Wunderman UK shortlisted in the European Contact Centre Awards 2009

Wunderman has been shortlisted for the ‘Best Outsourcing Partner’ at The European Contact Centre Awards 2009 for our work with Jaguar.

Wunderman and Jaguar have been partners for over 10 years. During that time the relationship has deepened, and culminated in the launch of the “Jaguar CRM Centre” four years ago.

Based on the client’s premises at the Whitley Design & Engineering Centre, Coventry, the contact centre launched with just 12 people. Today it has grown to 29, and encompasses retail, fleet and data management.

We provide a wide range of high quality telephone, email and web communication services. Our aim is to assist Jaguar with both lead generation and facilitate a premium after-sales customer experience. The challenges to do this are by maximizing each lead opportunity through to sale conversion and post-purchase relationship, whilst maintaining the premium service the brand is renowned to deliver.

Making Bing 'the sound of found' in the UK

Wunderman's successful relationship with Microsoft has now extended to the Consumer and Online group for the launch of the new search engine, Bing.

Microsoft's UK beta version of Bing launched in June 2009 as a replacement for the outgoing live.com brand. At the same time, the full product went live in the US.

This presented a challenge as the UK version didn't include all the new features, unlike the US product. So, we set about pre-empting questions and building anticipation among influencers and industry groups in the UK. To do this we created http://www.discoverbing.co.uk/, a destination site designed to explain new features as and when they're added.

Martin Gent, Wunderman Creative Director, explains, "Bing isn’t a search engine. It’s more of an active find engine. By saying 'no' to the random results generated by engines like Google, Microsoft is poised to shake up the sector in a big way. We can’t wait to be part of that change and start creating some seriously impactful conversations with consumers and businesses alike about the benefits of Bing… ‘discoverbing’ is just the start."

For now, there are banner ads to drive traffic within the target audience and we’ve been working with the team at Microsoft Advertising, to build expectations among their key advertisers for what new search engine will deliver.

We’re full of anticipation about this exciting new product and working hard to help deliver the consumer launch of Bing in late 2009.

Ford launches online campaign to promote lower CO2 models

Ford is highlighting the benefits of its ECOnetic range with a new digital marketing campaign, just launched and created by Wunderman.

Ford vehicles are renowned for their driving dynamics, as well as being economical to run. The ECOnetic range takes this further, offering even better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 giving customers significant tax savings and lower fuel bills.

Campaign media therefore includes motoring and environment related pages of sites including Telegraph, Times and MSN.

Maximising the file size capabilities of online media has enabled some innovative creative executions. For example, banners show smoke trail airflows that can be altered by the viewer to dramatise the importance of aerodynamics and people can spin a series of wheels to see the benefits of low resistance tyres.

There’s also an email, sent to customers and prospects, which maps their location to highlight the distance they could travel on one gallon of fuel.

 

The advertising and email drives traffic to a microsite www.fordeconetic.co.uk with more highly interactive examples of the benefits:

• A rolling road demonstrates the outstanding 88.3 mpg of the market-leading Fiesta ECOnetic
• A wind tunnel highlights the aerodynamic improvements within the range, showing how the cars deliver greater fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions
• A cost calculator provides comparative savings on road tax, fuel and CO2 emissions if they switch to a Fiesta, Focus or Mondeo ECOnetic

Nigel Edginton-Vigus, Creative Director at Wunderman said, "The substance behind ECOnetic provided with us with some terrific benefits to dramatise. Practical, authentic demonstrations and straightforward explanations were our starting points for a creative and compelling campaign that’s as far away from ‘green-washing’ as you can get."

You can view the online media here:

• How far can you go on a gallon of fuel?
• The importance of aerodynamics
• Lower rolling resistance tyres means less fuel used

Our awesome placement team rocks

Meet Sarah Watson and Laura Osborne, the latest fab junior creative team from the talent-packed Bucks College. They’ve enjoyed a short but sweet placement for a fortnight, but alas it’s about to come to an end… and they don’t want to leave.

So, girls, how’s it been, what are your insights and what’s next?

“We hope ‘da yoof’ impressed the slightly less ‘yoof-like’ creatives at Wunderman. We’ve had a fantastic time, met loads of awesome people (Kiwis rule!) and been massively inspired by David Harris. And thanks to Nigel Edginton-Vigus for making it all happen. Cheers guys!”

How to get to know people without a seating plan?

Sarah and Laura devised a challenge for the creatives. The answer? Get everyone to do a self-portrait.

Check out their work at: www.hypereal.net

Wunderman finish top agency at inaugural Marketing Industry Triathlon

It was a blustery day at Eton Colleges Dorney Rowing Lake as marketers from around the UK prepared for the inaugural Marketing Industry Triathlon on Friday 10th July.  Wunderman UK entered two teams into the 3/4 Olympic Distance relay race with the teams swimming 800m, cycling 30km and running 7.5km.

Wunderman 1 finished 5th in male teams and 9th overall out of 77 teams – this made us the top UK agency team!  Wunderman 2 came in 21st in mixed teams and 42nd overall. Full results.

