The human brain is the most complex entity in the known universe and despite the best endeavours of scientists, there are still many mysteries about the 1.5kg crinkled blob between our ears. I remember first hearing that we use just a tenth of our brains in the 1970s when I was at school. And how amazing, I thought, that there might be a way to unlock that whopping 90% of unused brain capacity. What would not be possible with all of my grey matter in action?
It was nonsense back then, and technological leaps in brain scanning has now proved this for all to see. "Functional imaging has shown us that there are very few parts of the brain that can't be activated by something," says Professor Sophie Scott of the Institute of Cognitive Science at University College, London. Even doing something simple, such as clenching your fist, uses much more than 10% of the brain. A functional brain scan reveals that a vast number of brain cells spring into action as they plan and initiate the contraction of muscles in your fingers and palm.
Anatomically, the brain is divided into two halves - the left hemisphere and the right one. There is some division of labour between them. "There are really big differences between the left and the right sides of the brain," says Professor Scott. "But that's never what people actually mean when you hear the terms used out in a wider discourse. That's very frustrating." From some self-improvement books and business management courses, you might think the two hemispheres are in effect two separate entities.
The left is portrayed as the seat of logic and rationality. The right is described as the font of intuition and creativity. Therefore, if you are a logical person, you use your left brain more. If you are more touchy-feely and artistic, you are right-brained. According to the myth, we would all be more successful and fulfilled people if we learnt to tap the full potential of both hemispheres.
Professor Scott says individuals do differ in the way they think through problems and reflect on the world, but this has nothing to do with different balances of power between their hemispheres. "Some people have really good visual imagery. Some people have good auditory imagery. There is lots of variation out there in how we take information in and process it. "But boiling it down into a left brain 'logical' and right brain 'creative' approach does not follow from what we see in how the brain operates. Also it also suggests you could be using one hemisphere more than the other and that's not really how it works."
The two sides communicate with each other and work together via a complex wodge of neural cabling known as the corpus callosum. The two sides of the brains are complementary and work in concert.
Posted by Leigh, Creative Design Director for The Bridge Group.
Follow Leigh on Twitter @tbgleigh
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
It’s a brand war – but where’s the battlefield?
We all know the importance of brands and the race to achieve a strong brand ranking. If we look at the well respected Brandz Top 100 as published by Millward Brown, the measurement is put together through teaming customer value perceptions with company financial information. And from Brandz Top 100 it is clear the tech companies have been charging ahead. Apple takes the number one spot, followed by Google and IBM. Meanwhile global branding company Interbrand’s 2011 ranking report, which grades brands on a mix of financial performance, role of brand and brand strength, gives the top three spots to Coca-Cola, IBM and Microsoft.
But there may be a new kid on the block with a different perspective on brand valuation. New website, Fan Page List has been created to help users find the official Facebook and Twitter profiles of their favourite brands. But it also ranks brands according to their Facebook popularity and this, unsurprisingly gives an entirely different focus to the Top 100. Our Brandz number one, Apple, is nowhere to be seen , although Interbrand’s number one, Coca-Cola does come in at number 16. The top 20, according to their Facebook equity, includes many more FMCG brands, with Starbucks featuring as the breakout star (long recognised as one of the most switched on brands in social media with more than twenty-five million Facebook ‘likes’). Perhaps less obviously, Starbucks is accompanied on the list by much less obvious brands like Nutella, Skittles and Oreo.
We’re all about building brands in inventive ways and increasingly using Facebook as part of integrated marketing plans. So well done Fan Page List, it's good to have you around as a great source of brand building inspiration.
But there may be a new kid on the block with a different perspective on brand valuation. New website, Fan Page List has been created to help users find the official Facebook and Twitter profiles of their favourite brands. But it also ranks brands according to their Facebook popularity and this, unsurprisingly gives an entirely different focus to the Top 100. Our Brandz number one, Apple, is nowhere to be seen , although Interbrand’s number one, Coca-Cola does come in at number 16. The top 20, according to their Facebook equity, includes many more FMCG brands, with Starbucks featuring as the breakout star (long recognised as one of the most switched on brands in social media with more than twenty-five million Facebook ‘likes’). Perhaps less obviously, Starbucks is accompanied on the list by much less obvious brands like Nutella, Skittles and Oreo.
