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Innovation.

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About GoKart Labs

There's a reason we named our innovation lab after a small, purpose-built machine with great maneuverability and speed.

We love to concept, design and build…then take our creations out on the track, run them through their paces, measure performance and bring them back into the lab where we tweak, tune and enhance. We're never satisfied with 'good enough' and constantly look for ways to go faster, improve handling and increase the fun for everyone.

We rally around this way of thinking and apply it to what we do every day.

How We Innovate

GoKart Labs is a digital innovation company focused on optimizing our partners & clients business through creative marketing initiatives, web, and mobile applications.

Sometimes there’s simply a better way of doing things.See Case Study

Solve Differently

A better experience provides a reason to stick with a brand. See Case Study

User Experience

Invention is the highest form of innovation. See Case Study

Business & Product
Innovation

Solve Differently

Every day, we find ways to improve upon the way things have always been. We believe that in order to gain digital maturity, a brand needs to have a rock-solid foundation… a baseline of understanding, tools, capabilities and processes. Innovation happens all along the digital maturity curve and at this stage, GoKart Labs is focused on finding opportunities to break the usual model and give our clients a distinct advantage in their marketplace. To find out more about innovation and solving problems differently – be sure to check out the case study on Bring Me The News.

User Experience

User Experience is a defining element of a brand’s digital maturity. What is it like to find and connect with a brand during a Google search? What happens when a user clicks on an ad and hits a landing page? What’s it like to browse the website and move further down the funnel toward purchasing or sign-up or inquiry? What happens when I do all of those things on a mobile device? What does it feel like to become a fan of a brand… or what happens if there’s a problem? GoKart Labs obsesses about these questions and we find ways to innovate and improve the digital experience people have with the brands they love (or hate, or are just discovering or…). Online universities were born in the digital space and nobody would question their digital maturity (most of them anyway), but sometimes it takes an outside group of big-brained thinkers to see things in a different light. Read more about how GoKart Labs' work with .edu organizations have brought innovation to user experience.

Business & Product Innovation

The evolution of innovation leads to the development of new businesses and products. GoKart Labs has a track record of inventing both products and businesses. We have spent an exceptionally large part of our efforts toward this end of the innovation spectrum. We love helping our clients achieve digital maturity so that we can collaborate on new ideas to design and develop new digital products that support and expand their current business or (in some cases) launch an entirely new company. Sophia Learning is a perfect example of how GoKart Labs thinks and what we’re known for. Learn more.

Featured Project

There are rock solid digital projects and then there are those projects that define a digital shop. For GoKart Labs, our featured project used every one of our strengths and talents. Around here, we call it Totality: the mashing of ideas and thinking - the merging of the left and right-brainers toward a common goal.

Sophia: A GoKart Labs invented peer-to-peer learning platform.

GoKart Labs invented Sophia, a web and mobile learning platform, to disrupt the current higher education model and change the way people teach and learn. It's our belief that everyone is an expert at something and Sophia rewards great teaching while providing the best online learning experience possible. Sophia is now in public beta - launched on March 7th, 2011.

Idea to Beta in 14 months:

It's been said that a million great ideas happen every day, but the genius is found in execution. Sophia is a great example of an idea invented by two of the founding partners at Matter Worldwide who knew that we needed the right talent and the available resources for the success of the project. We partnered with a company who quickly saw the potential of Sophia and the need for innovation in the education space. So, with our idea, a team of expert strategists, developers, designers, educators, analysts and marketers, we set out to launch the Beta version of Sophia in about a year.

During the past 14 months, GoKart Labs presented the concept, secured funding through a strategic partner, designed and built the prototype, developed a business plan, expanded the GoKart Labs headquarters to accommodate resources, used agile methodologies for 24-hour development cycles, over-delivered on the software functionality, came in under-budget, built an iPhone app, launched the new company - Sophia Learning LLC, hired an executive team and rolled out a private Beta of the Sophia software platform.

