Matter was always an idea with a clear purpose–to create a vehicle for the creation of real, physical objects that communicate ideas and feelings and that people feel good when they get them. From my point of view in putting it together, I’m thrilled to say that the reality of the very first manifestation of this idea has thoroughly met my expectations.
The simplicity of the idea belies the work and creativity that’s gone into getting Matter this far, and the list of people who’ve helped it along its way is as impressive as it is as long. To everyone who’s given me a helping hand, thank you indeed. Here’s a quick run-down of what’s in the very first edition of Matter, along with a little back-story. Let me know what you think…
Sony Ericsson. Iris was the first agency to get onto the Matter trail with the Music Monster, a cult-ish figure that represents your personal musical desires that becomes real in its own straw-lined packing case complete with bite-marked brochure. And after an extended amount of will-they, won’t-they anxiety, Andy Smith made it happen.
Stolichnaya Vodka. Peter Riley at 20:20 was unwavering in his willingness to join the Matter trial and created this intricate and ornate enamel lapel badge along with a miniature guide to Russian cultural icons. The badge is a jewel and the tiny format brochure is perfect in its red-stitched execution.
Nintendo Wii. Conceptual thinking guns-for-hire Rebecca and Mike helped with the idea for this, which turned out to be easier to make than expected. The defining characteristic of the games console is perfectly communicated in a single, simple object–a Wii wristband.
EVO Magazine. The original idea was to create the ‘EVO Apex Finder’, a self-adhesive road stud similar to ones they use in Motorway contra-flows which would have allowed car enthusiasts to mark their favourite turn-in point on any corner. However, social-responsibility issues this raised their head and the idea was swiftly abandoned in favour of a game of EVO trumps which more accurately reflect EVO’s position as an unrivaled source of automotive knowledge.
Original Source. This item received the most divided opinion, being the most used and the least creative item in the box. Matter has obvious value as a sampling channel, though we’re very careful about limiting it to samples that are suitable and genuinely valuable, like this one.
Virgin Atlantic. Martin Muir at Start Creative helped secure this contribution–an award-winning calendar about how the airline’s changing–and even pursuaded the client to offer Matter recipients an exclusive invitation to use the new Upper Class Lounge on their next Virgin Atlantic flight. Nice.
Nissan. Daren Kay at TMW brought his team together to create this item to prompt people to think harder about the Nissan brand. It’s brave in that it’s about the Nissan brand and not any specific model. A set of crayons that are really soap tell a story about how Nissan’s not what you expect.
Sony Bravia. Paul Beier at Iris helped bring this idea to reality just minutes before the client disappeared for three weeks. Pots of Play-Doh allow people to create their own version of the award-winning Rabbit TV commercials.
Jordans Cereal and Penguin Books. Mark Waites at Mother has long been interested in Matter and his colleagues Jo Forel and Iskra Tsaneva came up with the idea for Cereal Poetry, which turns breakfast into a new literary occasion–because everybody always reads what’s on the cereal box.
There were many ideas that came and went and fell by the wayside, such is the way of these things. Thanks once more to everyone who helped me with this including all those poor individuals who let me loose with my overly-excited presentation.
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Great idea.
Great contents.
Great presentation.
I’m sorry I didn’t get in on this one.
I can’t wait to see the next one!
Thanks, I really enjoyed receiving mine
Some fun items, some useful items. Looking forward to the next one.
The Matter Box arrived exactly as promised, looked great and contained some interesting things. Thank you.
Great start. I spent most of Saturday having a fiddle. Got me thinking too, so rather than comment here I’ve posted a couple of times on the old blog.
When’s my next one arriving?!
I try to register before and it seems to me through the address form that this is only for the US resident.
Anyway…this is a nice box
Great idea well executed and with loads of interesting stuff inside.
Looking forward to the next one.
Seems the Stoli party invite is indeed real.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adamcrowe/2236933922/in/set-72157603835463134/
Sounds interesting, I’d like to know more.
Regards,
Simon
I would like to know more too!
Looks exciting, shame I did’nt get one! Maybe next time.
i wood like to know more
Looks great. Will definitely be adding a link to your website on my freebie site tomorrow - MagicFreebiesUK - http://www.magicfreebiesuk.co.uk
Just wondering if this is available here in the states…? Thanks!
Brilliant idea. Shame I missed out on the first one but can’t wait to receive the next one.
These are some brilliant ideas from all involved!
Very curious and interesting
What an interesting concept, very clever idea! I’ve just signed up and look forward to my first Matterbox.
looking at your web site,and I cant wait to receive a box from you
Have just joined up and so excited about receiving my first box of goodies what a fantastic idea
sounds like a cool idea.i would love to take one of these to work and open it at the lunch table,it would be a great conversation starter
I wish I lived in the UK. Very cool.
I would love to recieve one of your boxes
I have just signed up, if i DO get a box is it a one off?
or do i automatically get a box every time they come out?
please please may i have a matterbox.they look brilliant!
Highly impressed at the whole concept … hope it really takes off.
I liked it overall - here’s what I said on my blog:
http://baxterbaxter.wordpress.com/2008/02/07/matterbox-1/
cant wait to receive it
great concept!
Great idea, and quality execution - all my friends at work are signing up! Lots of great things to play with and very well produced. Will consider suggesting to my clients (I’m in design & marketing). Can’t wait to see what’s in the next one!
Great Idea !
JUST SIGNED UP CANT WAIT TO SEE IF I GET ONE OUTSTANDING IDEA!
Nao vejo a hora de receber a minha aqui no Brasil. O kit por si só já é uma idéia genial.
Parabéns!
Marcelo
Montes Claros/Brasil
Pleeeeaase, I want one!!!
wicked box look forward to the next!!
what was in the first one, when is the next one out? it oneo out every month? i cant wait to get my one, i have told all of my friends!!!
More 100s free stuff etc
http://www.free-stuff.co.uk
Hello.
The images were released to celebrate the arrival on Monday of Emma Tallulah, the couple’s third daughter.
Bye.
great idea
great concept, sure it’ll work wonders