Ikea - Free Home Delivery Advertisement

 

Here is an advertisement that was created by Ikea to let customers know they now do free home deliveries.  At first glance I must say that this advertisement seems a bit busy.  Although I definitely understand the point that is trying to be made.  It was pretty creative to make the scene look like two different things.  

1) A typical family room

 OR

2)  A delivery truck filled with all of the new furniture/essentials to decorate a room

Overall, the concept works well for me.  It definitely communicates a message even if you don't read the type on the bottom telling you "Free home delivery."  The type does not work in the advertisement for a couple of reasons.  The color is white which was the main color used in most of the furniture.  I didn't think this was a smart move because the type tends to blend in/clash with other components.  Also, the type is too small.  I almost didn't even notice it.  The Ikea logo grabbed my attention solely because of the bright yellow color used.  My eyes were attracted to the bottom right corner where Ikea was located which then allowed me to notice the message.

QVC Logo

Logos are crucial to a company.  You want something that is memorable, yet simple and to the point.  Let's take an example from the company QVC.  Here we have a very clean design representing the home shopping network: QVC.  To better understand this logo it helps to be knowledgeable with what their company stands for which is Quality – Value – Convenience. 

Color is an important factor when considering designing a logo.  In this case the Turquoise/Blue color “ evokes authority, dignity, security and faithfulness” according to Logo Designer Blog. 

The font style of the logo is done in sans letters which is clean and clear as well.  However, there is a hidden feature in the design.  Can you find it??....

The circle around “QVC” is actually a ribbon unraveling.  This is supposed to represent opening one of their packages.  I thought this was a pretty clever idea.  It almost makes me want to reach out and touch it. 

Optical Illusions Part II

Alright so I started thinking out of the box about regular images of optical illusions and wondered "Hmm can this also be extended to food?"  Let's give it a go!



#1:

So what do you see?...

I see a heart.  Eating strawberries can have amazing health benefits for your heart.  They are high in vitamin C, potassium and fiber.  In fact red fruits in particular contain high levels of anti-oxidants, which may help reduce inflammation that is associated with hardened arteries which is linked to many cardiovascular diseases.

#2)  Is a walnut just a walnut?....


I think not!  All the wiggly lines, dips and curves of the walnut reminds me of the human brain.  They contain high levels of omega-3, which is very important for brain function.

  

#3)  I'm sure we've all been told at one point or another to eat carrots because they are excellent for our eyes.

Well, a sliced carrot looks freakishly similar to the iris and pupil of your eyes.  Coincidence?  Perhaps, but carrots contain high levels of beta-carotene.  Carotene is a precursor in the production of keratin, a protein found in your eyes.  

 

#4)  This one may be tricky..what do you see??

I see some serious long and healthy bones. Believe it or not celery is great for the general health of your bones. Not only does celery resemble bones, but they are made up of 23% of sodium and your bones are made up of 23% of sodium too.

 

Pretty awesome isn't it? Food resembling the body parts that they most benefit could just be slightly coincidental, but come on nature is pretty amazing!

After noticing the comparisons between these food images and realizing the similarity they have to our body parts I began to notice just how similar the design of a piece of fruit or a vegetable is to our own physiques. 

Optical Illusions

Look a little deeper..When you look at this picture what do you see?  Some of you may see a woman’s face.  Others may see a silhouette of a man playing a saxophone.  Or some of you may see something completely different.  When you think about it we all perceive certain objects in our own unique ways.  Two people can look at the same picture and come up with two very different interpretations.

So much visual processing goes on and it can say so much about how you think about things as an individual. The sharp contrast between the colors chosen (black & white) really help differentiate the two images present.  Once you focus on one or the other the image becomes fairly clear.  The design is also fairly simple.  This feature helps you better focus and does not leave your eyes wandering and endlessly searching for a recognizable image. 

Mini Cooper

I came across this advertisement for the new Mini-Cooper a couple of months ago while visiting NYC.  Unfortunately online this picture really doesn't do this advertisement justice.  BUT, would you believe me if I told you that a REAL car was actually used?!?! I'm serious.  I couldn't believe my eyes at first but I happened to look up and remember saying to my mom "Oh my god look a real car!" This advertisement really caught my attention first and foremost because of its uniqueness.  There were several design features that brought this to my attention as well.  

1. Color - Visuals are always better with color.  Color is also a great tool to use when you want to grab someone's attention.  The color red is associated with terms such as : bold and powerful.  I think both of these words describe what the mini-cooper is all about.  In addition, red is a warm color which when it comes to design means that it will help make something pop and look as though it is coming towards you.  This was a great technique to use especially in such a busy city such as New York where you are constantly distracted by so many things.
2. Light and Dark - The background helped create depth and movement.  The simplicity of the design and color choice make it seem as though the car is moving. 

 In terms of the type used I was not too impressed.  I personally felt that it was a bit boring and didn't stand out.  Perhaps that was the intention?  I would say they meant for you to first be drawn to the car and then look below to see what the advertisement was all about.  The large and bold type helped set a tone for the advertisement.  In this case it sends a message of confidence, assertiveness and power.  The placement of the type seems to work well too.  The letters are very tightly spaced.  Spacing the letters slightly would have worked better because it would have allowed the lines to breathe more.