Today, we continue to refine the platform while introducing Sophia Learning to corporate partners as well as tutors, teachers and students. To find out more about Sophia and how you can be involved, please call Don Smithmier: 612-454-4002

View Our Full Portfolio

Visit Sophia

Search and Share

The inspiration for every great idea comes from the mashing of multiple elements and experiences — usually unrelated. We love to share what we find and think you'll find some inspiration of your own.

See All Findings

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The Remarkable Story of How Klout Got Started [VIDEO]

By Matt Johnson on Nov 29, 2011 from mashable.com

The Remarkable Story of How Klout Got Started [VIDEO].

Best Social Media Metrics: Conversation, Amplification, Applause, Economic Value

By Rob Rosen on Oct 12, 2011 from kaushik.net

Best Social Media Metrics: Conversation, Amplification, Applause, Economic Value.

Improving in-store user experiences

By AJ on Sep 15, 2011 from frogdesign.com

This concept uses a 7-foot-tall clear touchscreen to create an augmented reality experience.

Intel Digital Signage | frog.

Why the role of a “Digital Strategist” needs to evolve / Constant Beta

By Rob Rosen on Jul 27, 2011 from jinalshah.com

"Digital strategy, represents the consumer’s digital behaviors and also lays into consideration the channels and platforms to reach them." Why the role of a “Digital Strategist” needs to evolve / Constant Beta.

Eloqua – The Content Grid v2 | JESS3™

By Rob Rosen on Jun 30, 2011 from jess3.com

Great infographic on the changing "purchase decision" process.

Eloqua - The Content Grid v2 | JESS3™.

Google urges local firms to do more with online ads | StarTribune.com

By Rob Rosen on Apr 30, 2011 from startribune.com

Google urges local firms to do more with online ads | StarTribune.com.

Age Your Own™ Whiskey Kit | Woodinville Whiskey Company

By Cory Preus on Apr 14, 2011 from woodinvillewhiskeyco.com

A fantastic idea -- create a product to sell while your "normal" product ramps up.

Age Your Own™ Whiskey Kit | Woodinville Whiskey Company.

How nature and naiveté helped Paul MacCready build a human-powered airplane in only six months – (37signals)

By Kevin Schenk on Apr 13, 2011 from 37signals.com

Understanding how to get to the core of the problem is the biggest challenge.

http://37signals.com/svn/posts/2861-how-nature-and-naivet-helped-paul-maccready-build-a-human-powered-airplane-in-only-six-months

Facebook Insights: What’s on your Mind?

By Rob Rosen on Apr 8, 2011 from facebook.com

Take a look at this research. Facebook researchers actually evaluated the number of likes correlated to the types of words people use in updates or comments. It's all pretty intuitive but amazing stuff and may make you change when you post and the precise words you use when posting. Who says data doesn't tell interesting stories.

What's on your Mind?

The fall and rise of user experience : Cennydd Bowles on user experience

By Evan Heisler on Apr 4, 2011 from co.uk

Now the economic clouds seem to be thinning, companies are looking to design to provide competitive advantage. Seeing the success of design-led products and the failure of those that neglect it, executives naturally want a piece of the action.

The fall and rise of user experience : Cennydd Bowles on user experience.

In Defense of Lorem Ipsum « Karen McGrane

By Evan Heisler on Mar 25, 2011 from karenmcgrane.com

But you know what? Lorem Ipsum is not the cause of your problem. It’s a symptom. The real problem is an overall process that treats design and content as separate tracks without appropriate communication, collaboration, and checkpoints along the way.

In Defense of Lorem Ipsum « Karen McGrane.

Alvenda a Guide for Facebook on e-commerce.

By Rob Rosen on Jan 12, 2011 from tmcnet.com

Looks like Alvenda is helping Facebook with E-commerce. Good to Minneapolis continue to represent in digital marketing leadership.

Facebook Aims to Become Next Big Thing in E-Commerce.

Ag Agencies Turn to Students to Expand Digital Talent Pool – WSJ.com

By Mia Faeth on Jan 10, 2011 from wsj.com

Many agencies are turning to a younger generation and beefing up their training to meet ballooning digital demands.

