So, to boil it down, I check out the latest apps that I think are cool, and those that aren't. And it always comes down to "why do some work, and some don't?"
Now let's see what I think about what works and what doesn't:
Coca-Cola offers "Spin the Coke", which is basically spin-the-bottle on an iPhone screen. If I don't have better things to do than this, shoot me.
The Date App, which helps socially awkward people figure out what to say on a date. Um....no.
Now, let's apply it to branding, since most of the apps out there are "entertainment", I say the time is now to apply creative + branding + this new media as one element of social marketing, which in essence is all about creating and maintaining a fan base--the creation of goodwill translates into dollars for non-profits, associations and corporations.
Here are some of my favorites--and what do they have in common? Useability! Something I would actually use:
1. Disney World Wait Times & More: the concept is to get feedback from people who are at Walt Disney World waiting in line for rides--people who happen to also have iPhones loaded with Wait Times software get the most accurate wait times for rides such as Space Mountain.
--now imagine the possibilities with any lines: hospitals, Saturday night popular restaurants, opening nights of movies, etc. People feel a camaraderie with those they are interacting with, and that's good for any brand.
2. Benjamin Moore's Ben Color Capture app. I just downloaded this yesterday and it's too cool for interior design fans like me. I could take a picture of the green Buddha head on my desk (love love love that green, and would love it in my living room), and the app shows me the closest matching colors in the Benjamin Moore catalog. Imagine the possibilities! This can change how people come up with color schemes in their homes. Paint swatches will be soooo last century.
Anyhow, this is what I've been mulling over in my head for the last month. So many possibilities and so many chances to create. I can't wait.
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