When we interpret or interact with brand related stimuli, we refer to this as brand experience. As brands increasingly embrace digital platforms and rely on digital interfaces, the role of user experience becomes pivotal in shaping the bigger domain of brand experience. Therefore, to understand the role of user interface in relation to brand experience, we describe the key principles of effective user interface design. By adopting a case study approach, we draw on data extracted from Netflix user interviews to illustrate the key principles of effective user interface design.
Part of the book: Brand Awareness
One of the most impactful ways to conceptualise brands is to think of the array of touchpoints, such as logos, packaging, and products, as stimuli for experiences. By considering all brand stimuli as triggers for an experience, it places greater attention on how these interactions might translate into feelings, thoughts, and actions. Such experiences, however, can differ greatly in relation to their level of involvement. Distinguishing between the different types of experiences, specifically in relation to whether the experience is the result of a direct interaction or an indirect interaction, is an essential consideration for brand managers. Indirect brand experience refers to the way in which individuals perceive and interact indirectly with a brand, typically through content not directly controlled by the brand. In this chapter, we discuss the importance of brand experience, and highlight the crucial differences between types of experience, particularly those that we term indirect brand experience. Using material from a case study of Bavarian Motor Works (BMW), we classify the four forms of indirect brand experience. By using real-world examples, we illustrate the importance of distinguishing between types of experience to facilitate a more expansive approach to the management of brand experience.
Part of the book: Brand Awareness
Place branding involves a range of initiatives intended to increase the attractiveness of a geographic area. One of the essential components of an effective place brand is a coordinated communication strategy that connects with a diverse range of stakeholders. As digital technology disrupts the ability to control communications, social media is playing a central role in the reach, influence, and engagement with all communications, including place branding. This chapter examines the role of social media in place brand communications by capturing a sample of Instagram posts relating to the place branding of Oman. These posts are analysed to understand how their content has the ability to appeal to an audience and generate substantial engagement. The findings suggest there are several strategies that are useful for considering when generating place brand content, which have implications for how place brand managers attempt to extend their influence on online communications and engage with their audiences.
Part of the book: Social Media and Modern Society [Working title]