We’re all about building brands in inventive ways and increasingly using Facebook as part of integrated marketing plans. So well done Fan Page List, it's good to have you around as a great source of brand building inspiration.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Ode to working parents
Professional, steadfast, accurate. These are just some of the words that can be used to describe the working professional. But how can you describe the working parent? Dichotomous, contradictory, and overall, someone with the ability to have a split personality.
As a part-time working mother of a reception age school child, a normal day could involve anything from client meetings and dealing with media enquiries to communications strategy work. But come school pick-up time, I’ve morphed into ‘school mum’. At this point the day takes a twist where anything can happen.
Diplomatic skills come to the fore when being forced to provide answers to nonsensical questions and providing sympathy when told the latest woe of the day. Acting skills brim to the surface when presented with the latest artwork from school which resembles, well nothing really. And ‘fun mummy’ is created when trying to fill the gap between home time and dinner time without resorting to two hours of television, the best babysitter of all. Of course, it’s a duplicitous fun mummy who tries to insert in a good dollop of learning into the playtime without being noticed, or else a tired fun mummy who is actually no fun at all.
Often while crawling round the room trying to impersonate a diplodocus, or when grossly overreacting to some minor misdemeanour I have one thought, which I’m sure must be shared by working parents the world over, ‘if my colleagues could see me now’.
Nikki
Nikki Cheung is a Senior PR Consultant at The Bridge Group. Follow her on Twitter @tbgnikki.
As a part-time working mother of a reception age school child, a normal day could involve anything from client meetings and dealing with media enquiries to communications strategy work. But come school pick-up time, I’ve morphed into ‘school mum’. At this point the day takes a twist where anything can happen.
Diplomatic skills come to the fore when being forced to provide answers to nonsensical questions and providing sympathy when told the latest woe of the day. Acting skills brim to the surface when presented with the latest artwork from school which resembles, well nothing really. And ‘fun mummy’ is created when trying to fill the gap between home time and dinner time without resorting to two hours of television, the best babysitter of all. Of course, it’s a duplicitous fun mummy who tries to insert in a good dollop of learning into the playtime without being noticed, or else a tired fun mummy who is actually no fun at all.
Often while crawling round the room trying to impersonate a diplodocus, or when grossly overreacting to some minor misdemeanour I have one thought, which I’m sure must be shared by working parents the world over, ‘if my colleagues could see me now’.
Nikki
Nikki Cheung is a Senior PR Consultant at The Bridge Group. Follow her on Twitter @tbgnikki.
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Affordable rents – a tricky message to convey
So apparently the government has no definite plans for its Affordable Rent programme after 2015. This will come as no comfort to those of you who have worked for months to work out how to apply Affordable Rents. But I’m sure it will also come as no surprise.
The thing is not to be sidelined by this announcement. In communications terms it is a red herring. If your housing organisation is committed to this round of Affordable Rents then you need to be seen by your customers who will be hit by higher rents to be fully behind it, no matter what. Because if you seem frustrated, your customers will pick up on this and use it as fuel to their dissatisfaction fire.
So, as always, grit your teeth, and go where no housing organisation has gone before, into 80% market rent territory. Just be very sure that you’ve got your communications to your future rent-affected customers right. Work out your messages and your likely questions and answers and ensure that all relevant staff are informed.
Then, sit back and await the next government proposal.
Nikki
Nikki Cheung is a senior PR consultant at The Bridge Group. Contact her on nikki.cheung@vu-tbg.com, by calling the office on 024 7656 0440 or via twitter @tbgnikki
The thing is not to be sidelined by this announcement. In communications terms it is a red herring. If your housing organisation is committed to this round of Affordable Rents then you need to be seen by your customers who will be hit by higher rents to be fully behind it, no matter what. Because if you seem frustrated, your customers will pick up on this and use it as fuel to their dissatisfaction fire.
So, as always, grit your teeth, and go where no housing organisation has gone before, into 80% market rent territory. Just be very sure that you’ve got your communications to your future rent-affected customers right. Work out your messages and your likely questions and answers and ensure that all relevant staff are informed.
Then, sit back and await the next government proposal.
