JP
What’s the first thing you notice when looking to buy a new piece of technology? Do you see if it falls within your budget? What about the spec list? Do you go over that in detail? And though these aspects are an important part of any technological buying decision, there’s one that beats them all. You ask yourself one question and if the answer is no, you won’t buy it. That question is: “Is it pretty?”
Okay, so you might not say “pretty” but you most assuredly take the appearance of your next computer, TV or what have you into consideration. In fact, if an item isn’t nice looking, you probably won’t even consider it at all!
That might be hard to hear, but it’s the truth. Think about your last computer purchase. Did you opt for a flat screen monitor? Is the CPU stylish–you know, not a beige box? Oh, don’t look so sad, people. It’s okay. You’re still the tech-king ::rolls eyes:: What I’m saying is we all do it. If a product looks nice, we are more likely to buy it. It’s basic marketing.
Let me give you an example.
One thing and one thing alone attracted me to the Samsung Touch of Color LCD HDTV that sits in my living room right now. It was only one thing, one selling point that had me–when my boyfriend suggested it–jumping at the chance to go make that purchase. It’s pretty, ’nuff said. And while I did eventually read over the specs, I wanted the TV before I even saw any numbers. It’s stylish, sleek, and matches my living room.
But this isn’t the only product that’s treating electronics like high end furniture. I mean, look at Apple. They have some of the best marketing in the world and it’s based around slim, minimalist designs that really appeal to people. They are pretty products.
And it’s about time more companies jump on this bandwagon. Technology does not need to look like a clunky mess. It can be sophisticated. It can go with your decor. And I think it’s okay to care about the appearance of products. After all, your TV is the centerpiece of your living room. Everyone looks at it for hours at a time. It might as well look nice. Besides, a good piece of electronics or gadgetry is going to stand out for what it’s capable of and how it functions, anyway. It’s best that it doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb.
2 Responses to “Commentary: Technology Has Gone High Fashion”
Micahel D Harris Jr / President Ardynn Media July 25, 2008
Simply for the fact that it is a piece of Technolgy does not mean that it should not be “pretty”. In fact, the way a product looks is just as important as the marketing and branding strategy behind it. It is no different than the approach and thought put into the physical packaging of any other product. Take cereal for example, bright colors and interesting shapes are used to draw a child’s attention as they watch it being eaten in the commercial. Just as much thought went into that as the design of the box.
Apple does a tremendous job taking into account every aspect of the product. Even the box looks nice, where as the typical Plasma TV box is brown corrigated cardboard that could use some sprucing up. I understand the principal that the box is not typically seen until after the purchase is made ( the way the product looked on the display shelf drew them to consider that model). But what about after it has been brought home, installed and the box put onto the curb for disposal. They are missing additional branding opportunites there.
The point being, that every aspect of a product needs to be considered and how that image will be perceived.
NeutralBrenda Stokes July 25, 2008
I agree with you 100%. And while I’ve yet to see an LCD or plasma TV in an interesting box (no doubt due to the added cost of anything more that corrugated cardboard!) Apple does a tremendous job of their packaging. Even how the product is laid out within the box is unique and stylish. Don’t tell anyone, but I actually keep the boxes their products come in. They’re just too nice to throw away.
Neutral