Top 8 Graphic Design Trends Killing Indian Brands' Sales

Graphic design plays a pivotal role in shaping the identity and branding of a company. Since its inception in 1993, Cpluz has been at the forefront of incorporating innovative design principles into its work. However, some popular graphic design trends in India may unintentionally inhibit a brand's potential and negatively impact sales. In this article, we will explore the top 8 graphic design trends that Indian brands must avoid and why.

Surrealism in Branding

In recent years, surrealism in branding has experienced a resurgence. This design trend involves using illogical and dreamlike visuals, aiming to evoke shock value and hypothetical connections with the target audience. While surrealism can surely create a buzz, its inherent unpredictability can be alienating for consumers seeking familiar and relatable brand associations. As such, surrealism might not serve as the best branding strategy for Indian businesses where local consumers generally prefer conventional consumer connections.

Retrofuturism

Retrofuturism is another increasingly popular graphic design trend that generates visual elements inspired by old-world inventions, science fiction, and future-anticipating designs from the past. While it might appeal to design enthusiasts, its nostalgia-based approach fails to offer authenticity and relevance for modern consumers. Going too far into nostalgia may cause a brand to miss out on meaningful connections with younger audiences.

Flat Design Over-Caricature

Flat design, popularized in the early 2010s, is often misunderstood as a call for excessive minimalism in design. However, flat design is best understood as a rejection of unnecessary 3D elements and instead heavily employs color, texture, and astute typography. When applied incorrectly, this trend may result in an over-simplified and almost cartoonish appearance, which could negatively project a brand image knowingly by Indian clients.

Unused Patterns and Over-Use of Textures

A design trend that has garnered popularity in recent years involves using patterns and textures in packaging or other contract designs. While it's undeniably appealing to incorporate visual interest, doing so excessively may cause confusion and detract from the product itself. Furthermore, overusing patterns and textures may create visual fatigue among consumers and decrease brand appeal in the market.

Too Much Illustration

The illustration trend in graphic design often adds vibrancy and liveliness to a brand's visual space. However, overt illustration usage can veer off from professional branding and divert focus away from crucial information. Oversaturation of illustrations results in visual overload and a somewhat juvenile appeal, undermining the credibility of an Indian brand aiming to build consumer trust.

Lack of Optimization for Mobile and Web

In today's technology-driven era, nearly 60% of Indian internet users rely solely on mobile devices for accessing various services. Indian businesses neglecting mobile and web optimization in their graphic design can cause a considerable loss in brand impressions and sales. With users typically previewing websites on phones before deciding on a brand's authenticity, compromised mobile and web experiences can foreshadow a brand's inability to cater to diverse consumer needs and expectations.

Inadequate Typography in Multilingual Contexts

In India, language diversity is at its peak, with over 22 official languages and countless dialects. When dealing with multilingual branding, typography can either contribute to successfully engaging target audiences or significantly hinder marketing efforts. Failure to effectively choose and implement typography can impact comprehension and conversion rates, as specific languages demand specific fonts and typographical considerations. Consequently, this may lead to Indian brands being perceived as neglectful and less professional in their communication strategy.

Lack of Consistency Across Platforms

Consistency is vital for building a strong brand image. It signals reliability, professionalism, and cohesiveness to target audiences. However, lack of consistency across different platforms - physical and digital - is a common affliction for Indian companies. Uniformity can be challenging due to varying design trends and unique marketing goals for each platform. If not adequately managed, this inconsistency could lead to a dilution of brand identity, eroding a brand's reputation and potentially impacting sales.

Moving Toward Solution-Focused Designs

To avoid falling into these graphic design pitfalls, Indian companies must now focus on designing solutions tailored to the ever-evolving market demands and consumer behavior. Balancing relevant trends with timeless fundamentals can help businesses successfully forge meaningful brand-consumer connections. By effectively capitalizing on user needs and applying design principles consistently across platforms, companies can harness their full brand potential.

Navigating Creative Challenges at Cpluz

As a design agency since 1993, Cpluz has been refining its services to cater to the diverse graphic design needs of growing Indian businesses. Our team of experts understands the impact of misguided trends on sales performance and drives to provide award-winning logo design, graphic design, web design, digital printing, and server hosting and management solutions. For more information, or if you'd like to discuss ways to optimize your brand's design for enhanced engagement, feel free to contact us at info@cpluz.com