Consumer 2020

PSFK is a New York-based business intelligence platform that inspires creative professionals. It is in my bookmarks for a long time, and I regularly, not frequently, check their website for useful picks and ideas. Here is an interesting one; Consumer 2020.

According to PSFK, this report, developed in partnership with Cisco, explores questions and discusses how brands can adapt to a new collective of empowered consumers. The democratization of technology has allowed these individuals to access creation tools typically limited to retailers and brands.

Click here to have a look at Summary Presentation and download the free report.
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Google 'can't guarantee' ads won't appear by offensive content!

Eric Schmidt, chairman of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and the most prominent public face of the search giant; "We can't guarantee it, but we can get pretty close"

Schmidt conceded the point during an interview on Fox Business Network Thursday in response to a growing advertiser boycott against the company. More than 250 brands have pulled ads after reports that they appeared near YouTube videos from terrorists, Nazis, and other hate-mongers.

I believe that this boycott and response of Google, along with other platforms, will define the future of online advertisement. Have a look at Mashable to read the full article by Patrick Kulp.

Limited Edition SELECTION VINTAGE 2014

No, it is not wine; it is coffee!

Nespresso has launched a new Limited Edition coffee called Selection Vintage 2014. It is not just another limited edition like Tanim de Chiapas - Mexico or Cafezinho - Brazil. It is not exotic or has a colorful capsule like others. It is all about the story behind it. Have a look at the below video;

Nespresso Brand

OK, I am a Nespresso customer, and I like both the product and the brand. I even upcycle used capsules of mine and my friends to make decorative items; Capsules and Light. Categorically, it falls under capsule art, another developing thing among fans, which is also under Nespresso's radar. Check the website of Second Life Project by Nespresso or just google it.

Check out their Ecolaboration Program. A comprehensive one covering sustainability, social, and environmental impacts of the business while improving the lives of coffee farmers and their communities. They do whatever has to be done.

I believe that Nespresso is a very successful brand that has created its own segment and loyal customers. An upscale coffee brand with chique boutiques, quality products, great marketing communication, and, of course, ads with George Clooney, who is its face since the brand launched. What else?

Treat it like wine - Complex taste with an elegant woodiness.

It looks like Nespresso brings a new dimension to the world of coffee by launching Selection Vintage 2014. They treat coffee like wine and market it accordingly. I have not tasted it yet, but the point is how you position it, not the taste or price, at least for now. This has a big potential, and I wonder how it is going to develop.

Good luck, Nespresso!

Vintage Maps Rekindle the Romance of Early Air Travel

Have a look at NG story about vintage maps of airlines in the early days of the 20th century and compare it with Martin Grandjean's below work to see how the industry has developed in terms of the network. Today we have more than 3.000 airports and 60.000 routes. Don't you think that it is amazing?

Click here to read the full story of NG. If you like to buy the book Mapping the Airways, curated by Paul Jarvis, visit the Amberley Publishing website.

Have a nice flight!

Does the Airbus A380 have a future?

I had a few flights on board of Emirates A380s, both in Economy and Business. Yes, it is a huge aircraft, but there is nothing unusual except the bar for premium pax in terms of passenger comfort.

Have a look at the video news by Jeremy Howell of BBC;

Airbnb Flights

Before we get into details, please have a look at these two links;

• Skift - Airbnb Is Really Building A Flight Search Engine 
• Bloomberg - News about intentions of Airbnb

Skift Take by Dennis Schaal;
Turns out it is more than a trial balloon, after the announcement of possible flight search at Airbnb Open last month. The margins are tiny in flight search, not sure why it would be better than any other OTA, other than it has lots of traffic coming to Airbnb.

How has Airbnb changed the way we travel?

Simple. They offered a new, different, and genuine way to stay in the cities we visit. We loved this from host to guest concept. If you go for a room, it is far less expensive than a hotel room. This may not be suitable for all, but if you go for an entire apartment, it is a better option than any hotel, especially if you are traveling with more than two people.

I traveled to Amsterdam this month with my friends, and we stayed in a nice, centrally located apartment. It cost €50pp/night, which was less expensive than a 3-4 star hotel option. We had the luxury of being in a "home" with a nicely decorated living room, two bedrooms, comfy beds, a fully equipped kitchen, wi-fi, and so on.

It was like staying at a friend's place while s/he is away.

How I booked our tickets?

Like many of you, I first searched through online platforms to see all available schedules and price options. To be sure about the prices, I also checked the selected airlines' websites because sometimes you can catch a better deal. After all, I booked via an OTA, bavul.com, which was nearly 20% cheaper than the website of the airline we flew.

The decision process for many leisure travelers is more or less the same.

So the idea of offering flights, too, is fine and has potential, especially when you have such traffic, but at the end of the day, it depends on how it is going to work. Google, the most visited site globally, has Google Flights, which facilitates the purchase of tickets, but it is not the best. As written in one of the above links, Kayak.com has no worries because they know their product is superior to Google Flights.

That is why Dennis Schaal has a point.

Airbnb has been looking for some other initiatives to boost business. Last month, the company made it possible to book local experiences and tours. Again from host to guest. Such a nice idea.

When it comes to aviation, obviously, things are different. To be successful, Airbnb should find a way to change the way we book as they did before. Offering flights like an OTA will not make a difference. I would go and have a round of talks with the hosts, in this case, airlines, to explore potential opportunities, not cents.

Good luck, Airbnb!

Brad is single by Norwegian

Such a good example for a low-cost airline ads... just on time, savvy and funny.