So, i went i took a test drive of the cube and wanted to see it up close. I took a shot of the top of the ceiling which shows the water drop inspired look but all through out the car you can find hints of this effect. I also noticed in the stiching of the seats. I could see why the windows where photo framed like. They were very big and essentially a bunch of people could look out and you literally take a snapshop to show how big they are. The only thing i found was i knew more about the car by reading our brief than the actual TWO sales guys that were helping me!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Cube Photos
So, i went i took a test drive of the cube and wanted to see it up close. I took a shot of the top of the ceiling which shows the water drop inspired look but all through out the car you can find hints of this effect. I also noticed in the stiching of the seats. I could see why the windows where photo framed like. They were very big and essentially a bunch of people could look out and you literally take a snapshop to show how big they are. The only thing i found was i knew more about the car by reading our brief than the actual TWO sales guys that were helping me!
Have some Cube research!
2009 NISSAN CUBE SET FOR SPRING U.S. DEBUT; NEW ENTRY-LEVEL COMPACT COMBINES FASHION WITH FUNCTIONALITY – Small But Substantial, Spirited But Economical, All-New Third Generation Cube's Asymmetrical Design and Lounge-Style Interior Provide Unexpected Charm and Utility – Huey Lewis once sang "It's hip to be square." Few believed him. Mathletes wax poetic about the superior geometric efficiencies of a cube in terms of volume v. surface area. And get little respect. Cavemen discovered that a round stone rolls better than a square one. And, as a consequence, gave birth to the traffic jam. In 1998, Nissan introduced the original Cube, an aptly named box-on-wheels, to minor consumer interest. Perhaps, like homo erectus, the Cube was simply ahead of its time. But times change, and so did the Cube. In 2002, an all-new second generation Nissan Cube was introduced in the Japanese market. More spacious inside, more glass outside, more power under the hood and, more importantly, a few more angles and curved surface details added to its compact, slab-sided exterior. Quintessentially Japanese, this new Cube took Tokyo by storm. A pocket-sized fun-and-function cocktail mixing the charm of Godzilla and the wit of Mothra, buyers were smitten. And so, it turns out, Huey was right after all. Like the Nissan GT-R before it, the Nissan Cube soon found an audience outside of Japan – not in person, but through its exposure in fashion and automotive magazines, videos and on the Web. Reboot to today, more than 10 years since its original appearance, and the Nissan Cube is ready to meet the world in person, coming to America in spring 2009 in an all-new, dramatically rethought third generation design that is clever, quirky, witty, fun and uniquely functional. And still totally square. More than just unique geometry, however, the new 2009 Nissan Cube is also conceived as a totally different take on an automobile – a car that doesn't want to be defined as car. "With its unique blend of fashion and function, Cube imagines a life less ordinary," said Al Castignetti, vice president, Sales, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). "Cube is as much of a Mobile Device as it is an automobile, something that enhances life like people's digital devices do. Cube is a vehicle that people of all ages can fall in love with, even when they don't love cars." Evocative Yet Rational Though its uniquely styled, asymmetrical body makes a standout statement against the backdrop of today's look-alike entry-level vehicles, Cube presents a range of strong rational arguments for purchase as well. Along with its projected fuel economy of over 30 mph Highway (equipped with the CVT transmission, actual EPA estimates not available at this time), Cube offers an alphabet of standard safety equipment – including an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), six air bags (including front, side and curtain supplemental air bags) and front seat Active Head Restraints. "The new Nissan Cube is not, by any measure, a pure ‘youth car,' though it especially meets the needs of young adults' lives in the sense that it is social, expressive and practical," said Castignetti. "And like many entry-level vehicles, Cube will be purchased by young consumers with the help or influence of their parents. We believe the combination of value, fuel economy and safety will be especially reassuring to parents involved in such decisions." A "Bulldog in Sunglasses" The all-new 2009 Nissan Cube builds on the previous generation Cube's non-traditional design with an improved stance and an added sense of dynamic movement. With Cube's long wheelbase relative to its overall length (a 99.6-inch wheelbase against a 156.7-inch overall length) and wide track, the wheels, in effect, are pushed out to each corner – providing exceptional space utilization and a confident-looking stance that has been compared to a "bulldog in sunglasses." "The designers, engineers and planners' effort and passion in creating the next generation Cube was unheard of – perhaps only exceeded in recent memory by that of the Nissan GT-R development team," said Castignetti. "They were constantly drawing, cartooning, adding thoughts and ideas, which is how the image of the bulldog emerged and evolved. This was not a traditional development process." Along with its stance, the "incognito canine" look is aided by the wide headlights and grille treatment, the small but substantial body proportions and the short "tail" section. In the rear, the bar-type taillights reinforce the wide, anchored feel. The Cube's creators also sought to maintain a sense of "pure design," reducing the number of character lines to give simplicity and freshness