Would love to see it, but might question the authenticity of a brands' commitment if they didn't have some history in philanthropy.

What other influential "schools of design" are out there making an impact on design today? Do they exist? Maybe it could be the topic of another blog post.

I don't know, I think the entire fast-food category is at a crossroads, in the States at least. on one hand, there's the trend towards "healthy eating" which is inherently anti-fast-food, but on the other hand, in depressed (and depressing) economic times, the relative inexpensiveness, in both money and time, of fast-food keeps their doors open to people with not a lot to spend. I'm not sure pointing out that these burgers may or may not be real helps anyone's brand. It makes me question the authenticity and quality of all fast-food chains. This is what I get for reading "Fast Food Nation." ha!

@StephenByrne: I think you bring up some pretty good objections to the cottage industry of brand rankings. That said, despite the best (or the most evil) intentions of marketers and brand managers, brand choice ultimately boils down to the personal preference and tastes of people, who, in their natural state, are as emotional as they are rational. If measuring consumer sentiment isn't a useful way of beginning to understand why some brands are preferred over others, what realistic methods do you prescribe? And what has your success been with these techniques to date?

I think the challenge brands are having in these horrible economic times we're struggling with right now is that no one wants to stick their neck out and try something new. Yes, you want to differentiate yourself, but if that means trying something unproven in order to separate yourself from the pack, I'm not sure there's that many bold leaders out there willing to take the risk. So all we get is more of the same.

Interesting opinion. Perhaps it's due to my manly tendencies, but I personally rather poke my eyes out than spend time in a shopping mall, but to each his or her own. Online shopping is ideal for me because I can 1) get online at anytime of the day, even while wearing my pajamas, and 2) quickly make my purchases and be done with the whole business in minutes. No fighting crowds, no parking lot hassles, no rude retail salespeople. That said, I could see the value of these 24City "babes" for some who enjoys shopping and wants to simulate some of the face-to-face interaction of real world shopping that's missing from the online experience. But for me, the speed and efficiency of online shopping is all I'm looking for.

@Anushri: I'm not implying that Apple is instilling this attribute into their products, but I've witnessed this attitude on the part of many Apple OWNERS. For some of them, it seems that when they buy a Macintosh or an iPhone, they've joined some kind of club, and if you're not in the club, then your not worthy. What you call confidence, perhaps I call arrogance. Just a difference of opinion and degree.

Good post Gazala. I'd add another item to your list, although it may or may not fall under your point #7 "Aspiration" and it is: "Exclusivity." Apple has always sold their products at premium price points, which effectively excludes a sizeable chunk of the various tech markets they compete in. I think Apple has always had a sort of snob appeal that, for some people, says, "I got this because *I* can afford it." I'm not sure what this means in hard economic times like we have now, but I do believe it's an indelible part of Apple's appeal.

I'm not a designer, but I do have an affinity for design, and have taken some design classes by well-respected pros. They always taught that alignment is one of the keys to design, and that centering is (usually) the weakest alignment one can choose. your post here seems to support that notion.

Mike: Great roll-up of all the various tools (and social media tasks)! Thanks for sharing. It's pretty interesting how much Google comes up as a service provider—they really do appear to own the Web, as it were.
.LAG