Core77

Devolution is the new red

By Steve Portigal - February 28, 2010

in Object Culture

Devo is doing some fantastic promotion as they relaunch their band/brand. They're focusing on one of the most telling indicators of devolution: consumer culture, specifically production for consumption. That means you, dear readers.

Check out their positioning statement, Focus Group Testing The Future

Interesting to see that their use of focus groups is being reported elsewhere on the web and in print mags like Rolling Stone as a straight fact. Sure, you can (and should) wonder if they are pranking us or not, and if they succeed (or not), does that change the impact of their provocation? No doubt there's an "Is it art?" rat trap we could devolve (oops) into, but we'll set that aside for now and just bask in the work.

They've also put out a lovely color survey (and we aren't exactly big fans of surveys) here. It's a gorgeous bit of interactive design as well as (of course) a brilliant satire of the concept.

Finally, they are sharing the results of their color focus groups.

It was only a few weeks ago that we had Domino's Pizza using customer research to spawn product redevelopment, and then using that process to promote their improved product. See The Pizza Turnaround, and note the negative quotes posted on the walls of their office. Devo flips that whole conceit back around with this campaign. Stay tuned to Club Devo to see where they take it next.

o

Favorite This
Q
2

Comment

Comments

Maria B.

14 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

I love this and I love Devo. As a designer who spends too much time planning design equity research studies that are taken too seriously, this is a breath of fresh air. The videos were hilarious too.
!Report as spam
Frac

14 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

Devo as a band has a great eye for design and art...The energy domes, the JFK hats, Dove the band of Love, The Wipeouters...Just awesome. Thanks for the post.
!Report as spam