Unremarkable industries get a dose of trendiness from these 5 noteworthy brands
In the world of business, brands are increasingly focusing on more than just selling products. They're aiming to create experiences that resonate with their audience, and a few notable examples include Duolingo, Lemonade, Who Gives A Crap, and Slack.
Duolingo, founded in 2011 by Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker, has revolutionised language learning. Their branding strategy showcases a fun, quirky, and deeply committed approach to making language learning addictive. The Duolingo app has transformed the process into an engaging game, with an owl mascot that has become a popular meme due to its persistent reminders. To further engage with their audience, Duolingo has embraced the owl's meme status, especially on LinkedIn and TikTok.
Lemonade, on the other hand, has injected fun and simplicity into the insurance process. With easy-to-understand policies and a transparent claims process, they've made insurance less intimidating. Their branding and online presence emphasise community, using vibrant hot pink, simple illustrated micro-animations, and a tone of voice that reflects their big heart.
Who Gives A Crap is a toilet paper brand with a heartwarming mission. They donate 50% of their profits to help build toilets for people in need, making a tangible difference in the world.
WeTransfer has built a cultural hub for the creative community by crafting an interface that feels more like an art gallery than a mailbox. Slack, too, has transformed workplace conversations into something dynamic and enjoyable, focusing on team collaboration and easy-going communication. Their font, Slack Circular, has generous curves and bright colors to spark creativity and brighten your work day.
Monzo, the digital-only bank, stands out with its vibrant colors, an analog-style typeface, and a no-nonsense, accessible tone of voice. Their iconic neon 'hot coral' debit cards have become a status symbol among millennials and zoomers. On March 7th, 2024, Monzo made personal finance more enjoyable with features like instant notifications, budgeting tools, and the ability to freeze a lost card with a tap.
In a collaborative effort, Monzo also partnered with illustrator Ola Dobrzyńska to bring personality, movement, and energy into their brand.
These brands' commitment to innovation, community, and making their respective industries more enjoyable sets them apart in today's market. Whether it's learning a new language, buying toilet paper, or managing your finances, these brands are making a difference.
