crossedwires

A New Application

Emily and I have been observing and discussing how increasingly, websites are starting to act as applications. If we stray away from the computing definition of the word ‘application’, and think of alternatives such as “the action of putting something into operation”, I think of the wonders of web 2.0. What with its explosion, it’s no wonder that people are no longer receptive to static sites that talk at them. Instead, it seems that we are looking for experiences and particularly, those that we can influence – whether it’s by changing the background of your myspace page or creating a group that celebrates your peculiar interest.

Indeed, with so much rigidity and relative powerlessness over several aspects of our day-to-day life, the internet is an attractive channel to unleash thoughts, ideas, urges that might not be as easily expressed in real life. It makes me wonder then, what other possibilities this offers?

I came across an interesting page today. Sokwanele - Zvakana (Enough is Enough) is a Zimbabwe Civic Action Support Group site campaigning for freedom and democracy in Zimbabwe. They have created a google map that allows you to select breaches of democracy, see where they were committed and then link to a database that gives more information on the act.

There are several other examples of how new technologies can be used to fight for democracy. Some may argue that ‘playing’ on the internet may have negligible tangible results in the restoration of democracy but I think it’s impossible to ignore the unifying and mobilizing potential of, particularly, web 2.0. And that is the beginning isn’t it?

— Posted by Lulu

When it's okay to shoot the messenger

Those of us in the creative industry enjoy a freedom unlike many professions that have formal codes of practice. Not only do we lack stringent rules to follow but in fact are often encouraged to dare to break with convention! One thing we do have in common with many other professions is that the user (in various forms – client, patient, audience, student etc) is at the centre of our work. And if we are indeed creating for another’s experience, surely we must accept some responsibility for how our creation shapes that experience? As conduits for ideas and messages, we must first interrogate their merit and accuracy and then also consider the possible interpretations of them.

One of the best examples where irresponsible design has had disastrous effects is election time. There are several tales of how confusing ballot design has misled voters and produced results that have compromised the electorate’s trust in the democratic process.

So when it comes to encouraging people to live more sustainably, what responsibilities do those who work in the creative industries hold?

With sales of green and ethical products and services soaring, companies are keen to capitalise on emphasising these features. But with more and more advertising out there implying or claiming to be green, sometimes misleadingly so, consumers are becoming more and more sceptical as to the validity of such claims.

The danger is that these consumers may consequently become disengaged with the green and ethical market altogether thus sabotaging the environmental movement within business. Put succinctly, “greenwash destroys the very market it hopes to exploit”.

The responsibility for truthful messaging does not only lie with the companies selling these goods and services but also with those of us who help to promote them. So checks against greenwash need to be made at every stage – from client to creative to media outlets (including publications and broadcasters).

Today Futerra has launched a Greenwash Guide that aims to help communications professionals get their green messaging right. It includes 10 Signs of Greenwash as well as easy steps for companies, communications agencies and the public to help stamp out greenwash.

Designed by Emily and Lulu, you can download the guide here…

— Posted by Lulu