Aug. 5‘10
We experience a lot here at Mindspace, but as a rule, some things are more disconcerting than others.
This cry for help was printed from our north side printer today.
Some questions to ask:
Who is this little man?
How long has he been stuck?
and, more importantly,
Has he been the one eating all of our animal crackers?
Aug. 5‘10
Almost all companies today, regardless of size, face unique technical problems and challenges that they are unable to solve internally. Sometimes this causes wasted time or resources, and sometimes it hinders the ability to effectively communicate. That being said, here are some time savers and problem solvers we’ve come up with lately.
Google Maps is an extremely powerful application, assuming you know how to harness its power like we do. Recently, Mindspace incorporated Google Maps into a website to show automotive shops that matched a user’s search criteria. We also customized the map to automatically update exact location and ZIP code while centering and scaling itself to the search results.
Many companies today have Twitter and Facebook accounts. Mindspace has incorporated and automated Twitter and Facebook posts and feeds in many ways, thus saving time and keeping the content pipeline full. And if you need a custom Facebook presence, our design department will ensure your branding is presented well within the social media giant.
Often, clients find themselves using a SaaS (Software as a Service) like Vertical Response, Salesforce or the like. However, truly taking advantage of those types of products requires expertise typically outside of the skillset of the average company. As an example, Salesforce is the go-to CRM for many businesses, and its mature API allows for companies to use the data in many ways. From the creation of web-to-lead landing pages that feed into automatic campaign creation, single sign on (SSO), lead nurturing and much more, Mindspace is quite familiar with SaaS’s offerings and can help you better take advantage of its power while allowing your team to continue using them as they used to.
Disparate databases are becoming more common as technology ages and companies merge. There typically is no simple solution, since the problems involved with trying to use multiple sources for data will become exponentially complex over time, demand more and more attention, yet all the while becoming less and less effective. Mindspace has seen and solved a myriad of data problems, and we’re experts in solving both complex conundrums and political problems in a minimal amount of time.
The members of our Mindspace Interactive team haves some real world experience. This means our team members have worked in jobs in the past where they were responsible for adding value, not merely being a cost center. And in doing so, wethey’ve have amassed quite a bit of experience solving unique problems.
Almost all companies today, regardless of size, face unique technical problems with a combination ofand challenges that they are unable to solve internally. Sometimes this meanscauses wasted time or resources, and sometimes it hinders the sometimes the inability to effectively communicate. That being said, Hhere are some time savers and problem solvers we ha’ve created come up with lately.
Google maps Maps is an extremely powerful application, assuming you know how to harness it’s power like we do. Recently, Mindspace incorporated Google Mapsit into a website to showshowing automotive shops that matched a user’s search criteria. We also customized the map to , automatically updatinge exact location and ZIP code updates, whileautomatically centering and scaling itself to the search results..
Many companies today have Twitter and FacebBook accounts they use. Mindspace has incorporated and automated Twitter and FaceBook Facebook posts and feeds in many ways, of course taking the 145 character count into account, thus saving time and much time in keeping the content pipeline full. And if you need a custom FaceBook Facebook presence, our design department will ensure your branding is presented well within the social media giant.
Often, clients find themselves using a SaaAAS (Software as a Service) like Vertical Response, SalesfForce or the like. However, truly taking advantage of those types of products requires expertise typically outside of the skillset of the average company. With all the advantages these providers offer, there also is a downside. As an example, SalesFforce is the go-to CRM for many businesses, and its mature API allows for companies to use the data in many ways Mindspace has taken advantage of for our clients. From the creation of web-to-lead landing pages that feeding into automatic campaign creation, single sign on (SSO), lead nurturing and much more, Mindspace is quite familiar with SaaAAS’s offerings and can help you better take advantage of theirits power while, yet allow allowing your team to continue using them as they are used to.
Disparate databases are becoming more common as technology ages, and companies merge. There typically is no simple solution, since as the problems ininvolved with trying to use multiple sources for data will become exponentionally complex over time, and will demand more and more attention, yet all the while becominge less and less effective. Mindspace has seen and solved a myriad of data problems, and we’ree consider ourselves experts in solving both complex conundrums and political solving these usually very complex and sometimes political problems in a very single minded effective way, in a minimal amount of time.
Mar. 1‘10
Because it’s Monday.
Because it’s March.
Because we’re Mindspace.
Have a Bright Sunshiny Day
Oct. 2‘09
I work at an amoeba-shaped table with glowing electrical sea anemones sprouting out at either end. Giant panes of etched glass provide the only geometry in contrast to the static waves that provide containment from the elements. Distant ceilings above the maze of exposed infrastructure reflects something trendy associated with ‘loft living’
– but I’m not sure what. If I squint my eyes and just listen, I might be deep in the engine room of an ocean liner. The occasional moan of the air conditioner provides the ship’s horn, and the eclectic collection of Southwest folk music offer the lamentations from the immigrants in steerage.
No, I’m not tripping, I’m at work!
If you’ve ever been to our offices, you likely have a memory etched and categorized into that same lobe of the brain that stores John Waters movies. ‘Unique’ doesn’t begin to describe the Mindspace HQ, and members of the desperate masses can take heart that not all workspace need be constructed of hostile angles.
Having spent most of my career confined to padded herculon cubicles (think padded walls,) I met my new daily digs with curiosity and intrigue.
It’s a strange environment, but in a good way. I think. No long-term data is available yet, but the imagineers who spawned this wonderful abstraction of business seem to have it right. At least it’s new scenery for this weary traveler of the corporate seas.
What are your office space demands?
