A review of the takeaways, insights, lessons and best practices from the 2012 SXSW Interactive conference in Austin, TX.

1. SXSW HIGHLIGHTS
A Report From Austin, TX

2. IPADS EVERYWHERE
• People were using them as
laptops, as cameras, as note
taking devices, as audio
recorders and as name tags
• Many iPads bring along their
own internet connection,
making it a primary access
point for online activity
Image Source: http://linkfrom.co/HgJRiw

3. WE ARE NOW CYBORGS
• Human beings enhanced
through the use of
technology
• We now carry around 2,
sometimes 3 devices with
high speed internet access
Image Source: http://linkfrom.co/HHUvwa

4. FUTURE TOOLS, HERE NOW
• Augmented reality
• Location-based services
• Frictionless alerts
• Google Goggles
Image Source: http://linkfrom.co/HPJb2l

5. INSTAGRAM
• Instagram was everywhere,
and is quickly becoming the
standard way that people
take and share photos
• People would check their
Instagram feed to see where
people were and what they
were up to, replacing Twitter
and Foursquare

6. REAL TIME SHARING
• Not merely tolerated;
It’s encouraged
Image Source: http://linkfrom.co/I0uxp2

7. SPONTANEOUS INTRODUCTIONS
• Highlight, Glancee, Banjo
and
more were the most hyped
new apps, both before and
during the event
• But...

8. BATTERY DRAIN!!!
• The high drain on batteries
meant that everyone was
chained to their charger
• The Mophie became the
true star of the event

9. VISUAL CULTURE
• Visual notes are the
new infographic
Image Source: http://linkfrom.co/HpF64m

10. MAXIMIZE OPPORTUNITIES
• When it rained, Umbrellas
and Ponchos were greatly
appreciated and talked
about
• When it was sunny 24 hours
later, everyone was excited
about their cheap sunglasses
Image Source: http://linkfrom.co/HiWbxR

11. HOMELESS HOTSPOTS
• Oneof the most talked
about, but also one of the
most controversial,
promotions of the event

12. GO BIG TO MAKE A BIG SPLASH
• JESS3 Stickers
• Jay-Z Concert
• Catch a Chevy
• Nike & Jimmy Fallon
Image Source: http://linkfrom.co/HWnlaS

13. DATA IS THE NEW OIL
• Big Data is controlled by a
handful of powerful
companies
• Finding practical applications
for this data spins off many
other companies
Image Source: http://linkfrom.co/Hj7ibP

14. TEST & LEARN
• Prototype one simple thing
(content or experience)
• Test it
• THEN spend money to
make it bigger
Image Source: http://linkfrom.co/HrNa11

15. AGENCIES & STARTUPS
• Agencies go to SXSW to
learn from startups, Startups
go to SXSW to avoid
agencies and marketing
• Agencies can be more like
startups: Use smaller teams,
take more risks, embrace
failure
Image Source: http://linkfrom.co/Hj9CQq