Blog 3

#1 Apple
The first company that comes to mind when considering how design directly impacts brand is Apple. Everything associated with Apple is designed well, and creates a great brand as a result. Everything from the OS to the little magnetic charger port on the Macbook has been designed with a customer in mind. It’s no secret that Apple is not just branding products, but an entire lifestyle.
This ad http://www.apple.com/imac/design.html is a great example of how design can directly impact a company’s market. This ad is sleek, informative, and really invites the user to explore the product. At the same time, the catchy taglines and ‘sexy’ photos of the machine are geared towards a select group in the market.

In one of the David Reports, a quote came up in the “responsibiz” section that struck my interest. “Objects should always be appropriate, durable and functional”. All three of those are seen in Apple’s products. Hardware designs are catered towards the “everyday” use, but only make minimal, appropriate alterations to design. Apple’s software as well as hardware are tested for durability, and It’s apparent that their designs are highly functional also.

Design plays a big role in what makes Apple’s brand stand out amongst other electronics in the market today.

#2 Starbucks

Another great company that comes to mind when thinking about design is Starbucks. Like Apple, everything at Starbucks appears to be designed to cater to the customer. All of Starbuck’s graphical elements appear to be “down to Earth”, and this supports the Starbucks brand. Starbuck’s mission is “to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time”. http://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/mission-statement . This is apparent through their friendly staff, eye-catching advertising and atmosphere.

Speaking of Starbuck’s atmosphere, the entire chain is full of “custom” designed stores, catered towards a certain demographic in the area. This atmosphere creates a great user experience, and again supports the company’s brand.

One of the David Reports states “Emotions make us buy, whilst feelings make us keep. How can a product get a meaning; tell a story which goes beyond temporary lifestyles and makes us associate and recognise?”

No doubt, Starbucks is creating an emotion through its designed elements, making for a better user experience and adding to the overall mission and brand.

#3 Burton

Burton is also a company that comes to mind as one where design plays a solo role in the company’s brand and market. Like most extreme sports gear/apparel companies, Burton is branding an entire lifestyle, and this is apparent throughout all of their designs. Burton’s homepage, http://www.burton.com/ does a great job at setting the mood and giving a unique personality to the brand. Burton’s market is clearly geared towards 18-35 year old males (and some females).

The second David’s Report states “Spirituality is no longer just something for the New Age communities but is about to become a centre part of the mainstream cultural awareness. Mind, spirit and body are central.”

Burton’s “soul” is seen through its design elements. A great deal of personality is revealed through board designs and apparel aesthetic.