Today was a beautiful day to wrap up the week's events, especially since it finally felt like Fall! The sun shone brightly, but the crisp air reminded me that the seasons are changing. After a lovely morning with my little hobbits, I settled in for our session, eager to dive into brand representation. However, technology had other plans, and I was only able to view the presentation and not the people in the room.
After a brief snag, we kicked off with market validation – a crucial step we've been neglecting. Sharing Feline Frenzy with others will provide invaluable feedback, and Dan and I plan to get students and colleagues to review our game. CK emphasized understanding our brand identity, asking us to focus on what makes us unique. Ah-ha! Moment.
I reflected on my favorite brands – Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Their professional, sleek, and innovative approaches inspire me. Have you seen BMW's cheeky farewell commercial for Dieter Zetsche (Mercedes CEO)? It's a masterclass in respectful banter: Retirement is about exploring your wide open future. - YouTube.
So, what sets our brand apart? Dan's impressive work on our mascot and colour scheme makes us instantly recognizable (in my humble opinion of course). Our adaptable mascot and "Teach, Play, Learn" message create a unique voice. But why does this matter? Well as per our session this evening, consistency breeds trust, recognition, and differentiation – increasing revenue by 23% (Harvard Business Review). Our brand identity is the core of our business, and it's refreshing to feel like we're doing something right.
CK shared a few perceptual maps, showcasing how branding stands out. I plan to create our own map to evaluate our position, as well as the following six key components:
1. Brand purpose
2. Target audience
3. Brand personality
4. Visual identity
5. Brand voice and tone
6. Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Homework awaits! Reviewing the Brand Evaluation tool will help us confidently convey our tone and voice.
Today's session felt rushed, but the information was invaluable. I needed time to process, compartmentalize, and reflect. I usually have questions, but today I was left with my pages of notes and screenshots for potential next steps. Some of my key takeaways:
- Consistency is key to brand identity
- Unique voice and visuals create recognition
- Brand evaluation is crucial for growth
As Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) so eloquently puts it, "Embracing what makes you different is what makes you powerful." This resonates deeply with me, especially when it comes to Feline Frenzy's unique blend of educational development and gamification. In a world where conformity can be tempting, our willingness to take a bold approach sets us apart.
Dan's pitch of Feline Frenzy ended the session on a high note, garnering positive feedback and valuable insights. The response validated our innovative approach, leaving us energized and motivated and pointed in the right direction. I have to admit, I'm beaming with pride over what Dan and I have accomplished so far, and every Indie Ignition session only fuels my enthusiasm, knowledge, and excitement.
Kerry
Co-Founder, PlayTheos
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