to the styling. Another unique aspect of the Cube's exterior is the greenhouse. The A-pillars are positioned far outward and relatively upright, giving a wider range of forward visibility. The front door windows utilize a "photo frame" design patterned after a personal photo frame, while the asymmetrical wraparound side/rear window creates enhanced rear diagonal visibility for lane changes and reverse parking. "The ‘geometric circle shape in the square' rear window is Cube's signature," said Castignetti. "Though there are D-pillars on both sides of the Cube, the visual effect of the narrower passenger-side pillar is quite remarkable in the overall appearance, a look aided by the asymmetrical back door." Unlike typical top-hinged or clamshell-style utility rear doors, Cube features an easy-access refrigerator-style opening, which makes it possible to open or close it even if parked tight against other cars in parallel parking spaces or when backed in against a wall or other obstacle. The back door opens fully when space allows for loading groceries, luggage or large-sized objects – or to a limited-access position (about eight inches) when space is restricted for retrieving or loading a backpack or other small objects. The one-hand door handle operation is designed for easy use, even while carrying things in the other hand or arm. The 2009 Nissan Cube is available in eight mild-to-wild exterior colors: Chrome Silver, Steel Grey, Bitter Chocolate, Scarlet Red, Caribbean Blue, Moss Green, Super Black and White Pearl. A "Casual Lounge" Interior The centerpiece of the new Cube's universal appeal is its "social space" – the surprisingly roomy interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. "Cube is not wasteful in terms of its footprint, carbon or physical. It creates a third space, in addition to home and school, for interacting with friends. It's a space that is highly changeable and adaptable to owners evolving lives, with plenty of room for personalization," said Castignetti. Cube's clever, inspired and surprisingly open occupant space was conceived with a "Jacuzzi Curve" layout and "floating meter pod" driver's area. It combines "casual lounge"-style passenger seating with a relaxed driving experience. The interactive interior is anchored by its curve-themed architecture, such as the subtle wavy shaping of the instrument panel, door panels, seat shapes, armrests and the iconic circular/oval shapes of elements ranging from air conditioning vents, door pulls and climate controls. The comfortable Cube seating includes 6-way manual driver's seat and 4-way manual front passenger's seat, along with a "lounge sofa" style sliding rear bench seat. The reclining rear seat can be adjusted to three positions – full rearward (providing ample legroom), mid-position (3.9 inches forward) or front position (6.0 inches forward). The rear seat also is positioned higher than the front seats, theater style, enhancing rear passenger comfort and visibility. "In some ways, the Cube is like the big cardboard appliance boxes you used to play in as a kid – they could be clubhouses, race cars, forts, whatever your mood and imagination wanted at the time," said Castignetti. "The new Cube's interior leaves room for imagination and personalization, yet also starts with a solid functional purpose." Stress-Free Driving, Room For Personalization Cube's stress-free driving experience is the result of a number of factors: an extremely tight 32.8-foot curb-to-curb turning radius, a tall seating position made possible by the tall body height, an extremely short hood "invisible length" (the area of the hood panel that the driver is unable to see) and the good rear visibility for parking and backing up. "Our studies show that one of the most stressful aspects for young or inexperienced drivers is parking, particularly parallel parking," said Castignetti. "Cube is extremely adaptable to parking environments in terms of its compact exterior dimensions, good visibility and easy steering." Other interior features include the "floating pod" instrument panel with asymmetrical light blue and white gauges, which are designed to make it easier to distinguish between the speedometer and the tachometer. The gauge needles "sweep" when the engine is started to add a sense of flair, while the gradation effect gives a natural ambience similar to the glow of the white moon and the blue earth. Sub-gauges are concentrated for enhanced visibility. The three-spoke steering wheel is available with leather wrapping and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Convenient storage spaces and cup/bottle holders are abundant throughout the Cube interior – including six cupholders (instrument panel, front center console and rear armrests) and five bottle holders (door panels and center console). There are also detachable multi-hooks for holding bags or hats, which can be moved from place to place – including the instrument panel and rear passenger doors. The "shelf expression" concept features two "shelves" located on top center and passenger side of the instrument panel. Not designed for holding objects when the Cube is in motion, they provide convenient spaces for placing keys, cell phones or digital music players when the vehicle is parked. The shelves can be personalized with accessory wood-like trim or shag carpeting. Cube's "Magic Rubber Bands," another clever Cube accessory item, are colorful rubber straps (red, yellow, orange or silver) that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps, nametags, photos, towels or small stuffed animals. "The interior concept is really about the Cube conforming to the users' needs, rather than the other way around – you can put your favorite items anywhere you want, not where the vehicle tells you to," said Castignetti. "The designers demanded that every aspect of the Cube interior be delightful, as well as functional." The Cube interior