Consumers Don't Need Our Products and Services
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The article emphasizes the critical importance of "insights" in product development and communication strategies.
- It argues that most decisions, including purchasing, are driven by unconscious, emotional processes rather than logic.
- Agencies are urged to prioritize developing insights before creating creative concepts, as they form the foundation for effective communication.
As summer temperatures soar, the focus shifts to understanding the human element in business, particularly the crucial role of "insights." This piece argues that insights are not just a nice-to-have but a fundamental necessity for successful product development and communication. The author, identifying as an "insight nazi" alongside colleagues, stresses the need to dedicate more time to uncovering these deep-seated truths about consumers.
The core of the argument rests on the idea that people are fundamentally emotional beings. Drawing on research by Daniel Kahneman and Dan Ariely, the article posits that around 95% of purchasing decisions occur unconsciously. This "System 1" thinking, which is automatic, intuitive, and emotional, drives our choices, with our rational "System 2" mind merely serving as a post-decision corrector. Therefore, understanding these emotional drivers is paramount.
Insights, defined as hidden human truths that are not immediately apparent, are presented as the wellspring of effective advertising. The author contends that communication strategies and creative concepts should originate from these insights. If an agency presents a creative concept without first articulating the underlying insight, it signals a flawed process. Without understanding the customer's emotional state and the "job" the product does for them, truly resonant communication cannot be developed.
The article critiques the common practice of advertising focusing on product features rather than how the product impacts customers' lives. While functional characteristics can be important, the emotional resonance derived from insights is what truly connects with consumers. The example of the "Bajs" brand is cited, suggesting it has positively impacted many lives recently, implying that effective communication goes beyond mere product description to touch upon deeper consumer needs and aspirations.
Veฤina reklama priฤa o proizvodu, a ne kako ฤe on promijeniti ลพivot kupaca.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.