The digital landscape is ever-changing. With widespread accessibility to the internet across all demographics, we are seeing new trends appear as quickly as they become a piece of history. New platforms and industry standards are being set at a rapid pace. This makes it easier than ever to find yourself falling behind. This is happening to consumers and, on a larger scale, to the companies targeting these consumers. Brands may find it increasingly difficult to stay consistent and relevant to an audience that consumes more ads per day than ever before.
So how does a brand begin to stand out amongst the crowd in today's digital landscape? Simplicity.
Within the last few years, there has been a remarkable shift toward simplicity in branding. New and existing companies are stripping their brand identity to the bare bones of who they are in hopes of giving consumers a better understanding of what they do. These companies build a strong foundation by embracing minimalism and focusing on essential elements of the brand that achieve a base level of recognition without overwhelming their audience—something that is beneficial for new and existing consumers alike.
Though it may seem easiest to start a simplified brand from the ground up, distilling an established brand down to the core of what consumers know and love is needed now more than ever. Take Nike, for example, a household brand that’s been able to confidently ditch the name under its iconic Swoosh in most of their advertising while still holding a level of consistency and recognizability that’s seldom rivaled. With several decades in the market, certain elements of the original brand are no longer needed to represent who they are to the consumer. Whether a digital banner ad, in-store sign or a Swoosh as a profile picture, Nike remains consistent across all platforms.
So, where does this shift toward simplification begin?
It starts with the foundation of the brand: the standards. This pushes the company back to square one, reevaluating the logo, color palette, typeface and messaging. Finding the core of what not only represents them but what resonates with their audience. By simplifying and standardizing these elements, they can establish a solid base from which to build. Redundant or incongruous elements are pared down, ensuring every aspect of the brand aligns with its core values and desired image. This process requires introspection and a deep understanding of the brand's essence.
Once the core elements are refined, it allows the company to shift its focus to campaigns and broader applications. By adhering to the simplified brand standards, consistency is maintained across all touchpoints, creating a cohesive and recognizable brand identity. When brands distill their visual identities to the most essential elements, they achieve a level of recognition that can be grasped at any level, on any application. This is particularly valuable in today's fast-paced world where attention spans are limited. A simple, easily recognizable logo can make a lasting impression and facilitate instant brand recall.
Moreover, this process of simplification can help a brand look inward and establish distinctiveness within its industry. By taking a step back and critically evaluating how certain elements of the brand resonate with consumers and focus groups, companies can identify what consistently works and what can be minimized. Self-reflection enables competitive differentiation and the ability to cultivate a unique identity.
The trend of brand simplification has gained significant traction in recent years. Post-pandemic, many brands have realized the power of stripping down their visual identities to the essentials. By starting from the brand's core elements and simplifying and standardizing them, designers create a foundation from which they can build and expand.
The advantages of this approach are clear: maximized recognizability, ownability and the ability to foster brand distinction.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, embracing simplicity will undoubtedly be a key strategy for brands looking to make a lasting impact in the minds of consumers.
If you’re interested in exploring these trends for your own brand, or interested in our creative services, let’s talk.