# Stimulated Branding Brands turn to eclectic packaging to satiate a need for visual enticement. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 10, 2014, updated Apr 3, 2014 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/stimulated-branding ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Stimulated Branding trend? **Stimulated Branding:** Moving away from the more minimalist and straightforward packaging designs, brands are opting for hypnotic imagery to target buyers through eclectic sensory patterns. By opting for greater visual stimulation, brands seek to engage with consumers on a deeper level, satiating a consumer need for marketing techniques that challenge one’s ocular aptitude. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 15, 2013 to Feb 26, 2014 - Published: Mar 10, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Stimulated Branding trend ### Eclectic Sensory Patterns in Packaging Design Brands are using more complex and visually stimulating packaging designs to challenge and engage consumers on deeper levels. ### Mixed Media Branding The use of mixed media in branding, as seen in pattern-mixing on perfume packaging and textile-inspired bottle designs, creates a unique and visually appealing packaging that stands out on store shelves. ### Customized Packaging Designers are exploring packaging customization options such as offering ingredient-indicating designs to allow consumers to create their own unique flavor combinations. ## What the Stimulated Branding trend means for industry ### For Marketing and Advertising By using eclectic sensory patterns and mixed media branding, marketers can create packaging designs that resonate with consumers and differentiate their products from competitors. ### For Food and Beverage Customized packaging options such as ingredient-indicating designs and geometric shapes can help food and beverage brands stand out on the shelves and provide consumers with unique product offerings. ### For Design and Manufacturing Customized packaging and mixed media branding require innovation in the design and manufacturing processes, presenting an opportunity for design and manufacturing professionals to create unique and engaging products. ## Trend signals for Stimulated Branding Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 61%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 68% - Activity: 61% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Stimulated Branding trend 6 featured examples from Nov 15, 2013 to Feb 26, 2014. - [Groovy Booze Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/devils-peak-beer-packaging): Devil's Peak Beer Packaging Channels 70s Spirit and Nostalgia (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Craft breweries can leverage unique and eye-catching packaging to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. - [Compacted Geometric Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nrg-organic-tea-packaging): NRG Organic Tea Boxes Give an Illusion of Great Depth and Complexity (Category: Marketing) Implication: Exploring compacted geometric packaging techniques can enhance product presentation and create a unique brand experience for food and beverage companies. - [Pattern-Mixing Perfume Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perfume-packaging): Balenciaga's Rosabotanica Perfume Packaging Mixes Prints & Scents (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunities to incorporate pattern-mixing designs in clothing, accessories, and cosmetic packaging. - [Textile Bottle Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whirling-tulip-packaging): Whirling Tulip Packaging Embraces a Look of Textural Substantiality (Category: Marketing) Implication: The beverage packaging industry can leverage textile-inspired patterns and cultural motifs to create visually striking products that stand out on the shelf. - [Ingredient-Indicating Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zotter-mixing-bar-packaging): Zotter Mixing Bar Packaging Creatively Features the Candy Contents (Category: Marketing) Implication: Creating packaging designs that allow customers to customize their food and beverage orders according to their taste preferences. - [Colorful Infinity-Inspired Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brewery-branding): This New Co-op Brewery Branding is Bold, Friendly and Unique (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Craft breweries can explore unconventional branding strategies to differentiate themselves and connect with consumers on a deeper level. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)