Ag Agencies Turn to Students to Expand Digital Talent Pool - WSJ.com.

The Case for the Virtual Classroom

By Matt Johnson on Jan 4, 2011 from mashable.com

A great post about the need for innovation in the EDU space.

The Case for the Virtual Classroom.

Hipmunk

By Cory Preus on Dec 24, 2010 from hipmunk.com

An amazing flight search. I often use two or three services to research flights and buy direct from the airline. I decided these guys deserve whatever commission they ask for. It's a joy to use.

Source: Hipmunk - Better Flight Search

Tastebuds

By Cory Preus on Dec 14, 2010 from tastebuds.fm

If dating were as easy as this user interface, I'd already be on bended knee.

Source: Tastebuds - Free Music Dating and Social Network for Music Lovers.

5 Rules for Mindful Creativity :: Tips :: The 99 Percent

By Evan Heisler on Dec 10, 2010 from the99percent.com

While each industry begs a customized set of considerations, the basics hold true across most professions. We turned to industry thought leaders in design, architecture, and social entrepreneurialism to pull together a set of universally applicable best practices. Read them, apply them, love them – they’ll love us back.

Source: 5 Rules for Mindful Creativity :: Tips :: The 99 Percent.

Top 5: Emerging Brand Trends on Facebook (from Mashable) | Aquent Blog

By Rob Rosen on Nov 29, 2010 from aquent.com

Good overview of some trends from facebook.

Source: Top 5: Emerging Brand Trends on Facebook (from Mashable) | Aquent Blog.

Take The Initiative and Create Your Own Projects – Smashing Magazine

By Matt Johnson on Nov 19, 2010 from smashingmagazine.com

So many people have great ideas, the difference between a good idea and a great one (often times) is the ability to execute and do. Take some extra time and DO.

Source: Take The Initiative and Create Your Own Projects - Smashing Magazine.

Facebook’s New Messaging System Explained

By Matt Johnson on Nov 16, 2010 from mashable.com

This is going to change the way the world communicates, no doubt in my mind.

Source: Facebook's New Messaging System Explained [VIDEO].

Air Force to End the Need for Pilots In 6th Generation Fighters

By Jordan Keating on Nov 11, 2010 from gizmodo.com

The United States Air Force is now looking for a F-22 Raptor replacement. It must be in service by 2030 and, for the first time ever, they want to be able to deploy these combat fighters unmanned and remotely controlled.

Source: Air Force to End the Need for Pilots In 6th Generation Fighters.

Will Twitter’s new ad model work for marketers?

By Rob Rosen on Nov 5, 2010 from imediaconnection.com

Good overview of twitter's new model and the potential for success. The key for me is making sure advertisers truly think through the messaging and experience of the environment. Don't just try to sell something...be relevant...be engaging...be connected with people that are talking about your brand, your product or the segment you want to reach. If messaging and relevancy aren't strategically thought through for this channel it will fail.

Source: Will Twitter's new ad model work for marketers? - iMediaConnection.com.

How To Make Innovative Ideas Happen – Smashing Magazine

By Matt Johnson on Oct 25, 2010 from smashingmagazine.com

A nice post about innovation from Smashing Magazine. I really like the short statement about innovation often coming from necessity - so true.

Source: How To Make Innovative Ideas Happen - Smashing Magazine.

5 Ways HTML5 Is Changing Mobile Advertising

By Rob Rosen on Oct 22, 2010 from mashable.com

It will be interesting how HTML5 will impact all of digital advertising (not just mobile). It could have an impact on how media people plan, buy and traffic digital. It will take awhile for the "web" due to Internet Explorer (ugh) but it's worth keep a close eye on.

Source: 5 Ways HTML5 Is Changing Mobile Advertising.

The Remarkable Story of How Klout Got Started [VIDEO]

By Matt Johnson on Nov 29, 2011 from mashable.com

Best Social Media Metrics: Conversation, Amplification,...

By Rob Rosen on Oct 12, 2011 from kaushik.net