Nikki
Nikki Cheung is a senior PR consultant at The Bridge Group. Contact her on nikki.cheung@vu-tbg.com, by calling the office on 024 7656 0440 or via twitter @tbgnikki
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Rob’s ramblings… (sorry predictions!)
QR codes, accelerometers, Kinetic, Drones…the list of new technology changes daily. Here, Rob Newell, Digital Director at TBG’s sister company VU Creative, predicts what digital developments could mean for the housing sector. With 11 years’ experience of digital and web development under his belt, we thought we’d better listen up…
Rob’s ramblings… (sorry predictions!)
1. QR codes will become more mainstream as Smartphone handsets start to be delivered complete with QR code reader technology.
What are QR codes?
Crack the code
How do I make my own code?
QR codes for housing organisations
2. New ways of using accelerometer picture tilting technology are developing all the time. Left right, up down, move that iPhone all around.
What is it?
Using accelerometer technology in the housing sector
3. With Kinetic, Microsoft has created the only true wireless and controllerless hardware – you and your movements become the remote control. Events, exhibitions, training, home, games, fitness and engagement – this technology will be built into all hardware in the not too distant future.
Kinetic pairing – how can I use it?
The future for housing organisations
4 Augmented reality – less of a prediction, more of a reminder – and now housing relevant uses are being pioneered in the US. How long until they cross the pond?
What is Augmented reality?
Some of the best uses of AR
5. Drones, small, unmanned gadgets which pass information back to you. It’s still a bit of fun at the moment, but we’re starting to see ways that this technology could add real value.
How it works
How could it work for the housing sector?
New technology opportunities are developed every day, and only some will ever be useful for you. If you want more information on how your organisation can be more effective and create value for money, contact Rob Newell, creative digital director on 01933 409411.
----
What are QR codes
QR codes are everywhere. From crisp packets to business cards, buses to billboards. If you have missed this one completely (and don’t despair, they’re often small and unexplained additions to packaging or promotions), a QR code is a little graphic that you hold your Smartphone camera over and it takes you to a specific web page. They are cheap to create, utterly trackable and easy to use - when you know how.
Crack the tbg code here
Make your own code at http://www.qrstuff.com/. Remember to send it to us to check out!
QR codes for housing organisations
My advice on this one is look out, it’s coming and it’s not as hard to see the use as perhaps first thought. In two or three years time it will be a case of how did we live without QR codes, or do you remember before we had QR codes? Just think about QR codes on adverts in bus stops in your area, providing direct access to vacant property listings or local services. The ways to use this are only limited by imagination and web capability.
Back to top
What is accelerometer?
It is the technology that detects movement in your phone as you tilt it. At the moment these are really used for entertainment-based games, like driving cars or flying aeroplanes, however new ways of using this technology are evolving all the time.
Using accelerometer technology in the housing sector:
Team the accelerometer with Googlemaps... Properties could show as an icon and clicking on them would reveal a pop-out showing the prospective tenant or buyer details and availability. This could also be expanded upon to allow people to look around the area, see what the area is like, how far the local school is – even how tidy the neighbours keep the garden.
Back to top
Kinetic pairing – how can I use it?
You can pair the kinentic with a normal PC, so your movements are detected and you become the remote control. This will become much easier and more widespread once Microsoft releases the software development kit to allow this to happen. But we’re already doing it... don’t worry, it’s totally legal!
The future for housing organisations
If you pair the controllerless tech with artificial intelligence you have got personal trainers in your living room, office or wherever your computer is – the possibilities are endless. Architects are already using this to draw floor plans. And Kinetic will infiltrate the sector, with particular opportunities for tenant engagement. Just as webcams have gone from being a single unit, to being fully integrated into computers, so this technology will become integrated and begin to negate the need for a keyboard and mouse all together.
Back to top
What is augmented reality?
As virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated one, so augmented reality gives a live or indirect view of the real physical environment – with elements created by computer generated input. The view of the environment (reality) is modified (augmented) by the computer....
Some of the best uses of AR
- The best AR apps
- Creating AR without being a coding wizzkid!
- Most useful
Back to top
Drones
How it works
It works like this: we buy a drone, such as a remote control helicopter. We connect it up with two video cameras which then feed video back to our phone as we fly it around the office, home, event or exhibition. It is relatively inexpensive to buy the equipment, and the uses of it are both fabulous and frightening.
