Smoke signals in a digital world

“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity” -Albert Einstein

Before you were glued to your computer screen, before you used your first mobile phone, humans used a variety of methods to communicate with each other. Just imagine if you were out in the wilderness with a group of your friends. Just you and nature. No phone, no internet, and not even a compass. Imagine you wanted everyone to come back to the camp site before dark so you decide to create smoke signals to let them find their way back. When all you have is nature, the means by which you communicate suddenly become very simple… very primitive.

Societal norms and cultural values evolve and become characterised with each period of technological revolution. Technology can greatly influence our lives and relationships. We are naturally predisposed to use our minds to think, speak and interact with each other, and as a species we have the capacity to use our minds to create all sorts of tools that enhance the way we communicate. Continue reading

Playing “Kach-Up”

Recently I was told that cards and payments were merging into one. Wait a minute… aren’t cards payments? Aren’t they just instruments used to identify payments?

A colleague of mine recently stated, “Not a week goes by without someone launching some new payments initiative that combines technology with society’s want of “instant gratification.”” From a Gen-Y perspective, we are at the heart of a payments transformation era… I have an iPhone, therefore I am… On the other hand from a marketer’s perspective the payments industry can at times be as cumbersome as Sydney’s  outdated train system. The challenge is marketing payments innovation in an industry split between those that recognize and are boldly embracing change to those that are aware of change but remain comfortable in their established ways. Continue reading

My visit to the Apple store

Last week I visited the Apple store. A newly opened one. One could liken it to a mecca for Apple lovers. Now by mecca, I don’t mean to worship any deity, nor can I say I use Apple products religiously. It’s just a place that represents one brand, yet attracts so many people from all walks of life. I was simply drawn in with the rest of the shoppers walking past.

Sure I love Apple. As a brand it represents knowledge, hope, power and innovation. As a product it represents simplicity, quality and perfection. With its stylish design and fluid lines, I felt very welcomed walking in. The experience of the Apple store itself is meant to leave people wanting more. For Apple lovers it’s like visiting a toy store. Continue reading

30 of my favourite iPhone apps

Business

1. LinkedIn- Social app for business. Connecting you with millions of others in your industry.

2. Cardmunch- I spilt coffee on someone’s business card the other day… oops. This app lets you take a photo of a business card then converts the data to your contacts list. Fairly accurate too.

3. Dropbox- Save your files in dropbox and it sync’s with all your computers, iphones, ipads. You can access your files on your online account and even share your files with friends. Continue reading