MODE's Top 10 Methods

I'm a little late with this entry since I saw them over a week ago. But the presentation made by John and Tyler, two of the principles at Mode was so good it's worth mentioning, although a little late.

The definition of Mode is: how something is done or how it happens.

It's a very fitting name for them since that appears to be there company motto, to figure out how it's done and to apply it to others. Mode is an interactive firm ran by a group of designers and developers. As quoted from their website "…with the purpose of creating conversations between clients and their audience." The guys moved down from Boston about 3 or 4 years ago to start a fresh and decided that Charlotte was the ideal city for them and they have been growing ever since.

So the Charlotte AIGA does a series on "TOP 10 Trends and Tips" and recognized that they would be perfect for this. Which brings us back to the night I mentioned earlier where they gave us a presentation on Interactive Media Tips and Trends. This is what the AIGA had to say by it.

There has been a shift in thinking and approach in the design and technology fields to a more holistic viewpoint of the way users interact with brands through visual, mobile, and social media. Learn techniques, trends and business approaches of the interactive movement from the partners of Charlotte-based branding and interactive studio Mode Through their own backgrounds, Mode partners John Pietrafesa (Creative Director) and Tyler Hawes (Interactive Director) personify the integration, trials and triumphs of design and technology, as they steer both their team and clients toward the goal of brand interactivity.

I wish I could remember all of what they said because it was a lot. But they were kind enough to send us all the presentation (click here) which basically used cool websites to anchor each topic. I chose 10 of my favorite examples below to give you an idea.

1. Intro: youtube.com
2. Don't forget the design Basics: jasonsantamaria.com
3. Grid Structures: shopcomposition.com
4. Interactive is more than a website


5. Interfaces Are Evolving: microsoft.com/surface/
6. Engage All Senses: demo.fb.se/e/ikea
7. User Organised/Personalized:
msnbcmedia.msn.com
8. It's Not Static: dopplr.com
9. Interacting With Your Enviroment:
youtube.com
10. It's all about Human Interaction: youtube.com

If you've had a chance to visit all of these wonderful links you'll see 3 very basic messages using incredibly cool examples.

1. Designers and creatives need to work more cohesively to create online tools that are smart and eye catching.
2. This medium is constantly evolving and getting better because these same designers and developers are working better and better together.
3. Because of them anything is becoming possible and they create the trends.

Overall it was a very entertaining evening and I can't thank Mode and all at the Charlotte AIGA people enough for putting up such a splendid night for us all. Personally I hope to learn more about Mode in the future.