Design's Role in the Presidential Race
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- leadtrum
Do you think design plays a big role in this race? Considering how strong Obama's branding is I'd say yes, but wanted to know what other's thought.
- vanilla_cam0
doesn't it always?
- No.phatlee
- how could you possibly say that design doesn't have a role in campaigning?vanilla_cam
- It 'doesn't always' depend on design. Most people vote for their candidate because they believe in their polices.phatlee
- or becuase their parents and grandparents belong to a specific party. yes, I said it...OSFA
- well, definitely. we should all hope so. but, it has an impact.vanilla_cam
- Yeah, if your a designer.phatlee
- kalkal0
Yes, red, white, blue and lots of stars FTW!!!!
- JKilla770
Wasn't there a site that had a break down of Bush's logo vs Kerry's? I do recall Bush's logo was 1000 times better....It was an interesting read to say the least.
- harlequino0
It plays A role, but only in as much as "branding" or creating a visual feel for someone. The decision between using serif and sans serif on signs and whatnot.
Copywriting for slogans probably plays a a bigger role.
- OSFA0
Calles, Morilla!!!! Bring the Doritos!!!!!
- Jaline0
It would for other designers, right?
I don't think it would affect non-designers greatly though :/
- ********0
maybe to interest kids in voting... otherwise, probably not significantly
most of it comes from public opinion of personality
- TheBlueOne0
In a short answer, Yes:
Forget whether you like or dislike Obama. This is a fantastic ad that is speaking directly to the correct generation in terms of design, style, tone & technique. And then to run it during the Superbowl shows a bit of marketing saavy (and deep pockets).
- OSFA0
Hmmm, not enough Oprah...
- "can you make the Oprah a little larger"robotron3k
- hahahaOSFA
- voiceof0
Design (more brand strategy really) doesn't play a role in how people vote, but I believe it does help to form peoples opinions before they get to know a candidate.
Just like with business design sets up the expectations that the business/candidate has to meet. If they meet/exceed the expectations then a trust has been built and people will be more receptive to their ideas. I also appreciate Baracks consistency same typeface and color and feel on all his materials creates a familiarity that is probably reassuring to people whether they are aware of it or not.
- chrisone0
Design alone won't win it - but I would say it plays a role. Especially with the swing voters.
- OSFA0
so, you're tellin me, Obama Girl danced her booty off for nothing???
- YAYPaul0
I do think they got the 'Obama brand' about right, it wouldn't be worth much though if he couldn't public speak his ass off, he's very good.
- TheBlueOne0
Design certainly plays a role, as it is the medium of the candidates message. I always hoped for a discussion on here about political design, historically speaking. And contrary to voicof above, who makes a good case, I would argue that many people are not issue voters and are rather gut instinct voters (especially in the general election) and they have been responding intuitively to how a presidential campaign has been designed/manufactured.
They vote because one candidate seems "strong" or "trustworthy" and design and media goes a long way towards making someone without those qualities seem that way, and vice-versa, especially to a large swath of the population who know jack squat about the issues.
- ********0
next to none
- TheBlueOne0
Decades later these ads (used by the winning campaigns in both cases) still carry and resonate AND convey very well alot about the campaigns in particular. They are also well remembered by people in general.
Also, interesting how political ads have changed as marketers and ad/design industries got more involved...
- ********0
It plays a huge role. Whether it is subconscious or not, design is a powerful tool that has just begun to play a role in our politics. The Internet and new media have changed the way politics can communicate to the public.
I think it is fair to say that candidates are using marketing methods in their campaigns that have not been used before. The big question is, are these methods ethical?
- madirish0
by 'design', i am seeing 'visual' design/artwork is what is being referred to and/or questioned? i think the information design is and will continue to, revolutionize the political spectrum; in developing and migrating countries' moreso that not i would argue.