Forbes.com America's Sinful Cities
February 24th, 2009How do you share the story of America’s sinful cities in a visually engaging format rich with data and content? A creative map infused with fun, playful iconography and digestible bits of data supported by cutting-edge technology.
When the Creative and Product Development Director, Jeff Bauer of Forbes.com approached me with the project in late December 2007 I had to think 10x. We recently reconnected after a 30-day hiatus from an intense summer courtship. I questioned the idea of working with someone I dearly admire and share an intimate closeness with. On the other hand I wanted the bragging rights to a Forbes.com project while showcasing our capability to deliver top-notch quality in a rapid development environment. It was the holidays who in the right mind wants to work on this project? We enjoy the challenge. Towards the end of that phone conversation with the CD/PD and my boyfriend at Forbes.com, I said “you must be desperate to ask me to work on this project.” [Laughter ensued from both ends of the line]
I’ve delivered work for Forbes.com in the past while freelancing for a boutique agency, Murphy & Co. during my first six-months in New York City. I am aware that Forbes.com enjoys arm wrestling their vendors to a whimper in exchange for the prestige of saying “I’ve worked with Forbes.com.” You’ll be happy to know that we didn’t arm wrestle over this project and there was no whimpering involved. My team and I jumped in on the opportunity. I am glad we were chosen to work on the Forbes.com America’s Sinful Cities assignment. It offered viral press and opportunity to showcase Mavin Digital’s creativity in digital storytelling, technology, programming and our solution-centric approach.
When a third-party partner recognizes the value of your idea, your product and your service it makes a big difference in your project experience and the finished creation.
Over a year later, the assignment continues to receive a significant amount of traffic. It continues to draw people. We continue to be relevant. One thing I would improve are the social media capabilities which am sure without the time constraints at that time Forbes.com would have wanted reader interaction features. It would be interesting to visualize how these rankings changed over time considering the current economic conditions and new administration. Do you agree with the rankings and methodology used? Did the visual help make the article more interesting and entertaining?
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Suspect Device The Blog, March 28, 2008
Newstin, March 28, 2008
Yelp San Francisco, March 18, 2008
Neatorama, February 29, 2008
Democratic Underground, February 28, 2008
Yelp San Jose, CA, February 27, 2008
Albert Mohler, February 22, 2008
Free Public Focus, February 20, 2008
Belize Web, February 16, 2008
City Data, No date on posts and reader comments
Tags: actionscript, ajax, America's Sinful Cities, creative, flex air, Forbes.com, Mavin Digital, Technology, visuals
February 24th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I love maps. Visually engaging design coupled with cutting-edge technology always makes a difference. Over a year later Forbes.com America’s Sinful Cities continue to have appeal. For a relaunch, I would certainly add social media to the composition.
February 24th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Wow, some major surprises here….Salt Lake City the vainest..who knew!!!
February 26th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Hi Dhana,
I was surprised myself when we received the data from Forbes.com!
~ jessica