Behind the Design: Unlocking Creative Power Through Marketing Research
When making small or large decisions, humans naturally look for solutions through research. As we make a purchase, we seek feedback from previous customers, reviews, and any media that speaks about a product we are interested in.
In today’s digital age, the rapid media takeover has allowed buyers to have easy 24/7 access to reviews in minutes. A product can be researched in seconds with a quick image or name search. Whether it’s a TikTok review video, a Yelp comment, or a quick Google review, the accessibility of research is fast and readily available for buyers. Decision-making has never been easier with this culture of quick convenience.
As graphic designers, we depend on research to create meaningful designs, just as buyers depend on research to make the right choices. Marketing research is a crucial aspect of graphic design due to the need to keep up with current trends, understand visually appealing designs, and remain open-minded to new information retrieved from research.
Here are three ways as to why marketing research is an imperative phase for a graphic designer’s success:
1)Pursuing Market Trends
Research allows designers to stay ahead of the game with their design trends. Staying aware of the relevant trends in the industry is vital in the growth of a graphic designer.
By understanding current trends and the target audience, designers can make advancements in their craft and remain competitive.
2)Knowing the Target Audience
When designers have a clear understanding of their target audience, the work speaks for itself.
Investigating what audiences wants and need in a service is a key aspect of creating memorable and relevant work.
3)Engagement Boost
When a designer can identify what visuals buyers are interested in through market research, audience engagement will skyrocket. Tracking metrics from what the people want to see will improve the overall success of visual elements.
Although there are millions of reasons why marketing research is crucial in graphic design, the three items listed above are at the top of my list. Engagement and remaining relevant in this fast-changing world are key to being an effective graphic designer.
As creators, it’s easy to fall into what is "working" when it comes to design, but constant research of relevant trends will only enhance the final outcome of a visual and grow your skills as a graphic designer.
