Why Did I Buy This?

We buy so many things from Skittles to Cheez-its---why do we buy them?

Photo Source: http://happyhealthymama.com/ 

This question and answer is a possible scenario for someone trying to create and sell a good product based on the following source:

“47 Mind-Blowing Psychological Facts You Should Know About Yourself” Susan Weinschenk a professional psychologist, The W Blog.

Q: How would I incorporate many words onto a paper/poster/label?

A: There has been studies about the different ways to write an effective Label or poster or paper. The most popularly accepted study shows that people prefer to read short column paragraphs as opposed to the long lined paragraphs. It will take longer for a person to read the article or caption, but that is a good thing because the more time put into something the more likely the person is to recall it.

Q: What does the best packaging have to draw in customers?

A: The best possible packaging on a label would have all the following. Canonical perspective, this is best described through example. When you think of a cat you see it from a view as if you are the same height as the cat. When in reality we mostly see an aerial view of a the cat. Using canonical perspective to show objects on a label is more appealing that the alternative. Another way to make a more attractive label would be to use colors that are easy on the eyes. When you think of a soft warm bed, you probably think of a calming blue. This will be the most dominant color, but there will also have to be colors within three steps of the color spectrum. This seems specific, but it truly “goes with each other.” Finally you will want some kind of poster child. Faces are naturally recognised and the eye is drawn to them regardless.

Q: How much is too much?

A: When it comes to choices, you think you want an open world full of many different options. When in reality you want only a few choices. Too many and you will second guess yourself.

Q: Why do some things just seem to “go together?” This can be explain like so: When you first meet a friend who has glasses and you see them once or twice then all of a sudden the switch to contacts, regardless of how well you know them, they still look different without their glasses. Same goes with food and other goods. Department stores would never put the cheese on one side of the store while crackers on the other.

Q: How do I get people to buy something that is more expensive?

A: Do not mention anything about money, prices, or other stores. As soon as the word money (or any variation of the word) is mentioned people feel greedy by nature and will suddenly feel more compelled to keep their money rather than spend it.

Discussion question:

Why does it seem impossible to go out to a store and buy only what you need and nothing else?