Our teams above looking happy after a good days work (it is work really!).  Left to right, Geoff Parkinson (bike), Claire Watson (swim), Greg Lee (run) all Wunderman 2 (mixed teams) and Julian Ormerod (bike), Scott Heron (run), Jason Peacock (swim) all Wunderman 1 (male teams).

The frantic ‘washing machine’ start as the 77 teams set off – you can see Jason in the white goggles.  Claire is in there somewhere!

Pictures from the event can be found at Wunderman UK’s Flickr page. 

Wunderman's Automotive Conference 2009

by Paul Confrey, Managing Director, Automotive EMEA & Head of Client Services, UK.

Our annual EMEA Automotive Conference, 30 June to 2 July in Barcelona, is a rare and valuable opportunity for the key people who work on our automotive brands to get together, build relationships and share learning and insights.

The Ford, Land Rover, Jaguar, Volvo and Mazda accounts were represented by our key office leaders throughout Europe, plus Detroit, and even Thailand and China. A special mention here to our Asia rep, Allan Crockart, whose mammoth journey from Bangkok took 24 hours and was 100% economy class.

The conference themes were Going Global & Winning Local to reflect changes that both Wunderman and our clients are going through. Going Global focuses around Ford, who, along with us and our partner agencies, are putting together a global launch for the first time. This is for an exciting new vehicle, arriving in 2010-11.

The Winning Local theme is more internally-focused. It highlights the opportunities, even in these tough times, to win local business from their automotive clients and dealers directly. This will take energy, commitment and, importantly, great business ideas. So one session was entirely devoted to three workshops where our leaders in the UK, Denmark and Germany presented the ideas that are already winning them local business, from clients and dealers. Each workshop was small, focused and informal to allow a full and proper understanding. The result? Everyone felt enthused and confident in their ability to put these ideas forward to clients.

Aside from the ideas, insights and knowledge-sharing that are core to any Conference, there's always the simple and pleasurable fun of sharing good food and wine with friends. That's one of the reasons why the Wunderman global network is so strong, flexible and co-operative. On both evenings, there was an impressive bunch still chewing the fat into the early hours. And as usual, there were rumours of skinny-dipping at 4am, and people falling asleep in corridors and, indeed, on the lawn. Of course, I can't confirm such rumours, but they always seem to crop up ever since the first conference in 2005.

Here’s to another successful, impactful and enjoyable conference.

Through the webcam lens

What better time than Monday morning for our creatives to enjoy an inspiration session? Sometimes we have external experts, but mostly it’s our very own art directors, writers and designers sharing what they find inspirational with the whole team.

At a recent session, Nick Hearne, designer, reviewed five of the best websites and applications that use webcam technology. Some are new, some are vintage (given how fast internet technology moves), but all have a great idea behind them. Here are the results:

GE Smart Grid

GE Smart Grid unpacks from its QR code with great effect. You can view either a wind farm or solar energy farm. The wind turbines turn as you blow into your microphone. This web cam application ties in well with the whole Smart Grid website.
Good points: Works in any browser with no extra plugin, great intro and outro from the QR code, microphone interaction
Bad points: Low resolution model
Try it here: http://ge.ecomagination.com/smartgrid/

Mentos Kiss Cam

This is refreshing to see a webcam website that doesn't use the latest technology fad of augmented reality. The closer you move to your webcam, the closer the girl (or guy) gets for a kiss.
Good points: Great art direction, relevant execution
Bad points: Long load time
Try it here: http://www.mentoskisscam.com/

Toyota iQ_REALITY

Another application has to be downloaded and installed onto your computer. The iQ offers two interactive QR codes; one showing the spacious interior of the car, the other letting you to drive and steer the iQ by tilting the QR code.
Good points: Excellent interactivity through tilting the QR code, good 3D model skin with reflections
Bad points: This has to be installed locally
Try it here: http://tiny.cc/CIM1y

Rayban Virtual Mirror 

This locally installed application is now reasonably old in the world of augmented reality, but still holds the crown for most appropriate use of the technology. Map a pair of Rayban sunglasses onto your face, pose in the mirror until you find the right pair, then one click and you are at the shop ready to buy them. Brilliant!
Good points: Relevant application of technology, drives direct to purchases
Bad points: This has to be installed locally and doesn't have the full range of sunglasses
Try it here: http://www.ray-ban.com/USA/

We Are Aurobots 

Map Optimus Prime's head onto your head using Face API technology. The rate at which the mask identifies your face and tracks your movement is incredible. This is still a novelty, but shows off the impressive capabilities of this emerging technology.
Good points: Incredible and novel face detection and tracking
Bad points: Need to install a plugin
Try it here: http://www.weareautobots.com/

What’s your favourite and why?

How far can creativity take you?

Ashley Schurott, Nigel Edginton-Vigus and Jon Donaghy

The Creative Circus is a portfolio-building school specializing in art direction, copywriting, photography and design. The school teaches across interactive, digital and traditional disciplines. And it’s in Atlanta, Georgia. Which is 4,217 miles from London. So it was remarkable that five students from the school made it to receive their awards in person at the D&AD Student Awards on 2 July.

