POST DIGITAL

BE TRUE 2012 - Nike Takes Pride in it's LGBT Community

Just in time for the NYC Pride parade - Enter the Nike Pride Pack.  Be True 2012 celebrates the achievements of the New York City, San Francisco and Portland communities as progressive leaders of LGBT life with city-specific footwear releases and accompanying hat and tee.  

[Via Nike]

The 21st Century Beetle – Rock 'n' Scroll

Many of you know I love my Beetle.  I was jazzed to see the Webby for Best Automotive go to Tribal DDB Berlin's website for VW. The site uses nifty design to give a history of the iconic car.

What makes this one of my favorites it it's innovative use of video.

Visit The 21st Century Beetle – Rock 'n' Scroll at http://www.beetle.com/

 

 

We Are Music

Here is a comprehensive overview of the 2012 Grammys effort.

Work by: TBWA\CHIAT\DAY, Los Angeles

Does A UCD focus make companies miss out on disruptive innovations?

Fast Company’s Co.Design blog published a controversial post that triggered a lot of discussion. In their article provocatively titled User-Led Innovation Can’t Create Breakthroughs; Just Ask Apple and Ikea, Jens Martin Skibsted and Rasmus Bech Hansen wrote:

“[User-centered design] doesn’t work. Here’s the truth: Great brands lead users, not the other way around.”

Skibsted and Hansen cited Apple and IKEA as some of the most innovative brands that don’t follow the user-centric design model. They say that the Apple design team spoke out against user-centric design because it’s “a waste of time”. Similarly IKEA claimes, “it doesn’t work.”

They argued that brands have to take the lead in innovation with a strong and consistent vision, and outlined several reasons why it’s actually detrimental to listen to your users.  Without vision and innovation we begin to create a sea of sameness.

I must admit, their points are compelling...[sigh] but are they correct?  Where does the user fit in?  After the innovation or to inspire the innovation?  How might we reconcile their claims with the value of design research and user-centered design?

You can read the article at http://www.fastcodesign.com/1663220/user-led-innovation-cant-create-breakthroughs-just-ask-apple-and-ikea

Are they right?  Sound off.  What do you think?

 

The Anatomy of Typography

For Print Only shows off, what they are calling, the Ligature, Loop & Stem poster.  It breaks down typography to their very essential parts and provides a beautiful teaching tool for how typography can impact our lives and how designers can make it better. [via Dooby Brain]