“Motorbike riders typically consider helmets un-stylish, expensive, and too much hassle. This innovation is most relevant for young adults who get motorbikes as presents from their parents. It is difficult for parents to ensure their kids wear helmets, and since parents have the purchasing power, this is a good solution. I think this example highlights that safety awareness is gaining momentum in my region.”
Max Berney (22) – Guest Business Design Associate, Onio Design / India
“300 million people in China have problems accessing clean drinking water, and until now there has been no sustainable solution. This idea is the first of its kind, and I love it! I think it’s very innovative and practical. But there is a need for government and organisations to promote it, otherwise it will just be for the select few. I also hope more independent parties will help develop creative solutions to these social problems!”
Cici Jiang (26) – Design Researcher, ASUS / China
“Most Singaporeans start the day early, and waking up is often a chore; we snooze our alarms multiple times and we can get very grouchy. McDonald’s Surprise Alarm app helps to make waking up a little easier, happier, and less of something to dread. This app truly represents marketing as a service, where marketing is effectively integrated into a consumer’s life as a service (alarm clock) and provides tangible benefits (surprise rewards).”
Andrew Ong (26) – Regional Knowledge Coordinator, Wunderman / Singapore
“Filipinos have a very strong affinity to mobile phones, and our country has been dubbed the SMS capital of the world. Text spams are a big nuisance, and I find this innovation very interesting as users are not only educated, but can also join in the initiative to combat spam. Users are generally highly receptive of campaigns that not only inform but also encourage positive action.”
Jennifer Jimenez (22) – Product Designer, Globe Telecoms / The Philippines
“In Korea, home networking and mobile friendliness are very big trends. I think this is the first innovation that successfully integrates the two in a way that’s very easy for the average consumer to use. It also appeals to me as a working married woman. In Korea we stock up on groceries on the weekend, but then during the week I forget what I have. Having my fridge manage this for me is very helpful!”
Sso Hahn – Deputy Business Marketing Manager / South Korea
“The issue of women and menstruation has always been a sensitive one in India. Buying sanitary napkins used to be a furtive issue, with shopkeepers wrapping the purchase in newspapers to make it inconspicuous. Recently, with economic growth and more women entering the workforce, attitudes are changing, especially in urban areas. With the wide reach of television, campaigns like this can bring change to the smaller towns.”
S Rajendran (55) – Chief Marketing Officer, Acer / India
“I like this innovation for how it combines practicality with fun and creativity. It definitely helps promote eco-friendliness in the region by tapping on the fun element, as consumers here are still in the early stage of adopting eco-friendly lifestyles. Therefore brands are engaging in environmentally-friendly initiatives through fun-infused elements that educate and motivate consumers at the same time.”
Tammy Fransli (25) – Marketing Management Trainee, Unilever / Vietnam