design also incorporates a series of subtle "Water Drop" concentric circles, inspired by nature and the calming way that ripples move outward from a drop in water. The circles can be seen in items ranging from the roof headliner to the cupholders to the climate control design. A Wide Range of Available Features Cube's heating and cooling system provides quiet, efficient operation with easy to recognize and use knobs and switches. Other standard equipment offered on the 2009 Nissan Cube includes power windows with driver's side one-touch auto down feature, Remote Keyless Entry system, power door locks with auto-locking feature, variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear window wiper, rear window defroster with timer, cargo area courtesy light and hooks, 12-volt power outlet and adjustable front seat belt upper anchors. Available Cube technology features include Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six speakers, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Interface System for iPod® and a rear sonar system. The Cube interior is offered in two color environments, Wall Gray and Graphite. Wall Gray, available in a quilted suede-like fabric with special "natural wave" stitching only, is designed to create a relaxing contrast between the warm, light gray upholstery and warm off-black interior accents. The warm off-black Graphite interior, available in two cloth grades, provides a combination of relaxation and more traditional "driving enjoyment" attitude. "The Cube interior is a great example of how an inexpensive, high value vehicle can be done well – quality design, quality materials and the features and equipment that the user needs with room for personalization, rather than forced customization," said Castignetti. Unexpected Power and Driving Ease Just as Cube has its own unique take on styling and interior design, the engineering team took a fresh approach to performance – creating a vehicle that is easy to drive and easy to handle in traffic. The emphasis for Cube's performance credentials is squarely on fun-to-drive, rather than exhilaration. Cube combines an advanced 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder with a new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVTÔ (Continuously Variable Transmission) for good acceleration response, smooth operation and fuel efficiency. Torque is rated at 127 lb-ft. The MR18DE engine, also utilized in the popular Nissan Versa, is designed to be powerful and responsive, while also delivering excellent fuel economy. Fuel economy is projected to be over 30 miles per gallon Highway with the CVT transmission (actual EPA fuel economy unavailable at this time). The Xtronic CVT, unlike conventional stepped gear automatics, operates as essentially "one gear" through use of a belt and two pulleys. By infinitely varying the working diameters of the two pulleys, the transmission eliminates the "steps" between gears, resulting in a smoother, more efficient operation by keeping the engine in its optimum power range under a variety of driving and load conditions. Cube's new generation CVT adopts a new CVT oil warmer for enhanced warm-up performance in cold conditions (reducing friction). It also includes an advanced Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), which detects the driving situation and style (economy, normal, sports) and communicates with the engine control – helping optimize both fuel economy and driving pleasure. The 2009 Cube is also offered with a 6-speed manual transmission with a new shift control system, triple cone synchronizers (1st and 2nd gear) and reverse synchronizer system. The 6-speed manual is available with Cube 1.8 and Cube 1.8 S models. "The Cube has a strong power-to-weight ratio, which combined with the advanced CVT, gives it a surprisingly spirited driving feel. Throw in the small turning radius, good outward visibility and the smooth suspension feel and you have the perfect formula for navigating through traffic with confidence and ease," said Castignetti. Cube's suspension combines an independent MacPherson strut front design with stabilizer bar with a torsion beam rear with integrated stabilizer bar. Its comfortable, flat ride is a result, in part, of the "Ripple Control" shock absorbers and the high body stiffness. Other standard equipment includes vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power-assisted steering, power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes and 15-inch wheels with P195/60R15 tires. Cube's long list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), seat-mounted driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection. Cube also offers standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Three Well-Equipped Models The 2009 Nissan Cube is offered in three well-equipped models: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S and Cube 1.8 SL. A full range of dealer accessories allows buyers to expand their Cube world with items such as an illumination kit with 20 selectable colors, illuminated kick plates, rear cargo organizer, pet blankets, wheels, aero kits and more. "We know that self-expression is important to many potential Cube buyers, so we've provided the room and accessorize to help with personalization," said Castignetti. "However, Cube is far from a blank or empty canvas that buyers must equip on their own. Cube is a different kind of box than other vehicles on the market, with an abundance of personality right off the assembly line." Smart Simplicity "Economical, affordable, functional and adaptable, the 2009 Nissan Cube offers an unmatched sense of ‘smart simplicity.' It builds on a Cube DNA of distinctive spirit and non-automotive style, and adds an enhanced level of humanistic charm and clever design," said Castignetti. "If cars could talk, Cube would be likely to say, ‘Nice to meet you.' Come this spring, America gets its chance."
