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[2014 trends] The Year of Happy
Here are my key predictions to help navigate this emotional space:
- Curate before you create
![[2014 trends] The Year of Happy](https://biz-file.com/c/1402/175563.gif)
We have so much already, could this be the year where we utilise what we have already created and use it better? Brands should look to their existing equities instead of completely overhauling their identities for the sake of change.
- The fear factor
Will your brand survive dark marketing, more legislations and social media? Having a strong brand purpose will become more valuable than a nice logo, identity or piece of packaging.
Transparency will make or break you as consumers make their decisions on the good that you do, not the good that advertising creates for you.
- Big data - More is less
You have all the information, but is it the right information? With so much research and analytics, the element of chance (humanity) is becoming less and less. Knowing where someone lives doesn't mean you know who they are. Successful brands understand that human insights are more valuable than computer generated data.
- Smart brands
Everything is becoming smarter; smartphones, smart technology. How will your brand become smarter this year?
Will you be able to seamlessly integrate your brand into the life of your customer - from pack to ad to product to service delivery? Brand experiences will connect your customers not just physically but emotionally to your brand.
![[2014 trends] The Year of Happy](https://biz-file.com/c/1402/175564.gif)
For more:
- Bizcommunity Special Section: Biz Trends 2014
- Bizcommunity Search: 2014 trends
- Twitter Search: #biztrends2014
Source: BCSA
The BCSA was constituted in 2011, after extensive debate by leaders in the industry around the need for a collective voice to represent, strengthen and advance the interests of the wider branding and design industry in South Africa. BCSA’s core belief is that brands have the ability to create value. The BCSA incorporates the Brand Design Council (formerly known as THINK).
The BCSA and its members are governed by a strong code of conduct that promotes responsible best practice and self-regulation, which is designed to build understanding, value and demand for Brand Marketing and Communication Design in South Africa. Follow @BrandCouncilSA on Twitter.
Go to: http://brandcouncilsa.org
About Janet Kinghorn
Janet Kinghorn is executive creative director at Brand Union Africa. Over the years she has worked on many of South Africa's most iconic brands like SAB, SAA, and Standard Bank, Johnson and Johnson, coca cola and Nike. In 2011 she was voted onto the Brand Council of South Africa (@BrandCouncilSA), where she is proud to be a part of helping our industry know the true value of brands and branding. Follow @biginmyhead.
