Senses Working Overtime

It’s time to think outside the business card. It’s time to start engaging the senses. It’s time to create something memorable.

Here are a few questions to ask as you brainstorm your ideal business card. Some of them may sound ludicrous, at first, but complete the exercise. You never know what good ideas may come from a harebrained scheme.

Sight
Graphic design is absolutely important. From a functional perspective, is your card easy to read? Look at the contrast between the background and type color. Are the fonts legible when you view the card actual size. From a brand perspective, are you consistent in your use of colors, fonts, logos and messages?

Sound
Musical greeting cards have been around for a lot time. As sound chips get smaller, is there a way to use a soundmark to create a memorable brand impression? More on soundmarks: http://youtu.be/QK3WeA2kFeY

Touch
People will touch your card BEFORE they read it. What feelings do you want to evoke? How thick is your paperstock? Is it paper, plastic, bamboo or metal? Textured or smooth? Have you considered a dimensional card, interesting die-cut shapes or a card sculpture?

Taste
A search for edible business cards returns everything from beef jerky to cookies to chocolate bars. Make your business card part of this nutritious meal.

Smell
Sure, I love that “new card smell,” but beyond that, does your brand have a scent? Seriously. Our sense of smell is one of the most powerful. Scented inks are available in everything from the kitchen to the factory to the forest. Remember how much fun you had with scratch and sniff as a kid. Invite your prospects to play again.