Cube concepts
Hi everyone
We have been brainstorming ideas for the Nissan Cube.
They're still very rough and we'll be working with the rest of the group later on, but thought we'd share and hear what everyone thinks.
1. Cube vs. Beetle
Using the beetle as a metaphor (actual bug beetle, not car) of the competitor.
Flash banners, billboards, app game.
e.g. the billboard can have the Cube on one side, the beetle being about to get run over
the flash banner could actually crush the beetle, the app could be about driving over it, etc.
2. Be Square
We'll be doing guerilla ads, placing cube shaped icons in normal environments.
visuals of square roundabout, traffic lights, tunnel, stop signs.
every round object will be basically turned into a square.
3. Think Inside the Box
We talked about this in class a bit - having a commercial with a "phone conversation" that's actually going on in the car.
Other ideas we have are a interior decorating contest of the cube as your hang out spot,
and a website where people share random moments that happen in the cube.
(kind of like txts from last night + photos)
4. Playing off Characters
Use iconic comic characters and make them square.
Square headed southpark characters, mickey mouse, etc.
We're thinking bus shelters, wild postings, stencils.
5. Lighting
We're thinking about using the mood lighting as a visual for this campaign.
Street lights in different colors as the car passes by, tunnel lights, BART (stop motion), so that drivers can visualize having the different mood lights in the Cube.
6. Equations
Have tape or floor stickers placed in parks, hotel lobbies, clubs, hot tubs and and
say something about how many of your friends can fit inside the cube and socialize.
We could also have a booth (cube booth?) in clubs, where people can experience being in the car with friends, different lightings, and music. (maybe make it interact with the people inside somehow. very vague i know)
That's it for now, thanks for following and let us know what you think.
Taiyo and Syanne
"Hello Kitty, Your Car is Waiting"
A New York Times article giving entertainment and insight to the odd factor of Nissan cube.
Behind the Wheel 2009 Nissan Cube
Hello Kitty, Your Car Is Waiting
By EZRA DYER
Published: May 31, 2009
Although Nissan hopes the Cube will gain the social cachet of an Apple product, it is more like a Nintendo Wii: accessible, fun and deeply strange in an authentically Japanese way.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/automobiles/autoreviews/31nissan.html
Behind the Wheel 2009 Nissan Cube
Hello Kitty, Your Car Is Waiting
By EZRA DYER
Published: May 31, 2009
Although Nissan hopes the Cube will gain the social cachet of an Apple product, it is more like a Nintendo Wii: accessible, fun and deeply strange in an authentically Japanese way.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/automobiles/autoreviews/31nissan.html
Friday, September 4, 2009
COMPETITION CATEGORIES / SPECS
Let's talk about the competition — and not just the one inside our class. The ADC has provided a list of categories you can enter. For the purposes of this class, your campaign must be integrated. But that's not to stop you from trying a few other categories on for size.
ADVERTISING
Integrated Advertising (including Branding, Digital, Mobile, etc.)
Integrated Advertising – “Outside the Box”
Newspaper/Magazine Print
Poster or Outdoor
INTERACTIVE
Interactive Design/Advertising Online Advertising
Interactive Design / Website Design or Interactive Advertising / Website
Online Branded Content (including Social Media, Video, Podcasts, etc.)
