Designing for joy: how your brand's vibe impacts wellbeing

Alright, let’s chat. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and honestly, it’s got us properly thinking here at the studio. We spend ages nailing brand strategy, crafting killer visuals, getting the voice just right, you know, all super important stuff, obviously. But hang on… what about the feeling your brand puts out there? The actual vibe people get when they interact with it? Does it lift them up, or secretly drain their battery?

It's easy to overlook, but that overall feeling - the brand's emotional footprint - massively impacts how people connect with you, and maybe even how you feel running the show.

What kind of feeling is your brand actually leaving behind?

Think about it, every click, every scroll, every email lands with a certain emotional thud (or sparkle!).

• Is navigating your website a breeze, or does it feel like wrestling a grumpy octopus in the dark?

• Does your social media feed spark a bit of joy or inspiration, or just add to the endless digital shouting match?

• When people read your words, does it sound like a real human talking, or a stiff corporate robot reading a script?

These aren't just minor details; they shape the whole experience. A brand interaction that’s confusing, cold, or feels fake isn't just annoying, it adds unnecessary stress to someone’s already busy day. BUUT one that’s clear, helpful, genuinely warm, maybe even a bit playful? That can be a little moment of ease, a flicker of connection, a welcome break from the noise.

So, how do we actually design for good vibes?

Being intentional about creating brands that support wellbeing (instead of stressing people out) isn't about slapping smiley faces everywhere. It's baked into the design thinking:

1. Make things clear & easy (Stop the frustration!): This is pure human-centred design. If your website is baffling or your message is muddled, you're causing friction. Simple navigation, readable text, straightforward language… it respects people's time and brainpower. Less guesswork = less stress.

2. Let real positivity shine through: Forget fake, forced smiles. We're talking about letting the genuine passion and joy behind your brand bubble up. If you love what you do, don't hide it behind corporate speak! Let that authentic enthusiasm come through in your words and visuals. It’s infectious (in a good way!).

3. Wield colour power wisely: Colours hit us right in the feels. Are yours creating the mood you intend? Calming blues, optimistic yellows, energetic reds… use them strategically, not just because they look trendy. Make sure your palette supports the feeling you want people to associate with your brand.

4. Actually connect with people: Ditch the purely transactional vibe. Use your brand voice to build a community, show you understand, have real conversations. Feeling seen and heard? That's huge for wellbeing.

5. Embrace the glorious imperfections: Relentless, polished perfection is intimidating and feels kinda fake. Showing glimpses of the messy process, admitting when things are tricky, using a voice that sounds like you (not a perfectly edited PR release), that makes your brand relatable, human, and less stressful to engage with. Authenticity wins.

Quick reminder: it starts behind the scenes

Your brand's external vibe often mirrors your internal one. If things behind the scenes are joyful, supportive, and value wellbeing, that positive energy tends to radiate outwards naturally. Hard to fake a good feeling if the foundations aren't there. Happiness fuels creativity, remember?

Ultimately, designing for joy is about making deliberate choices, in strategy, design, and communication, that prioritise ease, authenticity, human connection, and positive energy. It’s about aiming to leave people feeling slightly better after interacting with your brand, not worse.

And honestly? In today's world, that feels like the only way worth building a brand.