[Sigia-l] How the Perception of Variety Influences Consumption

[Listera]

"David R. Austen" wrote:

(I hope no offense was taken, as it was entirely in jest and not directed at
you at all.)
 
> I value the color coding because it often enhances . . . usability. (This will
> qualify as user-centered design when I put them to work.)

Therein lies the subtlety of this issue in advertising: the point is to
sell, which overrides the concern for usability. The advertiser doesn't
start with the proposition "How can we be more usable?" but with "How can we
sell more?" You're quite right: to the extent that usability makes selling
easier, it's effective. But usability is not central/endgame to the business
of advertising, selling is. Sometimes usability works, sometimes shouting
louder does, often sex sells. The advertiser is there to exploit whatever
proclivities you may have. We're all suckers for *something.* (I'm a sucker
for anything that smells like cut grass. Go figure :-)

Ziya
Nullius in Verba