5 KNOCKOUT UNIVERSITY SPARKS TO INSPIRE YOUR MARKETING
We’re well and truly into a new university year in the UK so we thought we’d share a handful of sparks to inspire the rest of the year ahead. At our recent Future Index summit we explored some of the very best global HE marketing initiatives of 2017/18 and here’s just five of the best…
ONE: MONASH UNIVERSITY (AUS) – IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT CHANGE IT
This has certainly polarised opinion. Any major university video that starts with the words ‘some may find the following disturbing’ and a punch to the head is bound to create some impact! But it’s worth looking at because it shows the type of super-narrative storytelling that we’ll see more of as universities look to engage with multiple stakeholders.
We particularly like the human stories behind the bigger picture. The ‘Agents of Change’ series provides further evidence of just how Monash is changing things. Have a look at NoorHuda Ismail’s story – from AK-47s to fried duck. Compelling stuff!
TWO: UA92 (UK) – UNLOCK YOUR GREATNESS
As good a player as Gary Neville was, he wasn’t renowned for his silky skills. But his university academy is certainly destined to be. Add in the rest of Manchester United’s ‘Class of 92’ and the highly credible Lancaster University as partners and you have something that really made us sit up. Not just because it’s on our turf, but because it’s embracing the skills agenda full-on.
This isn’t box-ticking. There really is substance here. From putting skills at the heart of the curriculum, to sharing game-changing principles and philosophies. ‘More than a degree, this is preparation for life.’ And it’s all made easy to understand with models of emotional, social, cognitive and physical intelligence. Plus there are empowering statements. And the occasional appearance of Ryan Giggs at open days. What’s not to like? All neatly packaged with more than its fair share of attitude, the message really could be ‘game-changing. Have a look for yourselves. UA92 kicks off in 2019 but its presence is already being felt.
THREE: UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (UK) – OXPLORE
This stand out example of engagement with 11-16 year olds comes courtesy of the compelling Oxplore from the University of Oxford. Perfect for sending any teenager into their own digital ‘worm-hole’ of knowledge, we particularly liked it because of how the content links to the contemporary landscape that the audience will be familiar with. Who says that Oxford can’t mix a human / religion debate with the latest album by Stormzy?
And watch out for Oxplore Live – online sessions fed directly into schools. Click here, ‘oxplore’ for yourself and think how you could be bringing your own knowledge forward for future target audiences.
FOUR: ETH ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) – GET READY
Video of the year? Well our pick breaks the rules slightly because it launched in June last year but it has to be flagged up again. ETH Zurich take us on a wonderful journey of brand expression and impact – click and enjoy.
And did this inspire Apple or was it just coincidence that 3 months later the iPhone X was launched with a similar video ? Either way, it’s not bad company to be in!
FIVE: LA TROBE UNIVERSITY (AUS) – USE YOUR CLEVER
La Trobe got our attention at the Future Index with their vending machines designed to highlight how important skills are to their programmes.
Featuring at major student recruitment expos, a bank of 3 machines gave potential applicants a chance to win goodies based on their skills at the touch screen. And we love the line ‘This machine accepts clever not cash.’ Have a look here.
There you go. Just five of the hundreds of sparks flying about our lab. If you ever want to share your own inspiration with us, please email us at brilliant@thefutureindex.com and you could be in our next keynote presentation.
