Video Stamps

Unpacking post is a bit like unpacking gifts. So for this Christmas, Australia Post has created a video stamp that lets senders add a more personal touch to their packets via a QR code stamp that is linked to a custom video message.

J.C. Penney has already linked QR Codes to voice messages during their Santa Tags sticker campaign in 2011. And at the beginning of 2012 there was also a concept video doing rounds on YouTube about a similar DHL Christmas Video packet service. So I am just surprised that it took so long for a postal service to pick up on the concept and implement it. 🙂

The Office Turntable

Demo CD’s created by music labels are often treated like spam. So to promote the new track from DJ Boris Dlugosch, Kontor Records in Germany decided to send out an orange vinyl along with a 2D turntable as part of the direct mailing.

The people who received the mailing activated the turntable by scanning the QR code on it. This simple action enabled the missing piece of the turntable on the users smartphone which allowed them to play the music. The mailing was a huge success as 71% of the 900 turntable QR codes were activated.

Coca-Cola: Sharing Can That Splits in Two

When “share” is built into the can

With summer coming up and an ice cold soda in your hand, people around you are bound to hope that you will share the soda with them. The normal way of doing so would be to sip from the same opening.

Now in an attempt to create another way of sharing happiness, Coca-Cola teamed up with Ogilvy in Singapore and France to create a shareable can of Coke that splits into two and creates two half pints. The results.

The packaging hack: one can becomes two

The can does not just contain the drink. It choreographs the moment. Split it. Hand one half over. The product becomes the gesture.

Why it changes the social moment

The post nails the truth. People want a sip. This design turns that awkward micro-negotiation into a simple ritual that feels natural in the moment.

The job it solves

Create another way of sharing happiness in summer, without two people sipping from the same opening.

Borrow this move

  • If the behavior matters, build it into the object, not only the message.
  • Design for the real scenario, then remove friction inside that moment.
  • Create a repeatable ritual. The best ones travel without explanation.

A few fast answers before you act

What is the “sharing can” concept?

A Coke can engineered to split into two drinkable halves, creating two half pints from one can.

Who was involved?

Coca-Cola teamed up with Ogilvy, with Singapore and France referenced in the original post text.

What moment does it target?

The everyday situation where someone has a cold drink and others around them hope they will share it.

What is the core creative move?

Turning “sharing happiness” into a physical product feature rather than a line of copy.