No Ad New York is an Internet-based effort to remove all visual advertising from Times Square. The move was inspired by Sao Paulo’s elimination of all outdoor ads. Director Morgan Spurlock teamed up with The Barbarian Group to kick off this campaign, with plans to rid the Big City of flashy advertisements.
An interactive website for No Ad New York has been designed, allowing users to virtually strip ads out of Times Square. This is definitely an interesting idea and concept, but I don't think there would be fewer ads in New York anytime soon!
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Ad-free Movement
- The rise of campaigns like No Ad New York and Sao Paulo's elimination of outdoor ads point to a growing trend of consumers pushing for an ad-free experience.
- Virtual Ad Removal
- The development of interactive tools that allow users to virtually strip ads out of physical spaces could pave the way for disruptive innovations in augmented/mixed reality advertising.
- Anti-advertising Activism
- The partnership between Morgan Spurlock and The Barbarian Group to launch No Ad New York reflects a broader wave of anti-advertising activism that could lead to changes in regulations and consumer expectations.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Out-of-home Advertising
- The rising scrutiny over outdoor advertising practices could encourage innovation in more sustainable, subtle and localized approaches to out-of-home advertising.
- Digital Marketing
- The success of ad-blocking software in desktop and mobile devices could drive creative innovation in emerging digital advertising formats, such as native ads and branded content.
- Urban Planning
- The backlash against visual pollution caused by advertising could foster innovative urban design and architecture that prioritize public spaces and human wellbeing over commercial interests.
