Our weekly update, where we share what’s inspiring us:

BLA BLA

A visually compelling “film for computer,” BLA BLA caught our attention this week with its rich, interactive exploration of communication. One of the more interesting projects we’ve seen recently, BLA BLA demonstrates just how engaging content can be when you directly involve the user in the storytelling process. Take a look for yourself and see what makes this project so endearing.

Do You Suffer From Decision Fatigue?

A fascinating article on the subject of decision fatigue–the idea that we become exhausted from making too many choices, which in turn affects our judgment. The piece also touches on the concept of ego depletion, and it gives more reason to believe that effective marketing should help consumers make easier and fewer decisions.

Useful Advice from Jon Steel

An insightful 13 minutes from planning guru Jon Steel, presumably giving advice to a class of aspiring media planners. While Steel is speaking to a certain audience, there’s plenty of useful thinking here for all of us. For instance, his advice to “be useful rather than clever” and “bring out the best in others” are things we can all consider in our respective roles.

Hurricane Irene Tracker

As you prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irene, this weather tracker from the New York Times is an effective tool for following the storm’s path along the eastern coast. A great reminder that simple and thoughtful design is often the best approach to keeping people informed.

The Girl Store

A captivating site that asks you to “buy a girl her life back” by purchasing school supplies for impoverished Indian girls, helping reduce the rate of sex slavery in the country. Individual girls are showcased up front and center, and once a girl’s supplies have been paid for, she’s listed as “off to school.” While some find the project controversial, we think it’s effective at placing the user right in the middle of the issue.