Now that my mind has become greedy to new possibilities, I want more.
**The Below Are “Inside” Jokes for the Most Part, but are Funny Anyways**
Request #1: We need a roll-away roof to absorb vitamin-D and fresh air during the working hours. Nothing fuels creative hallucinations more than fresh Sonoran air laced with the airborne toxins and suspended particulates infamous to the Phoenix metro.
Request #2: I’d like a urinal installed in the Genie room. Ever since the local recreational drug users assumed control of our public lavatories for their commerce, I’ve been emasculated by Brent’s toilet rules. Think of the productivity gains, I might not even have to leave my chair!
Request #3: We need a conversation pit on the deck. Besides a place to sleep off an overdose of Richard’s coffee, a lime green or burnt orange vinyl couch (preferably with fold-out bed) would provide a petri dish for the exchange of ideas that commonly blow our clients’ minds.
Request #4: To riff on the oceanliner motif, we need a giant steering wheel mounted on the roof. Imagine Brent in a rain slicker driving his giant brain down Rural Rd. The thought gives me chills.
Request #5: If I can’t have a covered parking spot, I’ll settle for a company helicopter. It’s difficult to reconcile the unemployment numbers with the plug of vehicles that litter the former ‘freeway’ every day. Is everyone commuting to the unemployment office? A hovercraft would also be okay. We could give rides as another revenue stream.
Request #6: Can we turn the air conditioning off for Winter? I’d like to remove the long underwear for a few months. But I look forward to sifting the clearance racks for parkas next Spring!
Jun. 23‘09
If you have a degree in what field is it?
Communications with an emphasis in Graphic Design
Design or technology? Which is more important? Why?
That’s sort of like asking what came first, the chicken or the egg. It depends on how you look at it, but in my biased opinion, design is the beauty. The technology is just a means to get there faster and with less effort.
If you were to change professions, what would you choose to do?
I don’t think I could ever separate myself from being creative so whatever profession I switched to, it would have to provide a creative outlet for me. In no particular order: Landscape architecture; gardener; interior decorator; photographer; wedding/event planner; stationery designer; clothing/handbag designer; boutique owner. Anything that I can do to create something valuable for someone else. I love the fulfillment of making something custom and completely unique; I love using graphic design and applying it to everyday objects; I love making things look beautiful.
What’s the strangest request you’ve received from a client?
I once had a client ask me not to use gray and green on his website because his mom told him they just didn’t go together.
What well-known identity is most desperately in need of a redesign?
I have always been mystified by Google. As a designer, I believe they are in DESPERATE need of a makeover, but they are certainly proof that form follows function sometimes.* I cringe every time I look at their logo, but I attribute it to being so bad, they stand out. It’s definitely their functionality that has gained them success.
Can you name a company or product who just gets it?
I think that in terms of branding, the Target Company is at the pinnacle. If anyone can “own” a color, Target owns red. They are always at the forefront of design and have consistent branding that keeps their identity front and center.
From where do your best ideas originate?
My best ideas usually come from observing everyday situations people can relate to. I often draw on clichés because they are well-known truths that point out the ridiculous patterns people tend to fall into. When I am trying to come up with ideas for a concept, I most often find myself thinking in the car while driving. My problem is that I am always trying to scribble down ideas as I’m flying down the freeway (did I just admit that?)
In one word describe how you feel when beginning a new project?
Charged
How do you overcome a creative block?
These days, the amount of inspirational resources are overwhelming. The direction the web has gone in terms of blogs, social media outlets and industry tools, provides no shortage of places to find inspiration and ideas. My struggle is that there are so many avenues; I could spend days being inspired by things I find online. As much as I love the Internet, I still think it’s important to disconnect from the computer and go out and observe real life on a regular basis.
What’s your dream project (not client, but project)?
Entire branding & interior decorating of a small start-up restaurant or boutique. Creating the entire experience sounds like so much fun. It’s impossible for me to go anywhere without my design goggles on, so I am constantly critiquing my environment, and oftentimes find myself thinking, “If only I could get my hands on their menu, or signage, or drapes, or…” well, you get the idea. Presentation is of HUGE importance but some companies just don’t get it.
What do you consider to be the greatest headline of all time?
“Where’s the Beef?” That one somehow stuck with me since childhood.
What’s your favorite design tool?
Adobe kuler. I hate to say it, but in this day and age, saving time is priority in many instances and having so many wonderful color palettes at your disposal is a huge convenience.
Do you have creative outlets other than graphic design?
I’m starting to really get into documenting my family’s life through photography.
What’s your approach to balancing work and life?
Love your work so much it feels more like a hobby than a job.
What product/gadget can you not live without?
My basic cell phone. I don’t have to have the latest, greatest technology, but the convenience of being able to talk to anyone from (almost) anywhere is unfathomable now.
What’s your favorite quote?
“It’ll be fine.”
–My mom
Do you have any advice for people just entering the profession?
Expect a wake-up call. The real-world agency experience is nothing like school and certainly not as glamorous as it appears in the movies.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started your career?
The real-world agency experience is nothing like school and certainly not as glamorous as it appears in the movies.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve bought online?
I tried to surprise my husband with a small car TV, but failed to realize that it was a Chinese TV (whatever that means) and was a complete waste of $200. Needless-to-say, I will never buy him anything technical again.
Do you have a personal philosophy?
Nothing compares to keeping a positive attitude. There is no good that comes of looking at the glass half-empty.
*That’s a whole new topic I’ll cover in a later post: Should Form Really Follow Function?
**Questions referenced from the insights section of commarts.com
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