By now you’ve probably seen this clip from utube showing how the Apple’s iPod packaging would look if designed by Microsoft.
Obviously, the creators of this video had some fun at Microsoft’s expense. Garr Reynolds uses this video as springboard to discuss design by committee on his Presentation Zen blog. He makes some great points, but the video had me thinking in a different direction – how do you inspire your audience?
Often we try to squeeze too much into our marketing messages – whether it’s a brochure, a website or a video. Look at the screen captures from the video. Which ones do you find more inspiring? It doesn’t matter whether you’re a fan of Apple or Microsoft, I think most of us would agree that the images on the left are simpler and evoke a feeling/response more effectively than the images on the right.
It’s a challenge we face everyday. When we put pen to paper, when we design, write a blog entry – even send an email – we need to get to the heart of the matter and communicate our idea efficiently and effectively.
It’s something we consider with every project we create, and every one is a challenge.
“Keeping it Simple” is absolutely the right idea — although far simpler said than done. A famous French aphorist once said, “If I had had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” A tagline is a case in point. I’ve been a professional writer for decades, but I still find myself pacing the office for hours on end trying to come up with the perfect 4 or 5 words that will sum up the client’s value proposition while galvanizing the prospect to action. The trophy is worth the hunt, however.
the true art of design is communicating everything as simply as possible.
I would be much more interested in the apple product than the microsoft product. Just going on those examples.
but I for one am interested in the core of the message, and not all the extra that is needed. But you have to have a brave client who won’t interfere in the design.
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