Bert_smile

the pigeon chronicles, vol 2

i find sometimes that the time between turkey day and the december holidays can be very stressful with work, shopping, just being your festive-est, and with life.  for that reason i present you with volume 2 of the pigeon chronicles.

no, this pigeon chronicles has nothing really to do with anything except for my bizarre fascination with pigeons (and do not even get me started on ants….).  my hope is that it will hopefully bring a little smile to your face and give you a little chuckle that will help you glide into the holidays and a most wonderful new year!

so here we go.  i present you now with bert from sesame street.  here he will show off his legs and perform his special little ditty that may just change how you view pigeons….

Bert Dances & Sings to “Doin’ the Pigeon”

and the extended version in case that was not enough…

Bert Presents “Doin’ the Pigeon” (extended version)

i truly hope this brings a smile to your face!  happy wednesday!

is there a video or picture that makes you smile?!  feel free to share them in the comment section!

(and special thanks to Meegan for sharing this bit of magic with me!)

img_0188

wait…. a dry spf?

okay, i am currently experimenting with a new line of facial care products.

(do not worry guys!  stick with me here….)

the brand is eminence and they are a handmade organic skin care made in hungary since 1958.  overall, the package design is pretty simple across their line.  umm so kate, why are you telling us this?

WELL… then i was shown (and easily sold) a powdered spf sun protection product.  yes.  you read that correctly.  it is a powdered spf.  all you do is push the button on the top, it releases some powder, and then you apply it like a regular powder brush on your face, neck, arms…wherever you need.

brilliant.  no more oily sunscreen (i hope).  now i can enjoy (i hope) spf in its purest form.  how this will work when it is 90 degrees out and we are “glistening” (read: sweating) i am not sure.  but i must say i am excited at the prospect.  i cannot wait to see how well it works.

IMG_0188

chicago 12.2014

so now let us get to the other bit of excitement here: the packaging.  not only is the primary package different with the telescoping brush which is crazy interactive fun BUT the wooden box is a stunner and really highlights its more organic and natural product feel.

IMG_0187

facial care/cosmetic packaging can be and feel really lux, similar to spirit/alcohol packaging (as seen in my previous post ooooooh…. texture).

there are lots of reasons why this could be but here are two ideas i have that i would like to contribute to the conversation…

– you are typically interacting with the package one or more times in a day and if the package feels quality then it will help you feel better about using it as well as the possible effect

– often you are spending a LOT of money for a very small amount so the package is a way to reinforce the sense of value

can you think of other reasons why facial care/cosmetic companies invest more to create lux packages?  can you think of other categories where companies invest more money in the packaging in hopes of catching your eye?  please share them in the comment section below….

ohh and are you following me on twitter yet? follow me at @kcwglobal

are you following me on Facebook?  like me at KCW Global Research

please join the conversation – it is happening all over!

love (is in) the details

my brother teaches special needs kids ages 10 to 12 in the mansfield, ohio city schools.  he has been making a difference in the lives of those amazing kids for over 21 years.  i am super proud of him.  he is an inspiration.

for the last two years i have had the honor of spending the day sharing with them the magic and fun of qualitative research.  i take them through a variety of exercises that i actually use for clients and then help understand the strategic learnings that come from the many exercises.  needless to say, it is a blast.

beyond the fun of spending time with such curious and energetic kids, i always seem to walk away so impressed with the insights they have and how observant they are.  to help illustrate this i have included pictures from our unaided drawing exercises from the last two years:

heinz ketchup (12.2012)

IMG_3749

two of the kids even recalled the little detail of the tomato and vine at the base of the package (see the green on the one in the top row?)!  what?!  holy impressed!!

coca cola and pepsi (12.2013)

IMG_0103

red is an equity – check.  it says coca cola on the package – check.  and did you see the polar bears?!  top row #1 (“you only gave me a white crayon”), bottom row #1 & 2.  genius.

IMG_0106

looks like the classroom has a bit more to say about pepsi!  note the logo, emphasis on blue, and the 12-pack box of cans, individual cans, and even the plastic bottle.

these kids make my heart smile.

TRY THIS AT HOME!  make it a family activity or even something to do with friends.  grab a 12 or 16 pack of crayons (one box for each person), a 11×8 piece of paper (and do not hesitate to use the WHOLE piece of paper), pick a brand, and start drawing!  it is fun seeing the details that stand out for some and not for others.  and if you do it, please PLEASE please send me the pics privately or post them in the comments section!