Design strategies to win hearts (and attention) in Australia

July 12, 2024 Written by Abby Kury



Image: Freepik

We are halfway through the year already! Time to take stock of our design strategies and see what's resonating with our Australian target audience – to identify areas where we can craft even more captivating design experiences to truly stand out. After all, the goal is to stay top-of-mind and build lasting connections with our customers. 

Time and again we’ve highlighted the importance of effective design (which, if you need numbers, affects brand impressions by 55% according to Energy and Matter).

With that in mind, the Brandripe team has compiled some of our best design strategies specifically tailored for the Australian market.

These strategies will help you create impactful visuals that resonate with your audience and propel your brand to success.

What do the Aussie customers want?

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Research shows that visual elements contribute greatly to a brand’s success. Image: Freepik

It's great to have beautiful design, but ultimately, graphic design is about sparking a connection with your target audience and driving results.

In the Australian market, this means going beyond aesthetics and creating visuals that resonate on a deeper level. So, the real question is: what truly captures the hearts and minds of Australian customers?

Here's where understanding their preferences becomes crucial.  We need to delve into what makes them tick, what kind of imagery speaks to them, and how design can foster a sense of connection with the Australian spirit.

  • Embrace the Outback: Australians are known for their love of the great outdoors. Instead of generic stock photos of people hiking, consider showcasing a group trekking through a quintessential Australian landscape like the rugged Blue Mountains or the lush rainforests of Tasmania.
  • Keep it relaxed: Many Australians value a laid-back and inclusive approach. For example, instead of overly posed models, your designs could feature people enjoying a beach day with diverse groups of friends or families.
  • Subtlety with local humour: A sprinkle of Aussie humour can go a long way in creating a connection, but avoid the cringe-worthy, forced joke. Instead, weave in subtle references that resonate with local sensibilities. Consider a playful headline that cleverly references a well-known Australian saying, like "Fair dinkum discounts!" or "No worries, we've got you covered, mate!"

Incorporate iconic Australian elements without resorting to tired stereotypes. Feature a character sporting a wide-brimmed Akubra hat taking in a breathtaking vista, or showcase a group celebrating with a slice of classic Lamington cake. It's all about striking the right balance between humour and cultural respect.

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The Outback is close to every Australians’ hearts. Image: Britannica

  • Representation matters: Australians value diversity and inclusivity. Showcasing the rich tapestry of Australian society in your designs is key. Feature diverse models, families, and abilities to create a sense of belonging for everyone.
  • Accessibility first: Ensure everyone can interact with your content. Use clear visuals, and proper colour contrast for easy reading, and consider providing alternative text descriptions for images to cater to users with visual impairments.
  • Be clear: The design should effectively communicate the message or brand identity. Australians appreciate straightforward and easy-to-understand visuals. Avoid overly complex layouts or cluttered designs.
  • Prioritise mobile-friendliness: The smartphone has become an extension of the Aussie arm. Let's face it, Aussies are constantly on the go, so your designs need to be optimised for mobile viewing.

Your visuals and content should display beautifully on smartphones and tablets, offering a seamless user experience across all devices. No more pinching and zooming – ensure your designs are ready for mobile experiences!

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Remember to be inclusive in your design! Image: ABC

  • Don’t forget environmental awareness: Australians are a deeply environmentally conscious bunch. Showcase your commitment to the country you operate in by incorporating eco-friendly design practices wherever possible.

This could involve using recycled materials for print materials, opting for sustainable packaging solutions, or showcasing eco-friendly products in your designs. Let your visuals reflect a brand that cares about the environment, just like your Aussie customers.

  • Keep it real: Australian customers value genuineness. Avoid misleading visuals or deceptive marketing tactics. Present an authentic brand identity and showcase real people interacting with your products or services. Let your designs reflect the genuine spirit of your brand and the Aussie way of life.

By weaving these elements into your design strategy, you can craft visuals that resonate deeply with Australian audiences. You'll foster a sense of connection, celebrate the unique Aussie spirit, and propel your brand to success in this vibrant and diverse market.

