in the news
Trending Upward: Six current and emerging trends in home decor design
March , 2008: Often, when I'm introduced to clients, the first term used to describe me is "trend expert." That's flattering, of course. Who doesn't want to be known as an expert about something?
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Maison Objet: The future of home design is located 40 minutes from Paris
March , 2008: Twice yearly in January and September, at a vast exhibition facility outside of Paris, Maison Objet takes place. More than a home furnishings and fashion trade show, Maison Objet calls itself a "magnetic pole" for home design professionals.
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Design Matters in the "Big Box" Retail World
January , 2008: Proteus' Paul Metaxatos, Vice President of Product Development, and Bill Sterling, Vice President of Visual Communications, offer their thoughts about the critical role industrial and graphic design plays in market success.
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If Consumers Have Changed, Can Marketers Be Far Behind?
January , 2008: At a recent meeting of the Marketing Science Institute in Phoenix, Proteus' Steve Hoch had the pleasure to facilitate a session of some 30 marketing chiefs whose companies are members of the Institute.
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Transgenerational Design - Could "Universal Design" finally live up to its promise?
Decemeber 10th , 2007: In this interview, three of the people at Proteus who have been most intimately involved in Universal Design initiatives discuss the role of Universal Design - including why they expect it to become increasingly important for companies that recognize the value of developing product for people of every age and ability and why they think the term itself needs to be changed.
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"Men Buy, Women Shop" - Different genders mean different retail priorities
November 28, 2007: Researchers at Wharton's Jay H. Baker Retail Initiative recently concluded an extensive consumer shopping study. Wharton Marketing Professor Steve Hoch, also a member of the senior team at Proteus, chairs the Baker Initiative.
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Beyond Green
November 16, 2007: Proteus has done considerable work for clients who are interested in migrating from old manufacturing methods and materials to new ones that recognize not only that the environment of the planet is increasingly fragile, but that large numbers of consumers respond favorably to those companies and products that truly demonstrate environmental sensitivity.
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In-Store Marketing Institute - Design as the Paradigm for Success at Big Box Retailers
September 26, 2007: Proteus' own Bill Sterling and Paul Metaxatos conducted a seminar for senior retail and manufacturing executives at this annual conference. The topic: Can the ever increasing pressures to reduce cost co-exist with breakthrough design innovation?
Arietta by Elica debuts in Home Depot stores nationwide
August 23 , 2007: Located in Fabriano, Italy, Elica, the largest range hood manufacturer in the world, launched its Arietta line of Designer Range Hoods. (See our case study on Arietta.)
Wellington - Changing a product's on-shelf segmentation and introducing a new vocabulary consumers can understand pays off
August 1, 2007: Home Improvement Executive Report recognizes Lehigh/Wellington as the 2007 Innovation Award Winner for the Cordage category. (See our case study on Wellington.)
What a Packaging Makeover Can Do For Your Company
July, 2007: Charlie Conn and Tom Feeheley recently spoke with Fast Company to discuss how some of the worlds best known companies have revamped their images through a radical redesign of their product packaging.
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Malibu - a Proteus client debuts new outdoor lighting at Lowes nationwide
July 21 , 2007: Brightscapes, new, trend conscious outdoor landscape lighting from Malibu, was nationally advertised at Lowe's stores in July.
Standing Out in the Aisles: Display and Product Design Play Key Roles in Attracting Shoppers At Retail
June, 2007: For years, marketing pundits have made the case that the consumer is in control. They threw around words like “authenticity and interactive media environment.”
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Are Your Customers Dissatisfied? It May Be Time To Check-out Your Salespeople
May 16, 2007: The sales associate shifts her gaze off to the side just as the customer approaches. Suddenly she is intent on restocking merchandise or discussing when she will take her next break -- anything to avoid actual contact with a shopper.
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Everpure - a Proteus client features their new consumer friendly packaging in Dwell magazine
April, 2007: Everpure, leaders in bringing commercial grade water purification into the home, showcased their new, award-winning, consumer friendly packaging designed by Proteus in the April 2007 issue of Dwell magazine.
When There’s No Salesperson: The Value of a Consumption Vocabulary
Spring 2007: Consumers benefit when packaging and merchandising materials distinguish the nature and quality of a product’s attributes. This is particularly important in the face of extensive choice.
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Small biz: Boost sales by rebranding your business
October 3, 2006: Revitalizing your company can be as simple as changing the way your employees answer the phone, said Anaezi Modu, founder of ReBrand, an online forum focused on effective ways to rebrand a business. The key, she continued, is to keep evolving your business. "Sometimes a new coat of paint is all you need."
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A diligent focus on strategy can help national brands compete against increasingly sophisticated store brands.
July, 2006: It’s no secret that you’re operating in a Target and Starbucks world where retailers wield the power. Not only are they tinkering with your brands, they’re also pumping up their own brands to increasing levels of caché.
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