Branding specialists will likely begin a conversation about branding with ‘branding is not just a logo’. Ahem, having said that, visual design can have a great impact on your brand.
Lets take a look into the realm of visual design and its transformative impact on branding. Our spotlight shines on two exceptional UK companies—Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn and Innocent Drinks—unveiling the secret sauce behind their branding triumphs. Get ready for a thrilling exploration of the profound value of visual design!
Why is the visual element of a brand so important?
We often hear the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” But let’s be real, we’re all guilty of being swayed by aesthetics. In the competitive business landscape, visual design acts as the gateway to capturing attention, communicating brand values, and forging a deep connection with consumers. Here’s how it works:
First Impressions Matter: In the blink of an eye, consumers form opinions about a brand based on visual cues. A well-crafted visual identity grabs attention, piques curiosity, and entices further exploration. It’s the hook that reels people in and invites them to take a closer look.
Building Brand Recognition: Consistency is key. A visually cohesive brand identity, featuring elements like colours, typography, and imagery, reinforces recognition across various touchpoints. When consumers spot your brand’s visual signature, they instantly associate it with the quality and experiences you deliver.
Emotional Engagement: Visual design has the incredible power to evoke emotions and create meaningful connections. By tapping into the psychology of colours, shapes, and imagery, brands can influence perceptions, build trust, and trigger positive emotions. It’s the secret sauce that leaves a lasting impact on consumers’ hearts and minds.
How visual psychology works
Visual psychology, also known as visual perception or visual cognition, explores how the human mind processes and interprets visual information. It encompasses various principles and phenomena that influence how we perceive and make sense of the visual world. Here are some key concepts and mechanisms in visual psychology:
Gestalt Principles: The Gestalt principles describe how humans naturally perceive and organize visual elements. These principles include:
Proximity: Objects that are close to each other are perceived as a group.
Similarity: Objects that share similar attributes (e.g., shape, color, size) are perceived as belonging together.
Continuity: People tend to perceive smooth, continuous lines or patterns, even if they are interrupted.
Closure: When presented with incomplete or ambiguous information, we tend to mentally complete the missing parts.
Figure-Ground: We automatically distinguish objects from their background, perceiving one as the main focus (figure) and the other as the surrounding area (ground).
Visual Hierarchy: Visual hierarchy refers to the arrangement of visual elements in a way that guides the viewer’s attention and understanding. By using techniques such as size, colour, contrast, and positioning, designers can create a hierarchy of importance and direct the viewer’s gaze to key elements or messages.
Colour Psychology: Colors can evoke emotions, associations, and perceptions. Different colours have been shown to have psychological effects on individuals. For example, red can convey excitement or danger, while blue is often associated with calmness or trust. Colour choices in branding and design can influence how people perceive and respond to a brand or message.
Visual Illusions: Visual illusions occur when our perception of an image or object differs from its physical reality. These illusions demonstrate how our brain interprets visual information and can be influenced by factors such as context, contrast, and depth cues. Visual illusions provide insights into the mechanisms of visual perception and the role of the brain in constructing our visual experiences.
Visual Attention: Visual attention refers to the selective focus of our attention on specific visual stimuli. Our attention is drawn to elements that stand out due to factors like colour, contrast, motion, or novelty. Understanding visual attention can help designers and advertisers capture and maintain the viewer’s attention effectively.
Memory and Recall: Visual stimuli are often better remembered and recalled compared to other forms of information. The brain’s ability to form mental images and associations aids in memory encoding and retrieval. Visual cues, such as images or icons, can enhance memory and facilitate information processing and recall.
Visual psychology is a multidisciplinary field that combines cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and design principles to understand how visual information is perceived, processed, and interpreted by individuals. By applying these principles in branding, design, marketing, and user experience, professionals can create visually appealing and effective communications that resonate with the target audience.
It’s important to note that visual psychology works in conjunction with other branding elements, such as messaging, brand values, and customer experience. A comprehensive branding strategy considers how visual elements align with the overall brand identity and how they can evoke the desired emotions, perceptions, and associations in the target audience.
Let’s take a look at an example where visual identity played a significant role in improving brand perception and driving sales.
Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn
is a UK-based gourmet popcorn company known for its innovative flavours and visually appealing packaging.
Unique Flavor Combinations: Joe & Seph’s offers a wide range of unique and inventive popcorn flavours, such as Gin & Tonic, Caramel Macchiato, and Goat Cheese & Black Pepper. The company’s visually distinctive flavour combinations set them apart from traditional popcorn brands and cater to adventurous consumers seeking new taste experiences.
Premium Packaging: Joe & Seph’s pays great attention to its packaging design, opting for a premium look and feel. The popcorn comes in vibrant and eye-catching bags with elegant typography and high-quality graphics. The packaging conveys a sense of indulgence and worthiness, appealing to both personal and gifting markets.
Transparent Production Process: The company emphasizes transparency in its production process, showcasing the quality of their ingredients and the craftsmanship involved. Visual cues, such as images of the popcorn being handmade and descriptions of the natural ingredients used, create trust and authenticity among consumers.
Seasonal and Limited Edition Offerings: Joe & Seph’s regularly introduces seasonal and limited edition flavours, leveraging visual storytelling through packaging design. These special editions feature unique illustrations, patterns, or colour schemes that reflect the theme or occasion, creating excitement and driving impulse purchases.
Online Presence and Branding: Joe & Seph’s maintains a strong online presence, including an engaging website and active social media accounts. They use visually appealing product photography, behind-the-scenes content, and user-generated images to showcase their popcorn and connect with their audience. The visual consistency across their digital platforms reinforces their brand image and encourages online sales.
Through their emphasis on visual identity, Joe & Seph’s has achieved several positive outcomes:
Differentiation: The company’s unique flavour combinations and visually appealing packaging distinguish them from traditional popcorn brands, capturing the attention of consumers seeking gourmet and artisanal options.
Elevated Brand Perception: The premium packaging design and transparent production process contribute to a perception of quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity, enhancing the brand’s image among consumers.
Increased Sales and Brand Loyalty: The visually distinctive packaging, seasonal offerings, and engaging online presence drive customer engagement, repeat purchases, and positive word-of-mouth recommendations, resulting in increased sales and brand loyalty.
The Transformative Magic
Visual design is the unsung hero of branding. It captivates, communicates, and connects. Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn showcases how harnessing the power of visual design can elevate a brand’s appeal, foster customer loyalty, and drive success. So, embrace the visual magic and unleash your brand’s full potential!
Find out more
Book a call If you would like to know more about how design and branding can transform your business.
How can we help you?
Click the link below to arrange a 30 minute appointment
where we can give you some insights into your brand
Click the link below to arrange a 30 minute appointment
where we can give you some insights into your brand