A visual review of real-world Australian brands

Let’s now take a look at some really great designs done by Australian brands. Here are our favourite picks:

Campaign: Tourism Australia’s “G’Day Australia” in 2024

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A campaign by Tourism Australia. Image: Tourism Australia

This iconic campaign perfectly captures the essence of the Australian landscape. Instead of generic nature shots, the visuals showcase diverse groups of people – families enjoying snowboarding in Australia’s premier snowfields and a group of Australian locals appreciating art in Canberra’s vibrant streets. This campaign presents an opportunity to equip travel agents with first-hand experiences to sell the best Australia has to offer to the world.

Campaign: Telstra’s Aussie Wildlife Stop Motion Ads

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In a heartwarming campaign, Telstra released a series of 26 bite-sized ads that highlight the unique charm of rural and regional Australia. Each ad features a different town and injects a touch of humour through the country's beloved wildlife, showcasing the strong connection between Telstra and its regional customers.

Brand: ME Bank

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ME Bank’s app interface. Image: ME Bank

ME Bank's mobile app focuses on a seamless mobile experience. Their app features a user-friendly interface optimised for both smartphones and tablets. Large, clear buttons allow for easy navigation, and the app integrates seamlessly with mobile wallets for convenient transactions.

Brand: Aesop

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Beloved brand Aesop is known for its minimalistic design. Image: Aesop

Aesop's design strategy exemplifies a relaxed and inclusive approach across all customer touchpoints. Their marketing materials celebrate diversity by featuring a range of models and ethnicities, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Natural beauty and visuals free from excessive editing or make-up reflect their emphasis on well-being and authenticity, creating a warm and approachable brand voice that avoids any hint of pretentiousness.

This relaxed aesthetic extends seamlessly to their product design. Aesop's minimalist packaging utilises clean lines and understated elegance, incorporating natural textures and materials like glass and recycled cardboard. Their focus on functionality extends to the in-store experience, where knowledgeable staff offer personalised service in a pressure-free and calming environment.

Brand: Mecca Cosmetica

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Mecca’s holiday packaging. Image: Mecca

Mecca Cosmetica isn't just an Australian beauty powerhouse; it's a masterclass in social inclusivity. They ditch the one-size-fits-all model, showcasing diverse models across ethnicities, skin tones, body types, and abilities. This celebration of real beauty extends beyond physical appearance, featuring models from various cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Their inclusive tone avoids stereotypical beauty jargon, focusing on empowering language about self-expression and individuality.

Mecca fosters a strong community through inclusive events and workshops, while partnering with diverse beauty influencers to ensure they represent the voices and perspectives of their entire customer base.

By embracing diversity and celebrating every shade of beauty, Mecca Cosmetica has become more than just a store; they've become a destination for self-expression and inclusivity in the Australian beauty landscape.

Design for the Australian market with Brandripe

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Want to stand out in the competitive Australian market? It's all about creating visuals that resonate with your target audience. At Brandripe, we're experts in crafting design experiences that Australians love.

Our data-driven approach ensures your brand message hits the mark. We'll help you tap into the Aussie spirit, fostering a deeper connection that drives results.

  • Endless Aussie creativity: Need social media graphics, website banners, or eye-catching marketing materials? We've got you covered. Our design team delivers a constant stream of fresh, Aussie-inspired concepts in just 24-48 hours.
  • Go global with confidence: Don't just win over Australia, conquer the world! We'll ensure your designs translate seamlessly across cultures, making a global impact.
  • Mobile-obsessed? Us too: Aussies live on their phones. We create mobile-first designs that look incredible on any device, keeping your audience engaged wherever they are.
  • Authenticity is key: Build trust and connection with real people showcasing genuine interactions with your brand.
  • Unique designs all the way: Our team of industry experts creates fresh, Aussie-inspired concepts tailored to your brand, ditching tired templates for a unique look that resonates.
  • It’s all yours: Do away with hidden costs when you sign up with Brandripe. We give you the source file of all finalised designs to amend and repurpose for your business needs without extra cost.
  • One price tag, unlimited brands: We are as invested as your shareholders to ensure your business scales up. That’s why we provide unlimited brands to be parked in a single account subscription.

Join the ranks of industry giants from all over the world by making the smart business choice – working with Brandripe for your graphic design needs. We'll craft a winning design strategy that resonates with Aussie audiences, propelling your brand towards success in this dynamic market. Let's create something special together, mate!

Contact Brandripe today for a free 15-minute Demo Call!

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