Last year Information Architects Japan released the very cool 2007 web trends map. They’ve just posted a “sneak peak” of the new version for 2008 and, whilst it retains the previous general look and feel, it’s even better than before! Now presented using an isometric layout based on the KantÅ region as its geographic metaphor the map shows some interesting ideas with Dataportability.org already making an appearance and Google’s Android getting pride of place in Akihabara, the otaku mecca.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing the final full-sized version.
Update (25/01): Beta version of the final map now available!
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Last year when I was living/traveling in China and South Korea I noticed that The North Face outdoor clothing & equipment brand appeared to be particularly popular and that there seemed to be many shiny-looking new stores all over the place (usually in the more expensive shopping malls). The same now seems to be happening in the UK this winter with North Face apparel definitely in fashion (not something I would know anything about mind you!).
A quick google confirms that rapid expansion is afoot and it appears to be crossing the boundary from being a niche brand you might find in outdoor/camping shops to one you find in department stores and individual retail outlets. No doubt you’ll soon be seeing North Face watches, aftershave, and all manor of other miscellanea! I find it interesting to see how many brands try to make this transition but whether there is longevity to this approach I don’t know. After their popularity peaks some continue to do well whilst others fade away. For any business constantly staying on the edge of the supply and demand balance is crucial to their success and in the case of such a global name the logistics of this is no easy task…
The stock of VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), the company which owns The North Face (amongst many other well recognised brands), seems to be on a downwards turn at the moment but hopefully people will by enough NF gear to survive the bad weather! Personally I think their products are very good, whilst its definitely on the expensive side, it’s usually well made, lasts a long time, and looks the part.
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Since coming back from China last year I’ve been thinking a lot about the development going on there and the opportunities for outsourcing. This led me to do quite a lot of research but I found it frustrating that there didn’t seem to be a single good overview of the key facts, trends and opportunities in China in an easily digestible and up-to-date form. Having trawled through goodness knows how many white papers and blogs I decided to write one myself and hopefully provide a starting point for others going down the same path.
The presentation covers the following (with a few nice pictures for good measure):
- Key Facts about China
- Geography - Tier 1 & 2 Cities
- Political Situation
- Cultural Differences (West vs East)
- Beijing 2008 Olympics
- Innovation in China
- Web Companies to Watch
- Outsourcing Trends in China
- Outsourcing Opportunities in China
- Interesting Facts
- Pro’s of Outsourcing to China
- Con’s of Outsourcing to China
- Recommendations
- Conclusions
- Further Reading
Whilst I don’t claim to be an expect on the subject I’d like to think I’m a little better read than the average person on the street and I’m happy to take any feedback on board so please let me know what you think! As things change I’ll endeavor to make improvements and keep it updated.
[ Download PDF (18mb) | Request PPT ]
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.
For further reading here are some China-centric blogs worth checking out:
- The China Vortex - good white paper “Why Indian Software Outsourcing Companies are Outsourcing to China”
- China Web 2.0 Review -next generation web developments in China
- China Law Blog - a blog about Chinese law and the legal issues of doing business in China
- China Economics Blog - a place to find information on important issues for China’s economy including economic growth, inequality, stockmarket, shares, exchange rates, the environment, foreign direct investment & WTO
- China Success Stories - China business success stories and commerce
- All Roads Lead to China - China based news analysis, strategic insight, and advice
- China Challenges - explores the various political, economic, and social implications of the rise of the Peoples Republic of China in the 21st Century
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