Updated June 14, 2011: New product ideas come and go. But it's safe to say that Web 2.0 (i.e. ABC Shark Tank investors and community on Twitter; Google, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Groupon, eBay and Foursquare growth; this blog and websites like millions of others, etc.) has helped to turn around the economy and is igniting entrepreneurialism worldwide.
Web and social media services are increasing in popularity with incredible adoption by the day. Similar to the rapid growth of TV infrastructure, programing and viewership in the last century when television went from black & white to color -- people from all walks of life are discovering and relying on real-time web content and experiences to live, work, play, buy, learn, and be social.
Remember the infamous TV Guide that rested on millions of coffee tables and was the periodic source for programming info, editorial content and sponsored ads? It's now time for a new Desktop Media Solution next to every PC/laptop, so people of all ages and backgrounds can be reminded of and access relevant brands, content, services and offers via the Internet, while also using their Desktop Media Solution as a reading tool to organize and hold paper, books, notepads, magazines, etc.
The new Desktop Media Solution will:
- replace millions of single-function copyholders from companies like Fellowes
- be updated periodically based on community preferences (friendsourcing) with a selection of media refills available to order and receive by snail-mail with a few clicks of the mouse
- help to protect the environment (made from recycled materials and thinking)
- help brands physically interact with consumers, 24/7
Even though digital (i.e. web, email, social, mobile, search, etc.) is like a fast-growing vine, people need tangible tools to help bridge the gap between digital and point of sale experiences. Customer retention and loyalty can be a challenge when relying only on digital experiences that are quickly out of sight and out of mind. And the volume of these digital experiences are increasing by the day so it's important for companies and content on the Web to stand out and be engaging for consumers.
The Interactive Brand Opportunity. It's Huge!
I recently did a post in the Sitecore Community about how successful brands, Web 2.0 companies and publishers today are creating and leveraging interactive brand ecoystems with their websites at the core. Managing digital campaigns and conversations with the Web are standard practice today and there's no turning back.
When thinking about the Desktop Media Solution value proposition, envision personalized guides or media/reading stands sitting next to millions of PCs and web browsers -- including a web-based community that is creating content for the Desktop Media Solution based on their preferences, friends and recommendations. This content can also be purchased online and delivered via the Postal Service as "'media refills" for the Desktop Media Solution:
Desktop Media Solution Demo
Blast from the past. It's a little dated -- including the "CreatorKiosk" name that was issued on the patent in 2002 -- but you'll get a sense of the functionality and value proposition. Click here to view the interactive demo. Note, you will need a Flash Reader to view the demo.
See more patent 6488251 details for the Desktop Media Solution -- the only product of its kind for brands, consumers, Web 2.0 companies and publishers on the Web, and the next best thing since sliced bread! It's a useful blend of low-tech, high-tech and green. Remember, there was only one TV Guide per television set and the same logic applies for the Desktop Media Solution with on-demand, printed media refills when consumers choose to receive them via snail-mail.
FYI, the original product (Copy Grip, created before the Internet) was sold in stores like Office Depot, college bookstores, computer accessory catalogs and even via a test market at K-Mart. Customers loved the product based on sales and feedback! In 2002, the original product was redesigned and patented to become aligned with how consumers now use the Internet and to incorporate recycled materials/thinking for a more eco-friendly offering; the new Desktop Media Solution.
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