Weekly Roundup

Every Monday, the team at MSDS pulls together 5 noteworthy stories uncovered as we crisscross the world of branding, design and marketing. Check back every week for a quick take on new insights we think both nonprofit and for-profit businesses alike can put to work for their brands. For a more stream-of-consciousness look at what's got our attention, follow us @msdsbranding on Twitter.

1. 20 things you can do this year to improve your website's user experience
Why it's important: With this post, usability consultancy, User Focus provides on outstanding overview of standard best practices that taken individually are sure to yield a more effective website; when put together are a bulletproof blueprint for designing a user-centric web experience. It's a blend of sound strategic and tactical advice that's guaranteed to give your brand a serious boost.

2. 2012 Nonprofit Communications Report Released
Why it's important: We're big fans of Nonprofit marketing consultant Kivi Leroux. Her annual report on the state of nonprofit communications is an invaluable look at what nonprofits, big and small have planned for the coming year. It's loaded with insights on trends, tools and technologies; what's working and what's not—and what's on the horizon in the coming year for nonprofit marketers.

3. Siegel + Gale's 2011 Global Brand Simplicty Index
Why it's important: Global brand experts Siegel + Gale released their 2nd annual index of the top 10 US brands as measured by brand simplicity. Some companies on the list may surprise you (#1 Netflix and their confusing story last year?!), but what cannot be disputed is that for brands, simplicity is essential, powerful and ultimately, profitable. Download the report and you'll get a closer look at the quantifiable ways the best brands leverage simplicity and technology to positively impact audience perception.

4. AmericansElect.org
Why it's important: Americans Elect circumvents the entrenched election apparatus by connecting directly with voters to put a nominee on the national ballot that reflects their views on critical issues, instead of just partisan ideologies. The site experience is top notch; it creates a simple, intuitive platform that makes it easy for voters to articulate their positions on the issues no matter where they fall on the political spectrum.

5. The Resolve Project
Why It's Important:  Designers break out the jujitsu on vice to create inspirational smartphone backgrounds around New Year's resolutions. Anyone can download the artwork onto his or her smartphone and use as a subtle (or not so subtle) reminder to stick with it!