Saturday, 26 January 2008
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Assignment 1 - Product and Emotion
A little something about my chosen Product: Vodka
Vodka is the best mixing liquor of all of the base spirits as it has no distinct color, taste or aroma. Since vodka has no distinct taste, an important difference in the various brands is their texture on the tongue, or mouth feel. Less expensive brands will generally be hotter and burn in the mouth (about.com) However, in a vodka tasting review by the New York Times, it was found that higher-priced and better-dressed vodkas isn't always better.
Behavioral Design: Smirnoff
In a blind-tasting of vodkas by the New York Times, Smirnoff was found to taste better than other more expensive and more prestigious brands. Smirnoff is one of the best-selling vodka in the United States, though it is a definite step down in status, marketing and bottle design.
Image source: www.irishblogs.ie
Reflection
Smirnoff is relatively cheap and affordable compared to other vodka brands. Though there's nothing spectacular about its appearance (the bottle design is quite common), it is value for money. Status wise, Smirnoff is nothing extraordinary as it is a common man's vodka. The applaudable taste and affordable price makes it a "trusted" brand for the average user as it never fails to satisfy.
User experience
I am satisfied with the taste of Smirnoff, and given that its affordable too, I do not mind the plain design and the step-down in status. That's why I continue to consume Smirnoff. Smirnoff is still a popular brand in the market as its functionality never fails and it satisfies our most basic expectations in drinking vodka: taste and cost.
First Visceral Design: Van Gogh Vodka
Valued by collectors, Van Gogh's hand designed bottles are works of art. Each of the 19 flavours of Van Gogh vodka has a unique design, reflecting the styles and themes of famous dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh's works.
Image Source: www.stuwww.uvt.nl
Image source: www.liquorlog.blogspot.com
Reflection
With the beautiful and unique design, the intial impact of its appearance is powerful. As the painting in each bottle design is crafted in the interior of the pretty and sleek glass bottles, the first feeling that comes to mind in the first interaction with the vodka is one of ethereal admiration. As the saying goes "First impression counts", and I guess this is really true. Even before tasting the vodka, I had a very high and positive opinion of it after examining the design on the bottle.
User Experience
The smooth finish and variey of flavours contribute to a satisfying experience. In addition to the charming designs, the overall experience is a satisfying and delightful one.
Second Visceral Design: Bong's Spirit super premium Vodka
The tagline for this vodka is "The art is in the bottle", which is very true. Initially, I have decided to use Van Gogh vodka for my visceral design, but a further search online lead me to the Bong vodka. Upon seeing those cute and exquisite bottles, I thought I just have to use it too.
Image source: www.ozoux.com
Image source: www.answers.com
Reflection
The exquisite and unique design of the bottle contribute to an initial liking. It was sort of "love at first sight". Though I have never tried it, I feel that I will love it. Reviews also showed that the smooth taste of the Bong vodka has made it a success with its users.
User Experience
Released in 2006 and designed in the shape of a bong, the Bong vodka stands apart from other vodka brands. The trendy design gives users an initial good liking, as does the Van Gogh vodka, and it is my favourite vodka design. Of all the vodka I've researched on and tasted, I love the Bong vodka the most. The fashionable design makes me want to taste the vodka, and speaks volumes about the brand. The image that is associated with drinking the Bong vodka is one of trendiness and fashion.
Reflective Design: Jean-Marc XO Vodka
The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences gave it a 5 star rating and according to them, Jean-Marc XO vodka is the only premium vodka to achieve the highest level of quality. Distilled 9 times (the typical vodka is distilled around 4 times), it is a hand-crafted vodka.
Image source: www.jmxo.com
Reflection
Going beyond behavorial and visceral designs, Jean-Marc XO vodka is dubbed " The Connoisseur's Vodka". It is an exquisite and one of the most expensive brands among vodkas (http://most-expensive.net/vodka-world). Being a luxury vodka, the image Jean-Marc XO vodka protrays is one of class and elegance. Having a long smooth finish and no afterburn, this elegant vodka speaks of prestige, and expensive taste.
User Experience
Being a hand-crafted vodka, each bottle is individually numbered to reflect its hand made craftsmanship. This gives its user a special feeling and sorts of individualize each user. As Mr Reddy mentioned in class, individualization is sometimes the key to creating a successful product. Superior taste, high status in the industry, combined with the fact that no expense was spared and every detail was considered in its production process, Jean-Marc XO vodka provides a rich experience for its user.
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