How it could work for the housing sector
Imagine this - you are sitting in your office discussing the latest external refurbishment of a local block of flats. To make this easy you send your helicopter drone out of the window and join your colleagues and partners around your computer screen as you all enjoy the images of the block in real time. Or, you are sharing estate-based regeneration plans with residents. To illustrate this you display on a big screen the exact site and show how it relates to their home. The possibilities are endless.
Back to top
Rob’s ramblings… (sorry predictions!)
1. QR codes will become more mainstream as Smartphone handsets start to be delivered complete with QR code reader technology.
What are QR codes?
Crack the code
How do I make my own code?
QR codes for housing organisations
2. New ways of using accelerometer picture tilting technology are developing all the time. Left right, up down, move that iPhone all around.
What is it?
Using accelerometer technology in the housing sector
3. With Kinetic, Microsoft has created the only true wireless and controllerless hardware – you and your movements become the remote control. Events, exhibitions, training, home, games, fitness and engagement – this technology will be built into all hardware in the not too distant future.
Kinetic pairing – how can I use it?
The future for housing organisations
4 Augmented reality – less of a prediction, more of a reminder – and now housing relevant uses are being pioneered in the US. How long until they cross the pond?
What is Augmented reality?
Some of the best uses of AR
5. Drones, small, unmanned gadgets which pass information back to you. It’s still a bit of fun at the moment, but we’re starting to see ways that this technology could add real value.
How it works
How could it work for the housing sector?
New technology opportunities are developed every day, and only some will ever be useful for you. If you want more information on how your organisation can be more effective and create value for money, contact Rob Newell, creative digital director on 01933 409411.
----
What are QR codes
QR codes are everywhere. From crisp packets to business cards, buses to billboards. If you have missed this one completely (and don’t despair, they’re often small and unexplained additions to packaging or promotions), a QR code is a little graphic that you hold your Smartphone camera over and it takes you to a specific web page. They are cheap to create, utterly trackable and easy to use - when you know how.
Crack the tbg code here
Make your own code at http://www.qrstuff.com/. Remember to send it to us to check out!
QR codes for housing organisations
My advice on this one is look out, it’s coming and it’s not as hard to see the use as perhaps first thought. In two or three years time it will be a case of how did we live without QR codes, or do you remember before we had QR codes? Just think about QR codes on adverts in bus stops in your area, providing direct access to vacant property listings or local services. The ways to use this are only limited by imagination and web capability.
Back to top
What is accelerometer?
It is the technology that detects movement in your phone as you tilt it. At the moment these are really used for entertainment-based games, like driving cars or flying aeroplanes, however new ways of using this technology are evolving all the time.
Using accelerometer technology in the housing sector:
Team the accelerometer with Googlemaps... Properties could show as an icon and clicking on them would reveal a pop-out showing the prospective tenant or buyer details and availability. This could also be expanded upon to allow people to look around the area, see what the area is like, how far the local school is – even how tidy the neighbours keep the garden.
Back to top
Kinetic pairing – how can I use it?
You can pair the kinentic with a normal PC, so your movements are detected and you become the remote control. This will become much easier and more widespread once Microsoft releases the software development kit to allow this to happen. But we’re already doing it... don’t worry, it’s totally legal!
The future for housing organisations
If you pair the controllerless tech with artificial intelligence you have got personal trainers in your living room, office or wherever your computer is – the possibilities are endless. Architects are already using this to draw floor plans. And Kinetic will infiltrate the sector, with particular opportunities for tenant engagement. Just as webcams have gone from being a single unit, to being fully integrated into computers, so this technology will become integrated and begin to negate the need for a keyboard and mouse all together.
Back to top
What is augmented reality?
As virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated one, so augmented reality gives a live or indirect view of the real physical environment – with elements created by computer generated input. The view of the environment (reality) is modified (augmented) by the computer....
Some of the best uses of AR
- The best AR apps
- Creating AR without being a coding wizzkid!
- Most useful
Back to top
Drones
How it works
It works like this: we buy a drone, such as a remote control helicopter. We connect it up with two video cameras which then feed video back to our phone as we fly it around the office, home, event or exhibition. It is relatively inexpensive to buy the equipment, and the uses of it are both fabulous and frightening.
