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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Emotion by Design summary
Greg Hoffman
Creative Leadership Lessons from a Lifetime at Nike
18 mins
Brief summary
Emotion by Design by Greg Hoffman explores the role of emotions in shaping user experiences. It delves into the principles of emotional design and provides valuable insights for creating products that truly connect with people.
Table of Contents
Emotion by Design
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
Be empathic and curious
As described by Mike Krzyzewski, coach of Duke University’s basketball team, the vision advantage is how brand marketers win against the competition. It’s the ability to perceive and grasp things that others may overlook, subsequently employing that knowledge to craft powerful stories that evoke emotions in the audience.
But how exactly can you develop your vision advantage? There are two essential traits you need to cultivate: empathy and curiosity.
Empathy is pivotal in seeing the world from other people’s perspectives. When you’re empathic, you become more sensitive to their feelings and better understand their dreams, concerns, and even unmet needs. Using these fresh insights, you can better craft a story that reveals the brand’s values and results in revolutionary shifts.
Cultivating empathy calls for diversifying your team. The more different your team members are, the broader your view of the world becomes. That said, strive to recruit individuals from the underrepresented groups in your team. They can bring their colorful and unique life experiences to your brand and enrich your creative process.
Nike exemplified the power of empathy through its Equality campaign, launched in time for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in early 2017. It was months after the separate shootings of Black Americans Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, and the brand wanted to make a meaningful statement that addresses the decades-long injustice to Black Americans.
The campaign featured a short film highlighting the importance of exercising equality within the bounds of a court but also in all aspects of life. Broadcast worldwide, Nike’s short film set off a larger global campaign for equality.
The second essential element to cultivate your vision advantage is curiosity. Curiosity unlocks your creative potential by pushing you to seek unconventional sources of inspiration. Just as you would regularly train your muscles to keep them in shape, you need to practice curiosity to develop a seeker’s mentality.
There are three easy ways to do so.
First, start a visual journal. This is where you store images of things that you find inspiring. Every time you come across something that triggers your imaginative brain, take a photo of it. Then, feel free to browse through your visual journal whenever you need a dose of inspiration.
Second, make it a habit to plan out your trips around three questions: whom to meet, what to see, and where to go. It doesn’t matter if it’s a business or personal trip. What matters is that you go out to gather inspiration from wherever you are.
Finally, share your inspiring moments with your team. Whatever you found out or experienced while traveling can inspire other members in ways you might not have imagined. This also keeps your entire team updated, especially those who don’t go out of the office that much.
At Nike, they practice curiosity through different unique excursions. They sometimes visit restaurants to watch the chefs prepare meals. The team members find inspiration in observing other creative experts in their natural habitats.
Indeed, utilizing the vision advantage can do wonders for your team. With empathy and curiosity, it’s easier to come up with stories that resonate deeply with your audience and set your brand apart from the competition.
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What is Emotion by Design about?
Emotion by Design (2022) explores the creative philosophies that can differentiate your brand from the rest. It features lessons and stories from the author’s design and marketing experience at Nike.
Emotion by Design Review
Emotion by Design (2019) explores the integral role of emotions in design and how they can enhance user experience. Here are the reasons why this book is a worthwhile read:
- The book offers a deep understanding of emotional design, providing valuable insights into how to create products and experiences that resonate with users on an emotional level.
- By showcasing real-world examples and case studies, it offers practical applications of emotional design principles, making it relevant and actionable.
- With its fascinating exploration of psychology and design, the book goes beyond theory, keeping readers engaged and demonstrating the power that emotions have in shaping our experiences.
Who should read Emotion by Design?
- Business owners and leaders
- Brand marketers
- Anyone interested in marketing and design
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Emotion by Design FAQs
What is the main message of Emotion by Design?
In Emotion by Design, the main message is that emotions play a crucial role in creating effective and successful designs.
How long does it take to read Emotion by Design?
Reading time for Emotion by Design varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Emotion by Design a good book? Is it worth reading?
Emotion by Design is worth reading as it explores the importance of emotions in design, providing valuable insights for designers and anyone interested in user experience.
Who is the author of Emotion by Design?
Greg Hoffman is the author of Emotion by Design.
What to read after Emotion by Design?
If you're wondering what to read next after Emotion by Design, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Nike: Going Public by The Blinkist Team
- Bowerman and the Men of Oregon by Kenny Moore
- The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
- The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway
- 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
- Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
- 7 Powers by Hamilton Helmer
- The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth by Chris Brogan
- The Power of Instinct by Leslie Zane
- A Passage to India by E. M. Forster