February's photolog

While the sky, banking system, markets and most else seems to be falling or collapsing in doom and gloom, here we have been enjoying two weeks of brilliant sun and warm temperatures.

I'm currently reading 'The Language of Thought' and so far (one chapter in) it is hard, dry going unless you are a 'verb'-o-phile. Nonetheless, language is an interesting window into culture and psychology. Learning a couple of languages in recent years, after previous dabbling, has highlighted the many similarities and some of the stark differences in how different cultures perceive their world. The map below, which shows an Anglophone take on Italy, highlights some of these similarities and is certainly more descriptive but perhaps less romantic vision of Italy.

It is hard to find a market research presentation that presents quantitative information in anything much different than a standard graph or pie chart. This perhaps isn't surprising given time and budget pressures but we shouldn't complain if people find research results 'boring' if we don't invest in data presentation and communication.

Our religious dedication to data quality is admirable but an investment in communication and graphic design skills would be a leap forward for the industry (and this doesn't just mean more presentation skills courses) that regularly lacks imagination. The sexy (if small) image below 'graphically' demonstrates just how little fresh water is readily accessible.

The next one uses a splash of colour to show online and social media participation by generational segments and in particular the heavy usage up to age 40.

And this month's featured blog/book is Stuff White People Like, a list that captures (to some extent) the hopes, dreams and aspirations of most all the middle class Anglos I know (including myself) and a good chunk of the Europeans too. Also see this interview with the author.

And finally back to marketing...

One of the most enjoyable (and well integrated) campaigns we have seen in recent years is the new Groupama insurance ads which employ a deft blend of celebrity, humour, music and viral marketing to achieve both cut-through, positive brand associations and involvement.

This is a good media concept but we're not sure if the environment fits the IWC watch brand... obviously the average airport bus passenger in Moscow is a little more affluent than at Barajas, Madrid.