Archive for May, 2011

  • Tue, May 31 2011

    Do you have what it takes to join the Quirky design army?

    MID-LEVEL WEB DESIGNER / UI INTERFACE DESIGNER

    Want to work with an all-star team on a platform that is helping people around the world bring their product ideas to market?

    We’re a company called Quirky. What are we Quirky about? We make invention accessible to everyone in the world. We develop two brand new consumer products every week. The ideas for those products come from anyone who has “wouldn’t it be cool if…” type ideas for decades.

    So yeah, two products per week, from sketch to store, that’s why we’re writing this job description. We need a web designer to help create clean, on brand pages for quirky.com

    You may have worked in Web Design, or Interface Design roles in the past, but are you a brand obsessed, action oriented individual ready to make the shift from your current job into irreverent ‘we’re gonna make invention accessible’ start-up culture? We sure hope so.

    If you like what you’ve read so far, then please read on because a spot in Quirky’s Creative Department might be right for you.

    Your main responsibilities pertain to designing, developing, and producing web pages for Quirky.com. This involves:

    - creating high end visual UI designs for quirky.com 
    - utilizing software tools to transform graphical concepts and wire frames from Tech Team into design images 
    - preparing and presenting potential layouts to head of creative for approval 
    - managing and executing design concepts through to completion 
    - accomplishing tasks in an extremely fast paced production environment

    Qualifications: 
    - associates or bachelors degree in graphic design related major (or a freakin’ great drop out story) 
    - 3 + years web design experience 
    - Strong sense of typography, design, layout, color, navigation 
    - In-depth understanding of Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign 
    - Some development/coding process javaScript, CSS and HTML is a plus but not required. 
    - Must have a strong portfolio, containing examples of professional design work with an emphasis on web and software design 
    - Strong interest in consumer products and/or experience at a consumer products company is a big plus by not required

    TO APPLY: 
    – Step 1: Check us out at www.quirky.com . Learn about us by browsing the site. If you fall in love, move on down. 
    – Sept 2: Let’s have a real conversation. If you’ve got a beautiful standard cover letter you use to apply for other job postings, cool. But that will not land you this job. Instead, email Nikki at webdesigner@quirky.com a very brief personal note, explaining why you think you’re the perfect fit for this position, and of course include a copy of your resume and a link to your online portfolio. 
    – Ensure your email is addressed to me, Nikki, with the subject line: “ Web Designer – [ your name ] – [ place you found the job posting]”


    SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

    Inspired by an excited community with a never ending flow of great ideas and driven by an amazing team & infrastructure, Quirky brings two great new products to life EACH WEEK.

    Scared? This job probably isn’t for you. Intrigued? Read on.

    If you’re a perfect Quirky person you have a bias-for-action, an innate ability to ‘Get Sh** Done’ and are as honest as the day is long. You say what you think even it is controversial and you strive to do what’s right, not what’s easy. You have extremely high professional standards while being able to create a fun, collaborative environment.

    In order to ensure exceptionally high product and design quality as we grow, we’re looking for a top notch Senior Graphic Designer who is a conceptual thinker that enjoys bringing brands and products to life through graphic design, typography and layout and how it extends through all realms of the physical and digital world. Someone who understands the impact that design has on business and how the content and context can affect the design. Consistently striving to produce great work while conquering every design challenge thrown their way.

    The perfect candidate has 5+ years of experience in a design related field.

    GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • A world class portfolio showcasing offline and online innovative concepts and creative design solutions.

    • Killer typography, layout, and general design skills. Real world packaging experience, from concept to store.

    • Understanding of packaging, product trends and branding.

    • Know how to art direct photoshoots and create brilliant inspiring products shots even when the product doesn’t exist yet. Using limited resources to create inspiring work.

    • Self-motivated, curious, analytical, and able to apply creative thinking to every problem thrown at them.

    • Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills.

    • Willing to work in a highly collaborative/flexible environment.

    • Inspire your fellow designers every day; push forward the design culture and broader company culture.

    • Obsessive focus on quality and best results.

    • Ability to set milestones.

    • Be deeply involved in creating a maintainable brand tie between dozens of unrelated products.

    • Work closely with the Creative Director to manage a demanding design and production schedule

    • In-depth understanding of Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign Some development/coding process javaScript, CSS and HTML is a bonus.

    TO APPLY: 
    Please submit your resume & portfolio to seniorgraphicdesigner@quirky.com.

