Dual Coding Theory

Marketers frequently take advantage of dual coding theory to encourage their audiences to use the advertised product or service. Establishing connections between visual and verbal processes enables people to remember an advertisement more effectively than they would if marketers appealed to only one of these systems, i.e., visual OR verbal. For example, Dove is currently running an ad in popular magazines for the Dove Beauty Bar. The main claim is that this soap, rather than being dry, leaves skin "soft and supple." Two different bars of soap are pictured. The potential customer can visually distinguish the difference between the bars of soap. One is smooth, round, (pure) white, and is imprinted with the image of a gracefully flying dove. The other bar of soap is cracked with a flaky texture. It appears large, bulky, and heavy. It possesses a somewhat dirty, yellow tint. The visual impact alone clearly distinguishes the two different soaps. However, by appealing to a customer's verbal processes, the advertiser can successfully convey the company's idea of each bar of soap. Written below the clean, white bar is the word "beauty." Below the yellow, cracked soap is the word "beast." The images and the words work together to make a statement. The marketing team for Dove uses dual coding theory to reinforce the idea that the Dove Beauty Bar is different (and better) than any ordinary soap.

Phase 1. Complete!

Our group work from Phase 1 of the project has given me the impression that working with others can be easy and productive. Every member of Habitat Helpers seems to be eager to contribute her time and effort to make the project successful. I don't think I've ever had a group project in college flow as smoothly as this one. I lucked out with having these girls in my group. I guess the hardest thing that we've faced is finding a time when we can all meet. We're all busy--especially me. It's frustrating that when everyone else is available, I can't meet because I'm studio. I think if we can continue working hard in phase 2, the project will turn out well. I look forward to it.

Class Presentations

I most remember the presentations that were somehow personally connected to the presenter. It's great to learn about swimming equipment or types of music, but to hear about someone's unique experience or passion engages the audience on a whole other level. Sara Ashley's comments on her study abroad experience in Barcelona were interesting. She didn't just tell about some key tourist spots to visit. She explained to us why studying abroad is an incredible and memorable experience. And she shared with us some of her most vivid memories from her semester in Spain. It was exciting to watch her present because you could tell she had strong feelings for her topic.

Chicago!

I am leaving for Chicago on Tuesday night, and I can't wait. My architecture professors believe that walking around the city for a few days will educate us. 40 of us plan to stay there for about 4-5 days. I hope it will be as fun as the architecture trip to New York City during our 3rd year was. Yes, I will miss other classes, but I won't have to make up a substantial amount of work. We'll visit a lot of the most famous architectural sites of Chicago. I hope to have some free time to see the city on my own, too. I'm looking forward to the trip!

Resume Tips

According to the following article, http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/resumes/20070821-needleman.html, the appearance of a resume is nearly as important as its content.

Employers often see a large number of resumes. Because they must sift through piles of documents, the design must catch their attention. The article, "Pretty in Ink: Making the Resume Look as Appealing as the Content," features several occasions when an applicant got the job in part because of the appearance of his resume.

I agree with the article. The design of a resume demonstrates an applicant's creativity and attention to detail. In my chosen profession, architecture, the graphic design of the document is more important than it is in other fields. Creativity is one of the most critical skills an architecture applicant must market.

Interview Tips: Body Language

I found this article interesting: http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/interviewing/20021205-raudsepp.html

I know that body language plays an important role in how people judge one another during any situation. Interviews are no different. However, I'm already sufficiently nervous going into an interview. Concerns about body language add to the growing list of things to remember.

According to the article, a response carries 55% of its strength through body language. Over half of what a person tells during an interview is through the way he carries himself. That's a little mind-blowing. That an interviewer could judge me based on whether I flip through a magazine or notes before the meeting overwhelms me. Everything from eye contact to sitting down at the beginning gives people reasons to dismiss me or welcome me into their company. It seems that the less confidence a potential employee is, the more negative body movements he will have. I guess the only way to solve this problem is to fully prepare for an interview and maintain confidence in my skills.

In 10 Years...

It's hard to say where I'd like my life to be in ten years. The future is exciting because it's unknown and nearly uncontrollable. However, dreams and goals serve as important guides.

I hope to earn by B.A. in Architecture with a minor in Fine Arts this May. I plan to take time away from school for 2-3 years so that I can gain work experience and earn IDP (internship) credits. After a few years in the workforce, I plan to enter a graduate program and earn my masters in either architecture or some related design field. My goal to earn my education within ten years is a challenging one.

In ten years time, I also hope to see my son succeeding in both his academic and extracurricular endeavors. Perhaps, I'll have a few more children, too!

I'm hesitant to have detailed goals, though. I'd really rather let events run their course. As long as I'm happy and my family is healthy and happy, I really think that in ten years, I'll be OK.