Wireless Device Applications (including Mobile Media, PDA, etc.)
DESIGN
Corporate and Promotional Design - Logo/Trademark
Corporate Identity Program (including Apparel, for ex)
Environmental Design (including Retail, Restaurant, Office, Outdoor, Vehicle)
Editorial Design (including Magazine, Newspaper, Photography, Illustration)
Package or Product Design
They've also provided the specs. Familiarize yourselves with these early on as they will dictate your deliverables. Please note: the integrated category requires 3-5 different components.
Read the details here:
https://www.adcglobal.org/education/competition/
ADVERTISING
Integrated Advertising (including Branding, Digital, Mobile, etc.)
Integrated Advertising – “Outside the Box”
Newspaper/Magazine Print
Poster or Outdoor
INTERACTIVE
Interactive Design/Advertising Online Advertising
Interactive Design / Website Design or Interactive Advertising / Website
Online Branded Content (including Social Media, Video, Podcasts, etc.)
Wireless Device Applications (including Mobile Media, PDA, etc.)
DESIGN
Corporate and Promotional Design - Logo/Trademark
Corporate Identity Program (including Apparel, for ex)
Environmental Design (including Retail, Restaurant, Office, Outdoor, Vehicle)
Editorial Design (including Magazine, Newspaper, Photography, Illustration)
Package or Product Design
They've also provided the specs. Familiarize yourselves with these early on as they will dictate your deliverables. Please note: the integrated category requires 3-5 different components.
Read the details here:
https://www.adcglobal.org/education/competition/
PROJECT 1: NISSAN CUBE
Here's a preview of an interesting article about the flaws of Nissan's campaign for cube.
I Ran Out Of Gas On The Way To the Brand Experience
by Steve Smith, Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 12:30 PM
"It seems the auto segment should be farther along in mobile than this. I was trying to mimic the curious consumer, but it proved too hard to scratch the itch that a mediocre branded app experience had caused.
"Admittedly, even on the Web I don't find the Cube promotions very engaging. The product site is also a relentless stream of specs that fails to extend the fun and sprightly brand promise of the car being a 'mobile device.'"
Full length article:
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=109760&passFuseAction=PublicationsSearch.showSearchReslts&art_searched=cube&page_number=0&searchTab=all
I Ran Out Of Gas On The Way To the Brand Experience
by Steve Smith, Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 12:30 PM
"It seems the auto segment should be farther along in mobile than this. I was trying to mimic the curious consumer, but it proved too hard to scratch the itch that a mediocre branded app experience had caused.
"Admittedly, even on the Web I don't find the Cube promotions very engaging. The product site is also a relentless stream of specs that fails to extend the fun and sprightly brand promise of the car being a 'mobile device.'"
Full length article:
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=109760&passFuseAction=PublicationsSearch.showSearchReslts&art_searched=cube&page_number=0&searchTab=all
Thursday, September 3, 2009
WELCOME TO INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS
POST YOUR PROGRESS: Share updates of your work in between class sessions. Work in progress is fine. Just snap a screenshot. Or copy / paste headlines into a new post.
TAG YOUR POSTS: Indicate the name of the respective client and your own name in the 'labels' field (IN ALL CAPS). For personal campaigns, tag 'PERSONAL.' (This will allow us to easily reference the work for each project—and determine who is working on what)
GET FEEDBACK: Provide critiques of your fellow students' work. Likewise, you will receive constructive criticism on your own.
COLLABORATE: Use this blog as a way to connect with other students in the class. If you're an art director, ask for copy help from the writers. Or get tips from the planners.
POST FREQUENTLY. CHECK IN OFTEN.
TAG YOUR POSTS: Indicate the name of the respective client and your own name in the 'labels' field (IN ALL CAPS). For personal campaigns, tag 'PERSONAL.' (This will allow us to easily reference the work for each project—and determine who is working on what)
GET FEEDBACK: Provide critiques of your fellow students' work. Likewise, you will receive constructive criticism on your own.
COLLABORATE: Use this blog as a way to connect with other students in the class. If you're an art director, ask for copy help from the writers. Or get tips from the planners.
POST FREQUENTLY. CHECK IN OFTEN.
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