I’m a long time fan of the computer trivia game series, You Don’t Know Jack. Recently Jellyvision has decided to end the free online versions of their games after their 100th episode of the online YDKJ game. I’ve always wondered how the games can be so engaging when they use almost no graphics at all, relying heavily on moving text.

In the void of time I used to spend each day enjoying their games I’ve started reading the Jellyvision blog and found this post about why moving text (turns out its called “kinetic typography”), can be so effective.

“We sometimes catch flack for the text-heavy appearance of our conversations. “Why don’t you use video?” we have been asked. And I guess it’s a reasonable question. Video is inherently more active than text. I mean, look at these words here. They’re just sitting on the screen. Oh, sure, you could scroll up and down, but that’s not really the same thing. . .But you can make text dynamic: make it move and fill the space in a way that gives the words themselves personality” (more).

Here’s a good example: check out this audio excerpt from Fight Club. You wouldn’t think just seeing words move could bring the whole scene back in your head, but it does.

Most of you faithful blog readers know that we have been very blessed to work closely with a handful of very talented wedding photogs. We recently had the delightful opportunity to re-brand one of our personal favs, Dane Sanders. Dane came to us with a bit of a dilemma, Dane had a visual identity crisis (no, not personally, he’s actually quite the snappy dresser). The problem was, Dane had a lot going on (which is always a good problem to have). His photography business consists of many parts; Dane the Photographer, Dane the Author and Dane the Speaker, not to mention all of Danes photography resources like FastTrackPhotographer and CutFrame TV. With all these pieces, products and personas, Dane’s brand was in dire need of re-organization. Before the re-design process began, we noticed something, Dane wasn’t merely peddling a product, he was selling a philosophy, and not just any philosophy, one that actually worked. Our first step became clear, capitalize on Dane himself. Dane has quite the following in the wedding photog world, something of a minor celebrity in his business. The obvious solution, take all of Dane, his resources and philosophy and put it all under one brand. The result, the red DS box (see below) which was created from his actual signature initials. The simple yet effective graphic isn’t just the anchor of the Dane Sanders brand, but also acts as a fingerprint on all of Danes other elements. From print to web and back again, anything that has become a part of the DS philosophy is branded with the simple, eye catching red box. A special thanks to Dane for trusting (and putting up) with the e team.

The DS box logo in all it’s glory!

Not your standard biz card, museum board w/ a custom paper wrap:

Wanna see how we translated all of Danes new branding elements to the web? Check out DaneSanders.com

Take a few minutes to consider your client touch points today. Every interaction with your client, whether in person, in print, or via the web, creates a touch point that leaves a lasting impression. Consider, in detail, all possible points of contact, so that you can intentionally build the client experience that you’re hoping to accomplish. Remember, every contact you, your staff, or your brand makes with the customer, is a touch that has the ability to enhance or destroy your brand’s ability to grow. Don’t just manage your products or services, make sure to also manage your touch points for building unequaled brand equity and loyalty.

What touch points have you found to be the most important in your business cycle? Leave a comment below..

Recently, a good friend and fellow design colleague of mine turned me on to a new magazine that he discovered while attending the AIGA conference. GOOD magazine is just that, it’s good. Covering topics that range from art and design to politics and culture to social justice and the environment, GOOD leaves no corner of potential inspiration uncovered. It dives deep into the topic of design without being another design magazine. Which means no redundant articles about trends, this seasons hot colors, typefaces, or layout styles. GOOD not only reports on what it’s name implies, it lives up to that name in it’s quality, content and purpose. Oh, and did I forget to mention the best part? To subscribe, just pick one of a handful of note worthy non-profit organizations…make a contribution…and your one year subscript is free (we chose to support Malaria No More). To get GOOD, which we highly recommend, visit them at GOODmagazine.com