Gamification

Gamification or "Funware" is becoming increasingly more popular through sites such as Facebook. Gamification is the use of gameplay mechanics for non-game applications to increase interactiveness in an otherwise boring activity such as completing surveys. One successful use of gamification is the social network site FourSquare. Gamification can be used for many different things such as employee training programs and online shopping.

My favourite trend this semester was Twitter. With the help of Twitter, the networking opportunities are endless, enabling users to reach and connect with people across the globe.

GAP the bridge of new and old

An example of a successful ad campaign that combined new and old advertising techniques is the recent Gap Campaign. Gap teamed up with Groupon (a daily discount sight, featuring a new product each day) and offered $50 worth of apparel for $25. By the end of the day, 441,000 Groupons were sold, bringing in $11 million dollars. This incorporation of social media techniques helps to solidify the brand awareness that Gap creates with traditional advertising methods, in addition to increasing sales.