    Submissions without a portfolio (linked or attached) and a resume attached will NOT be considered.

    We’re hiring you for a creative job, so be creative with your submission.

    IMPORTANT: e-mail subject title MUST be ‘senior graphic designer’.

  • Tue, May 31 2011

    Don’t let your closet slow you down. SOLO is a collapsible hanger that makes it easy to hang and remove clothes in one swift motion. Its unique design allows you to insert into a wide array of shirts, and then grab and go with just one hand!

    Howard Tseng submitted the idea of a one-handed hanger, and it was developed with the help of over 328 community members. SOLO is now available in packs of 5 in the Quirky store for $12.99 presale ($15 retail) with a threshold of 1200 commitments. Commit in presale to earn a share of its future earnings!

    Features

    -Collapsible design for grabbing clothes in a single motion
    -Slim shape for easy insertion into button-up shirts and turtlenecks
    -Folds for travel and storage
    -Five hangers in each set
    -Translucent polypropylene with stainless steel accent

    Dimensions

    -Fully expanded: 17.75″ width x 6.5″ height x .7″ depth
    -Folded: 6.75″ width x 11.5″ height x .7″ depth

  • Mon, May 30 2011

    Eval 137

    Inventor: Brandon Craven
    Selected: Solar Powered Blinds

    Community: 29
    D:05
    M:02
    V:03
    Staff:14
    TOTAL:53

    This stimulated a lot of debate. This submission had a very low DMV going into eval. Our discussion centered on expanding the scope of the submission to become more mobile; something that could be used for charging in places where there is no electricity available e.g. camping, in a parked car, etc. The possibilities caught the imagination of the staff and we are relishing the chance to explore a new area of manufacturing.

    Inventor: Robin Huberty
    WILD CARD Selected: Improved Toilet Bowl Brush

    Community:09
    D:07
    M:08
    V:06
    Staff:09
    TOTAL:39

    Very healthy DMV scores for this one. While the solution presented needs more innovation to make it sing, the problem area highlighted is ripe for exploration. There has been little innovation in this category for the last decade or so. Add to that strong retail interest in our plunger Nautilus, and you have the beginnings of a potentially successful line extension.

    The rest of the field

    Inventor: Jared Joyce
    Submission: Magnetic Light Switch Plate

    Community: 34
    D: 05
    M: 05
    V: 08
    Staff: 00
    TOTAL: 52

    Design felt that this had a ‘quiet innovation’ to it, but were concerned about impeding the functionality of a light switch by hanging keys from it. Market felt that it didn’t really solve a problem but that it had mass appeal. Viability commented that this was easy to make, but patent protection was unlikely.

    Inventor: Jared Joyce
    Submission: Flip-out Shelf Outlet Plate

    Community: 32
    D: 03
    M: 03
    V: 06
    Staff:00
    TOTAL:44

    Design felt that this was not unique and that similar items exist on the market. Viability showed close commercial products and patents exist.

    Inventor: Bill Ward
    SubmissionCulinary Bowl Stand

    Community: 31
    D: 04
    M: 05
    V: 07
    Staff:00
    TOTAL:47

    This submission stimulated some debate, again centered around who would use this, and how it would offer more function than simple nesting bowls. Viability felt there was only a narrow chance for any patent protection and were concerned over piece-count and how ‘component-y’ the submission felt.

    Inventor: J. Andre
    Submission: The Banana Clip

    Community: 28
    D: 04
    M: 04
    V: 08
    Staff:00
    TOTAL:44

    There was interest in the simplicity of this from some members of the design team, but overall we felt this was too much of an impulse buy. No likelihood of patent protection.

    Inventor: David Blaisdell
    WILD CARD Submission: Safe All-in-one Utensil Cleaner

    Community: 16
    D: 05
    M: 04
    V: 06
    Staff:00
    TOTAL:31

    Some interest in the problem area. While many people use a dishwasher, there are always some items, especially sharp knives, that are not intended to be washed in the dishwasher. Viability were concerned over doing a battery-powered version due to food ingress, but patent protection could be available for a unique approach.

    Eval 138

    InventorJin Chai
    SelectedCollapsible Drying Rack

    Community: 32
    D:03
    M:05
    V:07
    Staff:16
    TOTAL:66

    Members of staff reacted favorably to the unique construction and careful placement of horizontal drying mesh and negative space for hanging. There is a narrow patent opportunity for a non-obvious approach and we will be working closely with our lawyers from the get-go on this one.