A fun and impactful fundraising film

Even more amazing was that they managed to raise funds for the trip by creating a lovely little film inviting sponsorship. As they’d come that far, when they met Nigel Edginton-Vigus (Creative Director, Wunderman) at the D&AD Awards, he thought the least we could do was invite them (Jon and Ashley, armed with their books) to meet the creative department over a beer.

Nigel commented, "Great work, lovely people, new friendships made, and a new creative bridge built between Mornington Crescent and Atlanta. Yee haw! As they might say."

Jon Donaghy, now safely back home, added, "Thank you so much for your hospitality. You and your crew were incredible. With that official welcoming sign, the beers, the candy, it was all great. I know you're probably busy so thank you so much for taking the time to look over our work and talk with us. It truly meant a lot. We will for sure be talking about Wunderman back in the states. And as the London Project grows we'll stay in touch and keep you posted."

Links:

• The Circus' creative challenge: http://www.thelondonproject.com/index.html
• Ashley Schurott's website: http://www.ashleyschurott.com
• Jon Donaghy's website: http://www.jondonaghy.com

Celebrating the role of creative thinkers

 

David Harris, Executive Creative Director, Wunderman UK, gave the keynote speech at a creative showcase held at Birmingham City University in June.

After a warm and entertaining introduction from Professor Mario Minichiell, David used the event to champion creativity and its role in stimulating industry. Following Germaine Greer, Melvyn Bragg and Julian Lloyd Webber (keynote speakers in previous years), David argued for much greater support for creative thinkers – from educators, businesspeople and the Government.

“… not enough people in the country are educated to think creatively. They don’t value creativity. They just don’t get it.”

Using the example of the Midlands’ prominence in the Industrial revolution, he asked ‘where had the fusion of technology and creativity gone’? He also highlighted the antiquated system of education in place across the world that creates a glut of linear academic thinkers and not enough connected creative thinkers.

David also cited Sir Ken Robinson’s argument that creativity is as important in education today as literacy - and that we should treat it with the same status.

This point of view, somewhat controversial as it was delivered in an academic institution, had resonance with an audience primarily filled with tutors (in visual communications) and representatives of businesses keen to employ creative thinkers from the region.

You can read more about the Art of the Creative Communities graduate showcase which featured work from the University's freshest talent, highlighting a range of original and stimulating new work crossing through the disciplines of traditional art and design, animation, photography and visual communication.

 

Wunderman participates in the Digital Economy programme

What is Digital Economy ?

Digital Economy is a Research Councils UK cross-research council programme which looks in the novel design or use of information and communication technology to help transform the lives of individuals, society or business.

All Digital Economy research involves the user community. This can include industry, government, society, charities or other groups as applicable.

The research will understand the technologies and also why change is needed, what the impacts will be and who will benefit.

Research in this cross-research council area can be driven by economic, social or technical need.

Example Research

• Improving the treatment of patients with heart disease by using personalised computer models which can accept real time data (e.g. electrical patterns and blood pressure).
• Development of a computer tool incorporating GPS and barcode scanners to help children who cannot speak to create a story about their day at school
• An integrated transport system, connecting travellers, vehicles and services to provide personalised information that will help influence travel behaviour.
• Enhancing entertainment experiences by designing theme park rides which can adapt, in real time, based upon the physiological response of the rider to the experience.

Research Councils UK Digital Economy – IPA Event

Gregory Roekens, Wunderman’s Chief Technology Officer, was invited alongside another dozen of technology leads from the marketing and advertising industry to participate in a seminar so that academics and industry professional could exchange their views on the digital impact on the world today.

This event was organised by the IPA and the first part was in the format of speed dating where we had a successions of 10 minutes one to one meetings between academics and industry professionals. The second part was an evening showcase where the three main university hubs where presenting their Digital Economy project :

Professor Derek McAuley from the ‘Horizon: Digital Economy Hub’, University of Nottingham talked about their focus on the role of ‘always on, always with you’ ubiquitous computing technology in the Digital Economy.

 

Dr Nicholas Gibbins from the  School of Electronics and Computer Science of the University of Southampton talked about their initiative (in partnership with MIT and lead by Tim Berners-Lee) to establish Web Science in its own right. The Digital Economy programme is funding the ‘Web Science Doctoral Training Centre’ at the University of Southampton. Dr Nicholas Gibbins explains : “how the Web is the largest human information construct in history and how its use is part of a wider system of human interaction. Each emerging wave creates both new challenges and new opportunities available to wider sectors of population than ever before. In order to understand what the Web is, engineer its future and ensure its social benefit we need a new interdisciplinary field that we call Web Science”. A particularly interesting question Dr Nicholas Gibbins raised was : “Is the web changing faster than our ability to raise it” which bares the answer that if it is the case then Web Science will need to develop its own unique way to observe fast moving evolutions.

Peter Edwards from The Rural Digital Economy Research Hub, University of Aberdeen presented their ‘Digital Behaviour’ Intervention works centered around ‘Persuasive Technology’ which effectively analyses the power of computer to affect attitude changes (e.g.: to help stop smoking, eat healthier food, etc)