826 already conceals information in some ways by bending the rules of the retail space by having a tutoring facility housed there as well. The store would sell items that conceal and reveal information like classic decoder rings, books of codes, encoded bumper stickers and much more. In an atmosphere of secrecy and encryption, customers will walk through the store directed by partially encoded messages and signage, learn about simple encryption, and get into code breaking as a fun activity.
The store's playful attention towards words meshes will with the other half of 826 and opens up a lot more opportunities for incorporation into the writing portion. I can see possibilities for a code in the store window which a prize to the one who cracks it, interesting connections with pseudonyms, opportunities for new layers of narrative surrounding everyday operations of 826, and the creation of a social network surrounding the idea of a secret and encoded society.
Wee Beasties - pets both very small and entirely imaginary. They range from sea monkeys to aphids to planarian - this store has it all - stored in bell jars and petri dishes. Take home a tiny friend to take care of and share. Make a new friend and learn about another species. All pets come complete with a field guide. Some pets my be imaginary / invisible as well and naming is encouraged. In the front window there are usually a fresh litter of new tiny and cute pets waiting for a new owner to come along. Maybe all of the pets have an attribute of writing associated with them and you buy a writing buddy based on your strengths and weaknesses. Literary helpers if you will.
The Stuff of Dreams - a store to prepare you for your subconscious life. We know you lead active lives at night and this store will get you prepared. They sell replacement teeth incase yours fall out, a spare pare of pants for the first day of school, and small parachutes for when there's no more ground. The store also features suggestions from patrons for upcoming items along with current inventory that is user generated. The store also offers dream workshops and ways to turn dream content into interesting writing pieces.
These are three excellent and well-thought out ideas.
ReplyDeleteI really, really like the dream store idea, as it contains a psychological element that could really be interesting, and could affect the mark. There's something about the idea of mining dream landscapes that could lead to some really surprising design opportunities.
The cryptography store is also really fun and smart. There's even a cryptography museum nearby on the way to DC for research.
What's your first choice?
My first preference is for the cryptography store at this point. My word mark is what originally pushed me in that directions and I'm fond of all the directions it could go in and how it could be incorporated with the tutoring side of things. I'm not sure if it is too much in line with what's already been done with 826 or if it innovates beyond what's already there.
ReplyDeleteThe dream idea is growing on me I have to admit. There are lots of possibilities and ways to extend this idea as well and its a little more unexpected. In my own mind it's not as well thought out as the cryptography idea and might need a little more time to ferment for a dream store to work.
I'm happy with both ideas so far and the design possibilities they present. Thanks for the comment.