    The rest of the field

    Inventor: Steve Crockett
    Submission: Drying Rack With Fan

    Community: 34
    D:05
    M:04
    V:06
    Staff:00
    TOTAL:49

    Design were concerned about having to position this near an outlet, or worse still, having it battery operated (annoyance of switching out batteries). Market felt that it could be good for apartments/small homes, but that the market was limited.

    Inventor: Charles Bailey
    Submission: Ultimate Laundry Butler

    Community: 34
    D:05
    M:06
    V:07
    Staff:00
    TOTAL:52

    This had a multi-functional appeal, and an interesting challenge in material manipulation to hit a good price point.

    Inventor: Andrea Zabinski
    Submission: Collapsing Magnetic Drying Rack

    Community: 31
    D:05
    M:05
    V:07
    Staff:00
    TOTAL:48

    The comp shop showed items that were far too similar to this submission. Market commented that it did seem to make sense for larger homes with laundry rooms. Our lawyer surfaced a number of patents and commercial products that were very similar to this submission.

    Inventor: Marc Zech
    Submission: The Quad Rack

    Community: 29
    D:04
    M:04
    V:08
    Staff:00
    TOTAL:45

    Marc’s submission makes use of the same folding method as Jin Chai’s submission. However, Marc’s approach for making use of the space created between the unfolded poles was not as inspired as Jin’s solution.

    Inventor: Dave Fulton
    WILD CARD Submission: Swimsuit/Gym Clothes Drying Rack

    Community: 11
    D:05
    M:03
    V:06
    Staff:05
    TOTAL:30

    Positive response for Dave’s alternative approach to drying racks here. There was much discussion over who would be using this, and how big an opportunity it would be at retail. We certainly felt that for post-exercise and family outings it could be a useful addition to the car.

    Inventor: Marko Pavlovic
    WILD CARD Submission: Transformable Drying Rack

    Community: 27
    D:06
    M:04
    V:08
    Staff:04
    TOTAL:49

    Marko’s submission resonated with the design department due to being simple, configurable and having something of a sculptural quality. Market felt that it would be good for first apartment, while viability were balancing their lack of concern sourcing with concerns over hitting a good price point.

  • Mon, May 30 2011

    In observance of Memorial Day, Quirky service hours are going to end for the day at 1:00pm EDT.

    We will resume normal service hours tomorrow (5/31/11).

  • Mon, May 30 2011

    You know Apple? It’s that company that redefined consumer electronics and makes incredible devices like the iPhone and iPad. The ecosystem they created is innovative and massive and we think it’s about time for Quirky to get in on the action.

    Quirky is looking for something groundbreaking, something revolutionary, something magical…

    This week’s brief is App-Enabled Hardware.

    App-enabled hardware is one of the coolest new trends in consumer electronics. The way it works is that you have a hardware peripheral, some electronic device that connects to an application to create added functionality. In some cases the app controls the device and in others the device records a specific kind of information and reports it back to the app.

    For this week’s brief we’re waiving our normal rules. The submission must include a software component, can be as technically complex as necessary, and there’s no $150 retail price cap.

    To get you started, here’s a few examples of the kind of things we’re looking for:

    Nike+: A sensor you put in your shoe that monitors your workout and wirelessly connects to your iPod/iPhone so you can track your progress.

    Sonos: A multi-room sound system with an app that allows you to control music with your iPhone/iPad from anywhere in your house.

    Lark: A vibrating wristband that wirelessly connects to an iPhone app to wake you up naturally without waking up your partner.

    So to recap, here’s the instructions for this brief:

    Step One: Come up with an amazing application that interacts with an amazing piece of hardware.

    Step Two: Submit your idea on Quirky.com.

    Step Three: There’s no step three!

    You can submit one idea for free in this round, and the deadline is Mon, June 6, at 12 noon ET. Submit now!

  • Sun, May 29 2011

    Tomorrow morning we’re going to be launching a new kind of project. Instead of starting with Ideation, this project is going to start with Product Research.

    Here’s the deal.

    A retail partner came to us asking us to make a specific product. Since there won’t be an evaluation phase, the 50% influence that’s normally divvied up during evaluation is going to be split up amongst the various design phases.

    Here’s what you need to know.