How it could work for the housing sector
Imagine this - you are sitting in your office discussing the latest external refurbishment of a local block of flats. To make this easy you send your helicopter drone out of the window and join your colleagues and partners around your computer screen as you all enjoy the images of the block in real time. Or, you are sharing estate-based regeneration plans with residents. To illustrate this you display on a big screen the exact site and show how it relates to their home. The possibilities are endless.
Back to top
Are you ready to bare all?
Plans to consult on extending the Freedom of Information Act to cover housing associations have got the sector talking. The Government believes greater scrutiny equals more effective organisations. Former NHS communications manager and The Bridge Group’s Associate Account Manager Emma Dudman shares her experience of the Act and suggests how you can get ahead of the game.
Housing minister Grant Shapps has announced the Ministry of Justice will consult on bringing housing associations under the scope of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIa). Currently the Act is applicable to all public bodies so many of us will have had some exposure to the legislation through contracts with local government. Yet many in the sector – backing the National Housing Federation’s line – are resistant to coming fully under the Act. Chiefly because of the perceived cost implications in managing and responding to requests and the thorny issue of whether social landlords should be seen as public entities. The Act is a framework through which any individual can request information classed as in the public interest. Responses must be provided within prescribed timeframes (usually within a maximum of 20 days) and the Information Commissioner’s Office enforces compliance.
During my time in the NHS I’ve dealt with requests which represent good, bad and spurious use of the Act. Undoubtedly some people use FOI when they don’t need to. Despite the attempts of sites such as Whatdotheyknow.com to guide requesters through the process. FOI can become a channel for vexatious complainers, especially as requests can be made using a pseudonym. Some journalists use the Act as a blunt investigative tool, which can lead to time-wasting requests for information which is already publicly available. And the conspiracy theorists and activists love it – submitting often baffling treatises for obscure facts.
But what was good about labouring under the legislation? Firstly, it forces you to analyse your data management. Something all businesses can benefit from. To comply with the Act organisations must create a publication scheme which lists what information they hold and any plans to make it publicly available. The aim of this is to avoid unnecessary requests but it can also be a valuable exercise in determining who in your organisation has what data and why. Secondly, FOI requests can provide insight. Generic press requests from the nationals or trade titles, which had clearly gone to all similar organisations, encouraged us in the NHS to always be aware of how we compared on key issues. The housing sector is better at evaluation than many, but if you don’t already know how you’d fare in a league table on everything from repair times to waiting lists, FOI is another incentive to find out.
Queries about the gender of GPs in our patch highlighted not enough patients knew they could request a male or female doctor depending on their preference. Questions about prescribing helped our patient engagement team identify hot issues around chronic illness and target appropriate research. Indeed, for some hard-to-reach groups the anonymity of an FOI request may be the only way they feel comfortable raising an issue.
Grant Shapps’ argument in favour of the Act’s extension hinges on this potential to empower those who most need access to information. He challenges that the activities of housing associations, as beneficiaries of public investment, should be as transparent as possible.We’d encourage organisations to share their views when the Ministry of Justice begins its consultation on this issue. Find out now what you’d need to do to comply with the Act as part of your business planning. Who would manage a publication scheme and how would you process requests?
The National Housing Federation Code of Governance advocates operating in an accountable manner and most of us would assert that openness with tenants and other partners is already a priority. Yet, being subject to the Act removes an organisation’s ability to set its own comfort zone. If the extension happens it will mean even the most progressive among us in this area will face challenges in finding the capacity to handle requests and to move to a culture where nothing is off limits.
Key things you can do now:
1. Think about how you would deal with queries if the Act is extended? How would you create capacity? Ensure whatever process you’d chose gives your communications staff oversight of responses.
2. Explore creating a publication scheme for your organisation. For most organisations this can be as simple as including on your website what reports, research and facts and figures will be shared publicly and when.
3. Identify your weaknesses. What FOI request do you fear? Take steps to deal with that issue and get your press team to plan crisis management around it now.
If you would like to discuss how your press team could gear up to deal with FOIs or want to improve data management within your organisation email our Head of Communications, Jonathan Goode or call the office on 024 7656 0440.
