gatherings:
“Inspired primarily by the continent of Africa with its vastness and complexities, Gatherings brings together a compilation of colors that demonstrate the uniqueness of the region. Artifacts and handicrafts reflect a creative boldness that is expressed in a panoply of appropriately named colors: Cypress green, Smoke Blue, Sand and Oasis mixed with the magic of Twilight Mauve, the piquancy of Lemon Curry and the heated glimmer of Copper Coin.”
Galaxy:
“Purveyor and source of light, the mysterious Galaxy is well reflected in a palette that truly illustrates the harmony of hue found in the nocturnal sky. Mirroring the colors of the earth, the greens, called Greener Pastures and Peridot, are powerfully contrasted against the deepest extraterrestrial blues, silver and stormy violets. Brilliant sprays of turquoise and a radiating orchid tone enhance the atmosphere, while Rich Gold embodies the energy and splendor of the epicenter of it all – the sun.”
If you would like a more in depth look at all color trends for 2010, take a look at the video above. The video clip begins with “Design and color trends are not conjured up in a crystal ball. They are the result of much observation of the surrounding natural world, as well as the influences that will impact the world of the future. They include social issues, the economy, technology, lifestyles and playstyles. Diversions and entertainments and most importantly, the needs, moods, fantasies and aspirations of consumers that are then translated into appropriate styling, colors and combinations.”
Creative Solutions Word Cloud
Cool site we found that will generate word clouds. You can either type in your blog, blog feed or any other web page. Another option is to manually enter a bunch of text and it will formulate a cloud. Really fun. Use your clouds to make Thank You cards, signage or blow it up as a back drop for a window display.
Click on the image to go to the site or check them out at http://www.wordle.net/
Festival Lighting
If you’ve headed down to Ward Warehouse recently you may have noticed a little more festivity. The center contacted Creative Solutions to design a lighting layout for their concourse. This was a great first project with them.
After extensive measuring (the walking tape measure is our new best friend!), we drafted a hang point plan and materials list needed for the project.
Being environmentally conscious, we recommended the use of LED lights. They consume 90% less electricity and the bulb life is estimated to be 50,000-100,000 hours.
This is a great way to update a property, store front or window. During the holidays or special events, the clear bulbs can be replaced with colored ones (i.e.-4th of July add red and white, for Christmas incorporate red or green.)
May you have a Festive Holiday!
It's in the Mail
My holiday copy of Pictures Plus newest catalog just arrived in the mail. We posted a couple of months ago that we were working on a print project (click HERE to see the post) and here it is! It’s nice to see all or your hard work, literally in the palm of your hand.
Our crew’s favorite page:
Clean and concise layout, but there’s another reason…
Great personal gifts for family and friends. Remember, most of Pictures Plus product is Made in Hawai’i. Support local business! To find a location near you, click HERE.
