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Millenials tend to gravitate toward products that present a great brand experience through design. Whether it’s packaging or a really great logo, interesting and different products sell to more than just Millenials, according to MediaPost’s Engage: Gen Y.

The popularity of design-focused blogs like Design*Sponge and Apartment Therapy and TV Shows like Design Star suggest that there is a Gen Y ethos around design that brands should really pay attention to when thinking about new products, services or experiences. Although design may not be important to some, Gen Y is always on the lookout for the next big thing. Successful design embraces some of these philosophies:

1. Customization through self-expression. Gen Ys are instantly attracted to products and services that are highly customizable, unique and different. Think about the popularity of vintage—older products with history that can easily be modified to fit an individual’s style. Products that allow storytelling are highly coveted in a Gen Y’s mind.
2. Share this. Millenials are technology junkies who like to share everything. Gen Ys are social bees that crave co-creation and participation of a brand. Likewise, Millenials enjoy sharing their ideas with others. Pintrest, a virtual bulletin board that allows users to organize and share beautiful things found on the web, is a perfect example of Millenials’ need to document and share their lives.
3. Millenials aren’t always fast and furious. Not all things need to be about speed and surprise, including relationships with family and friends. In this crazy busy life, Gen Ys need to be reminded to slow down. Even though many relationships are created and maintained online, most Millenials actually cherish human relationships and interaction, face-to-face and virtually. Although a lunch or coffee date is nearly impossible when a Gen Y is busy, apps like Words with Friends enable real interactions that simulate these experiences.
4. Gen Ys have a good side. Despite what you may think, most Millennials are caring when it comes to socially conscious brands. Brands that embrace this philosophy are top of mind for most Gen Ys. TOMS shoes is a perfect example of a brand doing great things. For one pair of shoes purchased, the organization donates a pair of shoes to a child in need.

Cool brands that have distinct design simply sell. Although many Millenials may be skeptical, great design can grab their attention in an instant.

Last week’s KBIS show seemed decked out in black and white, as many exhibiting brands strategically posted barcodes for instant access to online information. I’ve written about QR codes before, but feel the need to tackle the subject again, as their use is becoming much more widespread in our industry.

Imagine not having to manually key text in to your phone to get online.

Thanks to Quick Response, or QR, codes, users can connect to the internet much faster and without typing the text in.

QR codes are basically high speed barcodes. Unlike normal barcodes, they are black matrixes arranged in a square pattern on a white background.

QRs connect to the internet when scanned with a smartphone. The phone must be equipped with a camera and appropriate QR code reader application. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data.

These two-dimensional codes are great for making marketing campaigns unique. QR codes can be printed on any type of marketing material and make information online more accessible.

A recent American Printer article called “QR Codes 101” gave tips on how to properly execute QR codes in marketing plans.

Here are a few of those tips:

1. Test, test and test

You don’t want your customers to have a bad experience with QR codes on your material. Test    codes with several mobile devices to make sure that they work.

2. Make it easy

Many consumers may not know what QR codes are or how to use them. Have descriptive instructions in your marketing, but keep them user-friendly.

3. Consider size

The more data encoded on the code, the higher the pixel count. Too much data means that the mobile reader can’t resolve the code. Keep your codes simple.

For more details about QR codes and more tips on how to crack their usage, definitely read “QR Codes 101”. Perhaps, one day all marketing campaigns will include these “2-D sensations.” For now, your business could be ahead of the game!

*Check back for our recap of this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show

JC Penney has recently redesigned its logo in an attempt to modernize and reinvigorate the brand. The change comes about a month after the company’s recent announcement to downsize, a decision which means closing six under-performing department stores, scaling down its catalog and consolidating its call centers.

The company hopes that some rebranding may be able to help its image. Daphne Avila, senior manager of corporate communications for JC Penney stated that, “We’re trying to be able to attract a new and younger customer.”

In order to go after this younger demographic, JC Penney says it will be focusing more on social media through promotional Twitter and Facebook campaigns.

The brand has already demonstrated that it’s taking this push for a new direction seriously, and it seems to be paying off. With the company’s new acquisition of exclusive brands like Liz Claiborne, JC Penney has been able to attract new customers and help its bottom line; it is already showing a 36% profit increase for last quarter. The major retailer has also expanded its product line to include European clothing from MG by Mango, a move aimed at remaining competitive throughout evolving clothing trends.

In the quest for reinventing a company’s image, JC Penney is certainly not alone; however, considering the recent trend of other companies that have tried and failed, it is certainly a risky decision.

Several months ago, the GAP announced its intention to redesign its logo, only to be met with harsh criticism, which led the company to ultimately revert back to its previous logo.  Starbucks Coffee recently experienced the exact same thing, as they announced earlier this year that they planned to drastically alter the company’s logo, removing the words “Starbucks Coffee” from the image entirely… a decision that has been met with a public outcry of disapproval.

Hoping to avoid a similar fate, JC Penney did a lot of research in order to gauge customer approval of the new design. Only time will tell if the changes will be well-received, but since psychology suggests that people are generally resistant to change, it may be an uphill battle.