Compaq Asia Pacific | ‘To Do List’ Calendar Fact Screensaver

www.compaq.com.sg/screensaver/

Compaq Asia Pacific [Screensaver - Download]

[Download Page]
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Compaq Asia Pacific [Screensaver - Main Screen]

[Main Screen]
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Compaq Asia Pacific [Screensaver - Instructions Screen]

[Instructions Screen]
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Compaq Asia Pacific [Screensaver - Fade To Screen]

[Fade To Screen]
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As with other clients such as Nokia, ESPN, Discovery Channel and the Animal Planet, I convinced Compaq that while a screensaver was great for branding, it is imperitive that there be some kind of utilitarian value to the user. This screensaver does that on several fronts. First of all it is a real-time calendar and clock set in a dynamically changing, colorful environment. The illustrations, colors and positionings of objects change every 30 seconds or so. Included on a daily basis for the entire year is a helpful tip for working in an office environment or to help clarify a computer or Internet term/concept as a ‘Note for Today.’

But the most useful feature is the ability to add a to do list for the entire year, in advance. By clicking on the edit button, the user is given an interface for selecting the day, month and year and can add up to six elements. When they appear on the screen, the person can then click to check off each task.

Since this has so many uses that are relevent for an entire year, I felt very strongly that a user would be reluctant to replace the screensaver when a boy band or movie slideshow one came out the following week.

Of course Compaq’s branding is there quietly on the main screen and prominently on the ‘dip to’ one and we were able to ask survey questions and grab email addresses when thousands of people came to download the utility.

This screensaver was a Finalist in the 1999 4A’s Creative Circle Awards.

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