Creativity-Online recently released The Discovery Channel as their choice for “Best Ad”. This winning commercial incorporates The Discovery Channel’s various shows into a single song with an addictive chorus — which by the way doesn’t really seem to mean anything. However, the success of the commercial lies within how they were able to connect many “favorites” into a single, cohesive piece all adding up to the final tag “The World is Just Awesome.”

Check it Out:

Global theme is something CGI has been increasingly seeing as a trend within our own client work. People today are working with more international companies and connecting with more cultures than ever before. Interactive now has to reflect this change through their design and development in order to convey our more connected world.

Engaging presentations are crucial for successfully captivating an audience. You have a lot to say, and all of it is good. But while it’s easy to fill your slides with text, it can be challenging to visualize that text into a presentation that promotes your message. So we would like to share with you some inspiration and some fundamental presentation guidelines, both from our own portfolio and from  Slideshare, a San-Francisco based company that provides a platform for businesses and professionals to share their presentations online.

SlideShare recently announced winners for the ‘World’s Best Presentation of 2009′ and I have to say, the winning presentations certainly grab your attention. Among them are Dan Roam and Dr Tony Jones’ collaboration called “American Health Care: a 4-Napkin Explanation.” Voted as the winner of Slideshare’s Best Presentation of 2009. It’s clever, simple to understand and far shorter than reading the written health bills.

Let us know how we can help you improve your presentations. Check out our portfolio of completed projects.

We have recently been voted one of “Banker and Tradesman’s Best of 2009” with a Silver Award in Web Site Design Services. David Kelleher, president of CGI Interactive, said “We are very appreciative of the recognition this award brings. It is inspiring to know that so many people in New England feel our services provide the caliber of design and expertise that they look for in an agency.”

Banker & Tradesman is a leading publication in New England with a broad readership of the most influential people in the real estate, financial, and construction industries.

More than 6,000 readers responded to the annual Banker & Tradesman readers’ opinion poll, which has grown in recognition in the business community in Massachusetts. The survey measures the loyalty and satisfaction that the publication’s readers have had with service providers. It is an opportunity for the New England financial and real estate communities to speak up for those providers they believe are the best.

All winners were published in a special section of the July 27th issue of Banker & Tradesman.

Cynthia Shanahan, Greg Cheteauneuf, and Kara Hoisington at B&T Event

Clio logo

Every year CLIO releases its list of Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners for their awards in advertising, design, and interactive. These awards have been handed out for nearly five decades and is one of the most recognized global competitions. Not only are these awards meant to honor the winning designs, but also recognize the communication impact on modern culture. As interactive design becomes more advanced, CLIO has been keeping pace with the industry to recognize cutting edge work.

One of my favorites from the 2009 list of Gold Winners is GE’s “Plug Into the Smart Grid.” It combines clean logos, the newest in interactive technology, and promotes a message of environmental change.

Check out a full list of interactive winners here.

Is there anyone you think is missing?

On May 12th, 2009 Google held an event called “Searchology“. At this event Google search team revealed their new defined user search options. In my eyes, it could definitely change common SEO practices.

The new search options open a ton of doors enabling a user to to define what they are trying to find. For example, if a search is performed for “x-22 irons” (Callaway golf clubs) and the user is looking for consumer reviews, they can simply click on the “Reviews” item under the options and Google will automatically bring up websites that give reviews on x-22 irons. You may be thinking “And why is this bad?” so let me explain. If your website sells x-22 irons and you don’t have consumer reviews as part of your website, that visitor will NOT see your website in the list, even if you have first page placement for “x-22 irons” on Google already.

Don’t worry too much, your business won’t crash overnight if the above is true. Google searchers still have to USE these search option features for them to be taken into effect. To throw another curve ball, there is also the ability to show results by time. This was available previously by doing some clicking in your advanced search options but now it’s a bit more prevalent.

Google put out a video on the search options which will show you a bit more information, such as the wonder wheel. It’s a feature that updates in real time and makes recommendations based on your searches. Honestly, you need to try it out yourself.

When you’re in the search options window, you’ll find the “Wonder wheel” link at the bottom under “Standard view”. This will suggest topics you may be interested in directly related to the previous item. Honestly, try it out to see what I mean – it’s quite unique.

These small search engine changes might appear to be insignificant but with time they’ll be effective for users who want the best search results possible. Your website(s) could be affected negatively…time will tell.