Sunday, September 14, 2008

Entry #2: Personal response for Apple's iPod advertising campaign

Topic: 'Apple is never poisonous' (except Snow White's)

Hi there, once again.


Read my title for this post above, and you'll wonder if I'm writing about 'Snow White and her dwarfy friends'. X)
But with a twist to that, my topic of interest this week revolves around my honest comments about the new Apple's 4th generation iPod nano.


So, this is the latest series of iPod nano launched this September as shown...
NANO-CHROMATIC
iPod nano's 4th Generation (2008)

(I do like the pun on the word "monochromatic" for this)
Oh, you may follow this link to Apple's website for more information about their products in case you are attracted to it too *laughs. There's a whole iPod family with iPod shuffle, iPod Nano, iPod Classic, iPod Touch and other iPod accessories available.
'Okay', not that this iPod nano is new to anyone. Its thin and slim form is recognized by many as a somewhat familiar but modified, 'widened' and 're-painted' device from Apple's 2nd generation's nano.
iPod nano's 2nd generation (2006)

Although they may look similar, but you can find the screen being 'lengthened' in the latest series. The variety of colours are also increased from five to nine hues (which may reminds you of ROYGBIV)
Many argued that Apple lacked creativity and surprises in the latest series but despite reading a considerable amount of negative reviews about this series of iPod nano, I must say that I'm still keen and enthusiastic about Apple products as before.

Why?
Not that iPods are the most fascinating product on Earth, it is the overall impression
(i.e. packaging) that stands out.

On the whole, many nonverbal cues attracts me to Apple products.

Just like how you're attracted to a person in your initial meeting, I was very much impressed with this American company.


1. First, it has to be the use of colours which appeals to my pathos and logos.
I have to admit that I'm a sucker for most of the creative visuals advertised by Apple.
(Especially so, with the use of colours)
The common use of light metallic white used in most Apple products, shouts 'clarity', 'purity', and 'cleanliness' to me unanimously...Therefore,it forms a strong mental image in me, that Apple products are pleasing, clean and user-friendly to me. No doubt, I'm aware about differences in people's perspective on colours. For instance, white looks simple and sophisticated to me. But in others' perspective, it may only increase their worries that this particular colour may seem more prone to dirt, dust and stains.

2. Secondly, it was the initial stylish (first) impression that attracts me.

The brand name, Apple, has its uniqueness that projects a sense of simplicity yet daring approach in its choice of name. Previously, names of companies and partnerships take after personal names, newly-created names and such. It appeared that simple words formation like, 'Apple' and 'Cat' lacks sophistication and establishment. However, that daring personality stands out from the rest as we observe now.

3. Lastly, creative advertisements captivates me.

Printed, interactive advertisements or not, the creative flow of the message is clear. "Buy me" or at least, "try me". The availability of media resources also play a significant role in getting my interest. Updates about new products and services will be send to my email every now and then. It constantly keeps me informed about their latest line of goods through their RSS feeds and subscription to their web page. This interactive model keeps me involved, decoding the advertisements, products and information.

In short, it's the interaction between verbal and nonverbal cues that works together to get Apple's marketing message across the board. Well, perhaps I'm a sucker towards aesthetic products as such (and the way I select information in the process)
But I do agree that influences of my selection in the perception process come from the mainly my network of friends who are as enthusiastic as I am.
How about you? Is it a love/hate relationship with Apple? =D

-Which iPod do you like?

3 comments:

JANICECHIAN said...

I don't really know which 'ipod' i like best considering i'm the least technology savvy person and i suppose anything thats decent enough to be used and seen will be perfect enough.

I do think that the first impression i had of apple products has been good. Hence, if i were given a chance to own one, no matter how bad the reviews are, i will still want it.

Pretty much the way my sister bought her Motorola Razr in the past. Friends that have already got it said it wasn't good but because of her first impression of it and because of the nice ads, she still got it anyway.

=) Great idea for post. Good one!

Emil said...

I cannot say much on this say I currently do not own an iPod and I have no intention of getting one in the near future, since my current player is working just fine.

As for the iPods, it is important for Apple to make a good impression. Personally, I like the envy the slimness of the iPod and its clean and shiny surfaces. To me, it presents a sorta futuristic design.

The looks are extremely important when capturing the non-technical savvy consumers. I see this more as an example of the importance physical appearance in first impressions.

Compare this with a consumer who is more interested in the iPod's functions and technical specifications. Looks will not matter so much to him.

For this kind of consumer, Apple will include info on the specs and capabilities of the iPod in the adverts in order to appeal to his logos.

Thus, Apple must have in mind its target audience when designing its ads and of course, new products.

Anonymous said...

One aspect from ipod that attracts me is the ability to store data while its function is superior than standard mp3/mp4 player.

The storage capability is recently increased up to 120GB, which is 'huge', beyond what we can imagine few years ago.

I bought one ipod video few years ago and what makes me purchase one more recently is the advertisement that ipod have with Nike, a sport brand.

I should say Apple's ipod advertisement plays a great role in influencing buying decision.