It's always nice to see such high production values on web-based content. It truly sends the message that online deserves rich content generated specifically for the medium.
The navigation was simple, elegant and non-intrusive. The progression of the guided tour made sense and the pacing was well-intentioned. The guide was also very likeable, beyond the obvious ways.
I thought this was a beautiful site that truly caught my attention, and held me captivated.
From a cultural standpoint, the testimonials were a bit melodramatic and the associated imagery seemed too earnest for tertiary demos beyond their intended European target. But a cynical ad guy from L.A. was not their intended audience. This was positioned to attract and inform European "boomers." Once I realized that, I understood what a fine job they did of introducing that target to Vodafone and its wealth of offerings. Bravo!
-- j barbusch, associate creative director, interactive RPA
From the North of Sweden comes North Kingdom... like a fresh breath of arctic wind, they come from where Norrlands Guld (it's a bad swedish beer made in the northern parts) is king and reindeer is lunch. These guys %*$#*()@ Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!
The attention to detail is amazing, the use of video is perfect, and the sultry British accent of the guide makes me want to go out and sign up for 10 Vodafone accounts.
On a more serious note, as I have said in previous Creative Showcases, video is the future on the web and the good people at North Kingdom have shown us what the future might look like when broadcast design meets the web. As well as the clever use of video and voice over, I think that the sound design of this piece is quite fantastic.
If there is one thing I would criticize about this piece it would be that maybe...just maybe, it's a little bit safe...the design and the concept is not that far from what they did with their previous site, which was done in 2001 by Paregos (I think)...but at the end of the day who cares; this site is amazing.
-- Jakob Daschek, creative director, Syrup