Starbucks - the next chapter

Nearly forty years ago, in a small retail space in Seattle's Pike Place Market, Starbucks began a journey that would lead to a top spot on the list of coffee roasters and retailers around the world and a large hole in my pocket...I love my lattes a little too much!

In anticipation of their 40 year anniversary this spring, Starbucks announced a small but meaningful update to their brand identity which their CEO Howard S. says will "ensure that the Starbucks brand continues to embrace [their] heritage in ways that are true to [their] core values and that also ensure [they] remain relevant and poised for future growth".

I always have a difficult time with change, especially to those things I hold near and dear to my heart, but nostalgia aside, I think I like the new look. I love that they found their creative answer in simplicity. What do you think?

PechaKucha

This past Thursday night, Chelsey and I checked out vol. 14 of PechaKucha Night Vancouver. It was our third time attending the event and it was awesome!

PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network and show their work in public. It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. It's name is derived from the Japanese term for "chit chat" and the presentation format is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It's a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.

What I love about these nights is that they are all so different. Anyone can present and any topic can be covered (trust me...there have been a few interesting ones). The key to a great presentation is to present something you love!

I advise you all to check out vol. 15 in the new year! Come out and see what your peers are up to and find out about the unique ways people are contributing to a design savvy, forward thinking, eco friendly Vancouver!

Phonofone?

This Phonofone by Science + Sons is pretty fantastic! I love its sleek ceramic look AND it features an i-pod dock! Without the use of external power or batteries, the Phonofone inventively exploits the virtues of horn acoustics to boost the audio output of standard earphones to up to 55 decibels. So cool!