Sit back and catch up on what we read this week.
25 Songs That Tell Us Where Music is Going
This is an incredibly well done, long-form piece from the New York Times on the future of music. Not only is the writing high quality, but the interactive experience – from the color changing marquee to the auto-play of each song as the user scrolls through the page – is the type of UX that works. It’s memorable, engaging, easy to find what you want, and highly functional.
Justin Kutner, Digital Director
Real estate’s ticking bomb: Who gets hurt?
While commercial real estate enjoyed “a banner year in 2015,” Diana Olick at CNBC looks at a potentially challenging issue for CRE financing in 2016: the withdrawal of investors from commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). At the heart of the issue is that CMBS aren’t producing the high yields that investors want, and with many CMBS due for refinancing this summer, the fear is that investors will move on from CMBS for options with higher returns, leaving a significant void in CRE financing options. According to Olick, “The vast majority of CMBS borrowers today are owners of commercial real estate in secondary and tertiary markets, like suburban strip malls or office parks, but some are owners of large urban office buildings.”
CJ Powell, Writer
Helpful Google Tips & Tricks
Who doesn’t love learning Google tricks? From negative keywords to searches within specific sites, Google can do a lot more than you think.
Steven Slyker, Digital Coordinator
How to Direct a Sports Commercial That Feels Real
We’ve all seen sports scenes shot very poorly (looking at you, Oliver Stone). This guide offers some insight on how to set a dramatic, believable scene for your audience.
Ryan Fitzgerald, Digital Strategist
Automating Your Life
From brewing your morning coffee to restocking your pantry, there’s an app for that.
Anne Wright, Senior Account Director
A Detailed Look Into HAROW’s Limited Edition Skull Armchairs
Today I read about the most well-designed armchair in the history of armchairs… Harrow’s Skull Armchair. The artistic nature of the chair, not to mention the details that went into the manufacturing, are mind-blowing. Also, how awesome would I look sitting in that while watching a marathon of F.R.I.E.N.D.S reruns?
Jeffrey Steffonich, Senior Designer
The Answer to Sky-High Housing Prices: Adult Dorms
As housing options continue to shrink, could the arrival of new “adult dorms” be the answer? Within these communities, residents have their own micro units, but amenities like the kitchen and lounge are shared spaces.
Kari Coughlon, Senior Account Director