Virgin Does It Again – Branson Is A Genius
Sir Richard Branson is a great hero of mine. Besides coming across as a decent guy who cares, he is also a brilliant marketeer and highly successful entrepreneur. And we love blogging about him
When he decided to have a go at the airline business people were always going to take notice and he was always going to change things. If only because the other airlines made him feel like he was on one of his life threatening ballooning trips again. Great service is a Virgin trademark. As is their witty and extraordinary marketing.
I’m sure most people have flown on a plane and are familiar with the in flight instructions. They are a drag for both the customer and flight attendant, no one really pays attention and if push came to shove most people would probably fail to recall any of the instructions in case of an actual emergency. As this was never seen as a big deal and even ignored by a lot of people it stands out when it’s been changed. That’s what makes this video so good, they changed something people didn’t expect to be changed.
It’s a typical case of slapping your forehead and saying to yourself “Why didn’t I think of that?”.
Although I do think the idea is excellent and extremely innovative, I do feel they could have executed it slightly better. What do you think?
Source: Experience Curve
Disclaimer: Before being labeled a Virgin fan boy I would like to set the record straight (pun unintended).Virgin and Sir Richard Branson are great, but not flawless. For example, I had an interview for a placement and they didn’t hire me. See, everyone makes mistakes. Even Sir Richard.
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well, normally I start sleeping during those information, maybe if I would have taken this flight i wouldn’t. MAybe.
The drawings are great!
Daan, absolutely agree. The idea to interrupt with a completely different sort of messaging in a situation where we all know the script by heart, is sensational. But I also agree that execution is less brilliant – might be that it’s simply not our visual style? …
Maybe…I just get the feeling they held back a little and didn’t want to go too far overboard with the funny and quirky elements of the video – which, if true, would be rather weird considering its Virgin we are talking about.
Or maybe it’s just not our visual style
Actually I find the execution well thought out. Everything is monochrome and crudely drawn except the important elements.
Those elements are in color which makes them stand out while the video is playing, but also makes them memorable should the need arise to recall this information (i.e a crash). In a panic it’s probably easier to remember to pull a “yellow thingie” onto your face or look for red lights on the floor to find an exit than some eloquent detailed verbal instruction.
The visual style will likely appeal to a younger audience, and though it may not appeal as much to an older crowd it will probably catch their interest. Either way, people will talk about it.
That’s pretty damn brilliant in my books!