MagicSymbol - integrating real world items into digital displays

Magic Symbol is a new technology that brings to life real world items by turning them into 3D digital images. Consumers take a pre-printed card to a scanning point and see it turn into a pre-selected 'Magic Symbol' image on screen. This extends the engagement of printed material and gives opportunities to develop unique marketing messages.

The Magic Symbol technology has been developed by Inition (www.inition.co.uk) and has been used for a variety of clients and events. The following image gives more insight into how Magic Symbol technology works:

The Magic Symbol website has a video showcasing some of the promotions that they have run at www.magicsymbol.com - seeing Magic Symbol working in real life is the only way to explain it properly!

Magic Symbol technology gives an interesting opportunity to integrate offline / digital whilst spreading word of mouth - I think this sort of joined up approach (with one medium stimulating response in another) can only become more important as time and technology move on.

Volvo XC70 launch ambient activity in Oslo car park lifts!

To support the launch of the new Volvo XC70 station wagon, Volvo have used creative ambient advertising in Oslo car parks!

Volvo have created an urban escape by using artificial grass and impressive vistas inside Oslo multi-storey car park lifts.

Think this is a really simple, but effective way of communicating with consumers - great idea, well executed!

Dirty Car Art ambient advertising

Dirty Car Art (www.dirtycarart.com) is one of the most original ambient ideas that I have seen. Rather than writing messages like 'Clean Me' on dirty cars, Texas artist Scott Wade produces works of art instead!

screengrab of www.dirtycarart.com homepage

Scott Wade's dirty car art has gained such a following that he is now working for advertisers and using his dirty car art skills as part of commercial campaigns.

Brazil's TV Globo asked Scott to do a piece for their show 'Fantastico' - the result was the creation of Ronaldinho on a dirty car:

Ronaldinho Dirty Car Art

Another recent assignment was in Mexico for a PR firm representing Mattel. Scott Wade was commissioned to create pieces of Dirty Car Art for Pictionary in Insurgentes Square, Mexico City:

Scott Wade's dirty car art creations for Pictionary in Mexico City

Whilst the images are created on dusty cars and wash away in rain, this work is extremely eye catching and is a great way of generating word of mouth buzz!

See Scott Wade interviewed by the Texas Country Reporter on YouTube here:

Flogo cloud logos - the sky isn't the limit!

Flogo cloud logos are a new form of ambient / outdoor advertising - basically small bubble clouds created to a specified shape / logo. Developed by two international special effects advisors, Francisco Guerra and Brian Glover from Snowmasters, the Flogo is an interesting new way of marketing / advertising outdoors.

Flogos are shaped to form recognisable logos and released into the sky

Composed of a soap based formula mixed with gases like helium, a Flogo generator can produce a Flogo every 15 seconds in sizes of either 24 inch diameter, 36 inch diameter or 48 inch diameter. Flogos can travel 20-30 miles and reach heights of 20,000 feet, though normally travel at around 500 feet. Currently only available in white, the makers plan to introduce coloured Flogos in 2009.

A demonstration film is on YouTube here:


or more can be seen on their website at http://www.flogos.net

So who will be the first brand to test this in the UK?!