There are many reasons why people purchase certain brands, but the visual appearance plays a very important role in the decision process. Colour and design affects a persons decision to buy on an emotive level. These visual cues are very powerful.

The below image depicts a range of colours and how they affect people on an emotional level. This was based on a study in North Amercia but would have very similar results in Australia.

How do you want your company to be seen; as youthful, secure, powerful or feminine? This will determine the colours you use for your branding and marketing material. Effective brands have a dominant, recognisable colour and sometimes secondary colours which are used less often.  All the colours however need to support the overall personality and essence of the business.

Colour increases brand recognition by 80%. A business needs to be strongly branded with a dominant colour which is used consistently throughout all their marketing and communication collateral.

85% of people place colour as one of the main reasons  why they purchase a particular product.

Sources: Directory Journal, Color Matters.com, the Effects of Store Environment On Shopping Behaviours, “The Psychology of Color in Marketing” by June Campbell, “The profit of Color” by Color Marketing Group.

The Japanese definately put an importance on design. Not only do they carefully consider their packaging but they are also using barcodes as a design feature. They are used on most products for sale, so why shouldn’t they look good and be memorable?

A japanese company called Design Barcode, have innovated the way barcodes can be seen, while still keeping to the Barcode standards. The designs often have a quirky twist relating to the brand. They create interest rather than being a functional and unwanted addition to a package design.

How clever is Design Barcode, creating a niche in the design market. They have also trademarked their idea. Best of all, they have created through the use of design, another point of difference for brands.

These perfume bottles are another example of how simple design can be so effective. This is actually a student’s project who chose to create a skincare line of products for an existing brand called Nooka. If you look at their website, this product would sit perfectly within their range. All Nooka’s products are designed with clean, simple lines and quite minimalistic. They also often have a dual function. In this case the packaging acts as a perfume bottle but also as a wearable clip for easy transporting.

Branding for a business is not just about the visual identity of their collateral it is also about the initial impressions when you enter their space. The design of these office interiors gives an impression of the company you will be dealing with. The impression is they care about detail, contemporary design, have innovative and creative ideas. Not only is this beneficial for clients but also creates a great working environment for staff.

These companies have created a statement. You walk into their space and the experience immediately creates trust and enthusiasm to work with them. It’s a talking point and a story that people will pass on.

Posters are normally one dimentional but this poster series takes graphic design to another level. Not only are they well designed, the material used to print the graphic has been chosen based on the sound it makes. The fire image is printed on a paper that crackles, the typewriter uses bubble wrap which clicks. It’s such a great effect and clever idea, perfect for promoting a Brazillian sound company. The company, Saxofunny, have created a memorable promotional piece. Their copyline ‘Every image has a sound’ also reflects the interactive concept.