    The  product they’re looking for is an iPad stand that can fit in a cupholder. Don’t just think about cars here, there’s other things with cupholders like treadmills and movie theater seats (although that would be pretty obnoxious).

    We’re going from sketch to store in one week on this one. Each phase is going to only last around a day, so make sure to check back frequently and participate as much as possible.

  • Fri, May 27 2011

    Here’s the recorded version of today’s Q&A featuring Ben, Gaz and me.

  • Fri, May 27 2011

    Taglines are back!

    By rob at 8:03 pm

    You asked for ‘em, you got ‘em.

    As of right this minute, the tagline phase has been reinstated for community participation.

    Your first assignments: MarcR’s Backsaver Bowls and Jin Chai’s Silicone Zip Bags

    As per QDS’ instructions:

    In this phase, we are asking you to come up with the product tagline for the packaging. This is a SUPER important aspect of our brand image, and is very visible at retail.

    It needs to embody everything that Quirky stands for as a brand, be eye-catching and ‘sticky’. It has to draw people in while also describing the product solution.

    One last thing: we reserve the right to NOT pick a tagline if it does not make the cut.

  • Fri, May 27 2011

    What: A no holds barred question and answer session with Ben

    When: Today, May 27, 2011 – 5pm EDT

    Where: Quirky’s uStream Channel

  • Thu, May 26 2011

    This week has been an interesting one  for me as it marks the beginning of my tenure as ‘the voice of Quirky’. In the seven months I’ve been with Quirky as a community ambassador I’ve been able to get incredible insight into both sides of the Quirky equation and I’m excited to take on this new role.

    Without a doubt, one of the biggest issues we have to address is communication between Quirky staff and the Quirky community. We dropped the ball and the absence of reliable communication has created tension and trust issues. You guys are what make Quirky special, and without you we wouldn’t have gotten to where we are right now. I know that. Ben knows that. Everyone at Quirky knows that. In order to keep this relationship healthy, both sides are going to have to work on how we communicate with each other.

    Here’s what you can expect from us.

    We’re going to continue to hold quarterly town meetings. The last one took place in January (Q1). The meeting that was originally scheduled for May 17th will take place at some point in June, which, although slightly delayed, is still on track for taking place in Q2. The remaining two meetings for 2011 will likely take place towards the end of Q3 and Q4, meaning September and December respectively.

    In addition to town meetings, we’re going to start providing you with monthly updates from different departments within Quirky. As part of this initiative we’re going to be bringing back production reports as well as introducing sales reports from Chad, change logs from our tech team, and a monthly Q&A with Ben.

    On a day to day basis, Shirley is going to continue to rock Get Satisfaction, our support forum, which we will be discussing in further detail in another blog post as there seems to be a good deal of confusion within the community as to why it exists. As always, any questions, complaints, concerns, compliments or other nouns that start with C (preferably cake) can be sent to questions@quirky.com.

    One thing that we won’t be doing is replying to service related questions in the forum. The forum is a venue for community chatter, talking about Quirky behind its back and general irreverence. While we might occasionally partake in the aforementioned irreverence, that’s as far as our involvement with the forum will get.

    Now, here’s the fun part… well, for me at least.

    As I mentioned, this change has to come from both sides. Here’s what needs to change in the community.

    Moving forward, all information from within Quirky is going to be provided to, and disseminated by the community team. The same has to go for information coming from the community. We’re called ‘community ambassadors’ for a reason. It’s our responsibility to represent you and your interests to the rest of Quirky. Regardless of whether you have a sales question, a design question, a manufacturing question, etc. it has to go through us. When you send an email to another member of the staff, all they do is forward it to questions@quirky.com and then we handle it as we would with any other request. Just email questions@quirky.com directly and it will make all our lives easier.

    Finally, there’s been a lot of abject negativity and nastiness going around lately, not only toward Quirky, but toward each other. This site is open to the public. Anyone on Earth (over the age of 18) is welcome to join this community, and when newbies come in and see these ugly interactions, whether it be on the forum, or even worse, on idea submissions, it doesn’t make them want to stick around and it makes everyone involved look bad. This needs to stop. There are an infinite number of places on the internet where you can be an asshole. Starting today, this isn’t one of them.

    That all being said, believe it or not, I actually do love you guys. The things that we’ve done together so far are disruptive and amazing and there’s no end in sight.

    Now let’s get to work.

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