Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Basic Human Needs and Branding



As branders, it is useful to understand the basic needs that drive human emotions and behaviors. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs addresses this, as does Artur Manfred Max Neef’s classification of fundamental human needs. Albert T. Poffenberger, Ph.D. devotes an entire chapter to “An Inventory of Human Desires” in his book, Psychology in Advertising, published in 1925.

I have been a student of basic human needs for the better part of 30 years.
Here is my list of basic human needs (compiled and revised over time from numerous sources):

  •       Appetite/hunger
  •       Safety/security
  •       Physical comfort
  •       Health/well-being
  •       Sexual gratification
  •       Competence/mastery
  •       To matter
  •       Ability to contribute/make a difference
  •       To be heard/understood
  •       Respect
  •       Recognition
  •       Self-esteem/sense of self-worth
  •       Affection
  •       Friendship
  •       Sense of belonging
  •       Control
  •       Autonomy
  •       Freedom
  •       Creative expression/playfulness
  •       Growth
  •       Meaning
  •       Beauty
  •       Wholeness/oneness



As marketers and crafters of brand strategy and messaging, we should be cognizant of the underlying needs that drive human behaviors including brand purchase and usage behaviors. The next time you craft strategy for your brand, think about which of these fundamental human needs your brand fulfills and then make sure you are reinforcing that need fulfillment with the brand and its messaging.

1 comment:

  1. Food is a fundamental requirement when it comes to fulfilling basic human needs. That's why cookery assignments are essential for students to understand the importance of cooking and nutrition. However, it's not just about cooking but also branding. To excel in both, students should follow writing tips for cookery assignments emphasizing creativity, clarity, and accuracy in conveying information about the dish, its nutritional value, and how it aligns with a specific brand's values.

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