How do you keep airport scanner operators alert?

"Every TSA X-ray machine has a Threat Image Projection system, which digitally inserts images of guns, knives and bombs into the X-rays of luggage, to keep screeners alert. This system library contains "tens of thousands" of images, said TSA spokesman Christopher White.

"If screeners observe a suspicious object, they can check with the simple click of a computer mouse. If they detect a threat object, the computer congratulates them. Successes and failures are recorded for use in a screener's performance evaluation and are factors in determining pay."

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/01/28/tsa.bombtest/index.html

Proposition

Two agencies with a clear articulation of their proposition and USP on their site. Software developers Red Badger:
http://red-badger.com/

Media/online agency Kinda Sorta Media:
http://kindasortamedia.com/what.html



They say:
"We think many of the best people in the business have left their jobs at agencies or media companies to become hired guns or consultants. KSM is a collection of these people."

Sony Playstation - invented in a skunkworks

This might be a useful example of a skunkworks. Investigate more if needed.

"When a strategic alliance with Nintendo collapsed, so did Sony's desire to enter computer games. But Kutaragi, the leader on the project, refused to give up. Against considerable internal opposition he set up a splinter cell within Sony, and in these hostile conditions eventually developed the console that persuaded the company to launch the PlayStation in 1994. PlayStation now generates almost 60% of Sony's operating profit."

Source: Adam Morgan's (EatBigFish) article at http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/215180/

Fly Virgin Atlantic

Chris Moss, then marketing director of Virgin Atlantic, wanted to put 'Fly Virgin Atlantic' across the front of the team strip of Crystal Palace football club, which the company sponsored. He was told that only the name of the company could appear on the shirts. So he registered a company called Fly Virgin Atlantic Ltd.

Source: Adam Morgan's (EatBigFish) article at http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/215180/

Signage in Sainsbury's

Sainsbury's 'milestone' store in Welwyn Garden City finally has signs that show they understand that people navigate through colour-shape and looking for known products to find a category.

Photo source: Retail Week