Housing minister Grant Shapps has announced the Ministry of Justice will consult on bringing housing associations under the scope of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIa). Currently the Act is applicable to all public bodies so many of us will have had some exposure to the legislation through contracts with local government. Yet many in the sector – backing the National Housing Federation’s line – are resistant to coming fully under the Act. Chiefly because of the perceived cost implications in managing and responding to requests and the thorny issue of whether social landlords should be seen as public entities. The Act is a framework through which any individual can request information classed as in the public interest. Responses must be provided within prescribed timeframes (usually within a maximum of 20 days) and the Information Commissioner’s Office enforces compliance.
During my time in the NHS I’ve dealt with requests which represent good, bad and spurious use of the Act. Undoubtedly some people use FOI when they don’t need to. Despite the attempts of sites such as Whatdotheyknow.com to guide requesters through the process. FOI can become a channel for vexatious complainers, especially as requests can be made using a pseudonym. Some journalists use the Act as a blunt investigative tool, which can lead to time-wasting requests for information which is already publicly available. And the conspiracy theorists and activists love it – submitting often baffling treatises for obscure facts.
But what was good about labouring under the legislation? Firstly, it forces you to analyse your data management. Something all businesses can benefit from. To comply with the Act organisations must create a publication scheme which lists what information they hold and any plans to make it publicly available. The aim of this is to avoid unnecessary requests but it can also be a valuable exercise in determining who in your organisation has what data and why. Secondly, FOI requests can provide insight. Generic press requests from the nationals or trade titles, which had clearly gone to all similar organisations, encouraged us in the NHS to always be aware of how we compared on key issues. The housing sector is better at evaluation than many, but if you don’t already know how you’d fare in a league table on everything from repair times to waiting lists, FOI is another incentive to find out.
Queries about the gender of GPs in our patch highlighted not enough patients knew they could request a male or female doctor depending on their preference. Questions about prescribing helped our patient engagement team identify hot issues around chronic illness and target appropriate research. Indeed, for some hard-to-reach groups the anonymity of an FOI request may be the only way they feel comfortable raising an issue.
Grant Shapps’ argument in favour of the Act’s extension hinges on this potential to empower those who most need access to information. He challenges that the activities of housing associations, as beneficiaries of public investment, should be as transparent as possible.We’d encourage organisations to share their views when the Ministry of Justice begins its consultation on this issue. Find out now what you’d need to do to comply with the Act as part of your business planning. Who would manage a publication scheme and how would you process requests?
The National Housing Federation Code of Governance advocates operating in an accountable manner and most of us would assert that openness with tenants and other partners is already a priority. Yet, being subject to the Act removes an organisation’s ability to set its own comfort zone. If the extension happens it will mean even the most progressive among us in this area will face challenges in finding the capacity to handle requests and to move to a culture where nothing is off limits.
Key things you can do now:
1. Think about how you would deal with queries if the Act is extended? How would you create capacity? Ensure whatever process you’d chose gives your communications staff oversight of responses.
2. Explore creating a publication scheme for your organisation. For most organisations this can be as simple as including on your website what reports, research and facts and figures will be shared publicly and when.
3. Identify your weaknesses. What FOI request do you fear? Take steps to deal with that issue and get your press team to plan crisis management around it now.
If you would like to discuss how your press team could gear up to deal with FOIs or want to improve data management within your organisation email our Head of Communications, Jonathan Goode or call the office on 024 7656 0440.
Bins, bargains and the Big Society: apps for social housing providers
Apps are the latest trending topic in housing, and small wonder. They're pocket-sized, but delivered correctly can pack a real punch. So how are organisations already using this technology and what can you do to keep things practical?
This screenr presentation from our associate Kerry James explores a few housing, social and retail apps and gives pointers on where providers can go next. Just a little food for thought, plus a useful tip on dealing with possums trapped in dustbins, for now. Expect more musings on our blog in the coming weeks...
This screenr presentation from our associate Kerry James explores a few housing, social and retail apps and gives pointers on where providers can go next. Just a little food for thought, plus a useful tip on dealing with possums trapped in dustbins, for now. Expect more musings on our blog in the coming weeks...
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