Filter thinking

We drink a lot of coffee.

In a recent meeting at our local barista parlour we noticed just how many generations, social groups, professions, fashions and personalities are brought together in a humble coffee house.

But how, in a world where consumers like to define themselves through sub-culture and specific identities does a coffee house bend the rules and become a destination for all?

Maybe it’s an eclectic thing!? A melting pot, co-owned, co-existing thing. No set style or persuasion, something easy to morph into what anyone wants it to be. A little like Vernon Kay perhaps?!

Either way there’s got to be some insight here for any brand wanting to get pull together disparate consumer groups with a destination mentality. Offer up adaptable culture to your consumers, a place and space that provides a part completed canvas allowing for easy adaptation to their purpose.

Here’s to coffee shop culture. One of a kind. No rules, no pretences, no expectations. So long as the coffee’s good.

Mine’s a large skinny Cap for reference, easy on the sprinkles.

Susology

We've been following the Suso brand closely to see how the ex-Red Bull team would roll things out.

For those of you unfamiliar with the drink... it's a can and a bottle of carbonate pure fruit juice and damn refreshing it is too!

They've been pushing it pretty hard with outdoor in London and recently have launched their branded mag called Susology.

Nicely put together and following in their definition of Susology -" The study of Imagination, Creativity and Determination".

A nice sentiment.

The Open House

We're moving tomorrow! The boxes are packed, the

Culture Melt 2008

We're looking forward to getting along to Melt 2008 next week in Sheffield.

It's a great event showcasing the finest in leading cultural opinion and creative initiative in digital multimedia - speakers this year include The Future Laboratory.

We also loved the 3D invite, nice touch Nige!

More info at http://www.lovemelt.co.uk/

Bye bye Julia!

Sadly Julia leaves us today to become a full time mum to her little boy Kristian.

So we bid farewell and thank her for all her lovely work here with our clients, it really has been a massive contribution.

Naturally we felt obliged to equip her with some essential tools to being mum full time and look forward to tasting the results!

Good luck Julia and thank you, you will be missed and do keep in touch x

Opinion form vs. function

So whilst here we like to think of ourselves as an insightful group of minds we also look to opinion leaders for our inspiration. But what, we asked ourselves as we pondered on consumer trends and culture the other day, makes them such a voice of authority?

Is it that one of their observations was latched onto by another? Is that what makes an opinion former? Being an opinion giver?

Those trendpreneurs who are leading the way, include the likes of Alexa Chung or E4’s crazy haired BBLB presenter Zeze Ifore, known as much for her colourful attire as she is for her informed opinion on the show. Look to Web 2.0 and see them all craving for their own bit of the spotlight. All flying the flag as ambassadors of generation me, seeing what else they can cram into their already overflowing talent portfolio.

These are Young British Artists, DJs, Designers, Illustrators, Writers, Musicians at their fresh, self professed best. But that is what makes them the leaders in their world; they are keen, eager and fabulous self-publicists. And want what we are always striving to be; the latest in cool.

Sometimes the trend sites that we plough for all things new just don’t cut the biscuit so that’s when we go it alone and prove to ourselves, like the bloggers, Beboers, and Myspacers out there, that with a bit of knowledge, beady eyes to observe, open ears to listen and the precious time to stop and think.

We all have the capacity to have an opinion, so why not run with it and form?

Pimp my rickshaw

Now the cynics among us would say this is crafty experiential product placement by Mini...! Others would say it's an enterprising chap with a hacksaw!