There’s nothing more refreshing then seeing good innovative design in an industry not known for its creativity really. That industry I’m talking about is condoms and more specifically, Durex condoms. Durex just unleashed their new ad campaign and much to our pleasant surprise, it’s centered entirely around typography and, well, you know.

I’m not sure if I’ve ever consciously bought something influenced by product placement, but I think Zazum has stumbled across something big. The Redwood City, CA startup is developing a mobile phone application that lists the products and clothing in your favorite television shows with links to external websites. So whether your thing is picking up some authentic Hank Moody shades or a piece in Blair and Serena’s infinite wardrobe, you’ll know where to get it, and of course be able to share with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. The verdict is TBD on the design and functionality, but I see this bumping up the value of product placement for advertisers.

There’s no denying Zappos gets customer service and this new ad is proof they also have a pretty good sense of humor. However, there’s one missing piece of the puzzle that I was always surprised they neglected and that’s a really good web design. And this is super bizarre to me because this company brings it 110% in every other facet of their business (product, service, offering, distribution, social media, respect of employees, having fun). Yet, their website is so eh a la 1998 it totally surprises me they won’t complete the puzzle and have a beautiful, clean looking website. If you work at Zappos and you’re reading this, I’ve redesigned your site for you. Seriously, it’s badass just like this you and this ad.

It’s true, I’m pretty much obsessed with Hansen’s Ginger Ale but if that’s not an option, Diet Coke has a lock on my second choice. And reinforcing that notion are these new, limited edition cans drawn by comic artist Tom Gauld. They’re designed to raise awareness of The Heart Truth, the women’s heart health program. And I gotta say, seeing a huge, corporate brand utilize design for social good makes me happy. I hope we can see more of this roll out into Coke’s other products.

Dwell Magazine just recently did an interview with our founder Dave Brown and we wanted to give it some notoriety because the only thing we love more than Dwell is shameless self-promotion. JK. The article traces Holiday Matinee from its music industry roots all the way to I Swear To Good You Are God At This. Dave talks about his process in writing the book and how jazzed he is to release more products in the near future including some possible collaborations with Furni and Baggu. Anyway, give it a read if you have any questions about what the hell we’re actually doing around here.

Ford Motor Company flew my buddy Zack and I to Detroit last weekend, handed us a boat-load of electronics, a gas card and keys to a unreleased Ford vehicle. Over the next 4 months, we’ll be pulling off creative missions in and around San Diego and roping in a bunch of super talented friends, restaurants, venues, artists, filmmakers and brands. Watch the press conference below where Ford Motor Company and the Ford Fiesta Movement announce their official partnership with us and be sure to follow Team San Diego here. Hit us up if you’re interested in getting involved.

LG is a brand that totally gets it or at least has hired an agency that does, and I’m loving what they’ve come up with. For the past couple months they’ve been pushing an online ad campaign featuring James Lipton called Give It A Ponder that’s centered around the perils of texting before you think. It’s relevant to their audience, pays homage to the fine art of beard stroking, and just plain funny. What’s not to love about that?

WWF (the World Wildlife Fund, not the World Wrestling Federation) has this inspiring campaign for saving wildlife that hits the emotional spot and I almost hate it for that reason. They just had to choose such a cute photo! There’s a panda one, too, but that one makes me even more sad. (via Inspire Me Now)

How great would it be if a huge corporation threw some money at you and told you to make a video? No strings, no requirements. Sounds like a dream. This is what Absolut Vodka did for their latest project. The lucky artist, Mr. Spike Jonze. Called ‘I’m Here’, the short film is about the relationship between two robots living in LA. It’s currently being screened this weekend at Sundance, and will be released worldwide in March. I’m not an Absolut drinker, (more of a Makers man) but based on the trailer, I’m definitely looking forward to checking out the entire film.

When I saw this video for the first time, I thought it was a movie trailer for an upcoming indie film and the person who directed it really liked zoomed-in shots of the clothes the characters were wearing. I was wrong, however. The video is actually a fashion advertisement for Sophomore’s Spring 2010 collection disguised as a trailer. By putting the garments from the collection on human characters that radiate the identity of the fashion brand itself, the advertisement wittily communicates what the upcoming collection is all about.