Annotated Bibliography

Our most recent assignment is the research of books, journals and websites  with hope of creating an annotated bibliography. This assignment provided the start of a more thorough engagement with the main Dundee University library as a graphic designer. 

I found this task rather nerve-racking after unsuccessful attempts during the years of my interactive media design course. However, having a slight bit of help from one of my flatmates on how to use Cross Search, my researching took off. Being my usual indecisive self, I have changed my subject topic once again and will be looking in more detail at the word of mouth epidemic and how it can influence peoples opinions on specific matters.

• Andy Sernovitz - Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking

''Giving people a reason to talk about your stuff, makes it easier for the conversation to take place''. 

1. Find the talkers

2. Find a topic

3. Find a tool

4. Taking part

5. Tracking and trend analysis

Sernovitz simplistic example of word of mouth marketing shown above alongside his 5 T's (the 5 essential steps that makes word of mouth work). I really enjoyed the process of introducing new ways to engage with buyers and make more sales whilst having very little advertising. The most intriguing aspect was the relevance of how far word of mouth can travel through mediums such as this blog and other programs I currently use.

• George Silverman - The Secrets of Word-of-Mouth Marketing: How to Trigger Exponential Sales Through Runaway Word of Mouth

Alternatively, George Silverman expresses his knowledge through his very own set instructions. His statistics show both positive marketing techniques as well as ways to pick yourself up from bad ones. 'Studies have shown that a satisfied customer will tell an average of three people about a product or service she likes, and eleven people about a product or service with which she had a negative experience'. I feel this shows great relevance towards the idea proposed for assignment 2 when looking back on personal items bought and trends followed.

• Mark Hughes - Buzzmarketing : Get People to Talk About Your Stuff

Similar to Andy Sernovitz' methodology, Hughes has six of his very own mastermind steps to successful mouth marketing (the six buttons of buzz). Illustrations throughout the book not only helped my understanding of the information but cleverly creates a good visual language whilst making relevance to personal experiences. The American Idol example simply explains how the show successfully branched its way to the world without advertisement by having that BUZZ. Involving the audience, creates an audience.

• Seth Godin - Unleashing the IdeaVirus
• Ben Mcconell and Jackie Huba - Citizen Marketers : When People are the Message

I have also prepared a list of websites that I feel keep myself up to date with Graphic Design and design as a whole.




www.designstudies2010.wordpress.com/blog/


www.creativereview.co.uk


www.apple.com


www.bbc.co.uk


www.aisleone.net