Today we’re diving into the fascinating world of Gen Z, where businesses are reimagining their branding and design strategies to engage and inspire the most connected and tech-savvy generation yet.
Yes – at Be Smart we know how to create mind-blowing designs that’ll have them clicking “Add to Cart” faster than you can say “avocado toast”.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes this tech-savvy, socially conscious, and totally on-trend generation tick, exploring the trends, preferences, and quirks that drive Gen Z’s unique outlook, and discovering how savvy businesses are transforming their visual identities to capture Gen Z’s hearts and minds.
Authenticity is key for Gen Z
You know what Gen Z loves more than a silly meme and Tiktok dances? Raw, unfiltered authenticity. These digital natives can sniff out fake vibes and insincere brands from a mile away. There’s a whole movement around “deinfluencing” where real, everyday voices are valued over brand deals. So, when creating designs for this eclectic generation, ditch the stock photos and generic slogans. They will not buy into two old men in grey suits shaking hands. Instead, embrace original visuals and messaging that speak their language. And hey, throw in a selfie or two—after all, a little vulnerability never hurt anybody, right?
Inclusivity everywhere, but be honest
Gen Z is all about inclusivity—they’re a melting pot of cultures, genders, and backgrounds. So, when designing for these open-minded folks, it’s crucial to feature visuals and messaging that celebrate diversity. Show off different races, genders, and body types, but remember: honesty is the best policy. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not—because they’ll catch on, and they won’t be impressed.
Sustainability (save their planet)
Gen Z is all about being eco-warriors and saving Mother Earth. They’re super invested in the environment and the consequences of their choices. So, if you want to win their eco-loving hearts, make sure your brand walks the talk and champions social and environmental causes. While designing for this green-minded generation, go the extra mile and infuse your products and campaigns with sustainable, earth-friendly touches. But fair warning: honesty is a must, as these keen-eyed crusaders can spot phonies faster than a melting ice cap.
As businesses are increasingly striving to become B Corps (y’know, those gold-star companies that rock at social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability), it’s crucial that your branding reflects those high standards too. In other words, your designs should be as green and clean as your brand’s commitment to our precious planet.
Gen Z buy with their eyes
Got a hankering for eye-popping visuals that’ll make Picasso green with envy? Well, Gen Z sure does! These digital trendsetters devour bold hues, minimalist magic, and aesthetics that scream “Insta-worthy!” So, when whipping up designs for this artsy bunch, keep your finger on the pulse of what’s hot and deliver a visual feast fit for a king (or queen!). But hey, let’s not overcomplicate things—these types crave simplicity, not a tangled mess of confusion.
Make it easy to digest
Are you ready for a little secret about Gen Z? These screen-swiping savants have attention spans shorter than 30 seconds. Blame Tiktok, Youtube, or the internet in general; whoever you blame, it’s worth knowing. Born with a smartphone in hand, they’re constantly zooming through cyberspace, making it a wild ride for any brand trying to keep up with their lightning-fast pace. If your content doesn’t catch their eye, they’re onto the next shiny thing. Show me a Gen Z who says they watch half hour YouTube videos and I’ll bet they’re lying.
Want to be the brand that stops them in their tracks? Whip up bite-sized, uber-engaging content that’ll have them drooling for more. Think snappy videos, captivating image sequences, bold text overlays, and quotes that pack a punch. And don’t skimp on the visuals—go for readable typefaces that work like a charm across all platforms and colours that’ll make them do a double-take. So, let’s get out there and create some scroll-stopping, Gen Z-approved content, shall we?
Do you market to Gen Z? Get in touch today and we’ll help you out.
