Comments on: 3 Reasons Why you should Never Fear you’re being Copied

By: Rüdiger von Selzam

Rüdiger von Selzam — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:07:37 +0000

As a german designer working in NYC, I have been known to be annoyingly anal about keeping a brands “high-end spirit” in tact throughout even the smallest communications materials. More so as a consumer I am passionate and critical about quality products and always find myself researching longer and spending more money on the better thing. Anyway: I actually had the chance to work for Mercedes Benz USA – nothing big, but an opportunity to look closely at one of the most important brands of the world. Even though the driving experience is absolute highest end, I couldn’t get rid of a the feeling, that the design throughout the MB “classes” was somewhat inconsistent jumpy and often complicated. (round headlights vs. square, featureitis on simple elements such as rear view mirrors and steering wheels, etc.). To keep it short and I really hate to say this, but the copycat MB looks more finished and actually feels simpler and more reduced. Don’t get me wrong, I would still buy the original (As we all know, it’s not only the visual design that makes a product good …). Copying gives an easy and unbiased opportunity to improve things. Samsung also started as the Sony copy and has actually managed to overrule my very beloved gadget star from the 80’s. Samsung is a well established Brand today and not regarded as a copycat. Scary – but to give this copying phenomenon a positive spin: Being copied, forces a brand to reflect on itself and to take a critical look at what makes it unique. Doing so, a mature brand can get it right and I believe, unlike Sony, Mercedes is actually on the path of doing just that. Less “classes”, more visual consistency and less featureitis.

By: Social Pinoy Network

Social Pinoy Network — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:07:08 +0000

Simple, people who copy have no taste, uncreative and pure lazy.

By: Imitation vs differentiation « Designtivity

Imitation vs differentiation « Designtivity — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:47:51 +0000

[...] you find that others are imitating you, take solace in these three valid reasons to never fear being copied. Here’s a quick excerpt from Dwight’s timely words. Chinese automakers BYD (Build Your Dreams, [...]

By: Jehzeel Laurente

Jehzeel Laurente — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:12:14 +0000

Great insights here Woooooot!

Another quotable quote from you: “When you have a strong brand with a product of value, you’ll build strong and positive brand associations; plus, people’s perception of your product quality will be high. People will buy from you and even thank you for taking their money.” – I strongly agree with this Dwight.

Just like when I bought my 1st Samsung LCD TV. I really thanked Samsung for taking my money, or else, I’ll never end up with the best.

By: Dwight

Dwight — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:31:21 +0000

@David Well, I should thank you. And I’m glad you liked the post! Visit often when you have the time.

@Fernanda yeah, copying’s all around. But we have to do our part in stirring things up and making things more interesting. I’ll see you around!

By: Fernanda Carvalho

Fernanda Carvalho — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:48:13 +0000

Nice post. You see things like this happening everyday now in the blog world. Everyone wants to be on top and ends up copying the ones that are already there. That way, they think they can get there too. What they dont realise is that people (readers) are looking for fresh ideas, always.
Take care.

By: Imitation vs differentiation | David Airey » Graphic designer

Imitation vs differentiation | David Airey » Graphic designer — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:04:06 +0000

By: David Airey

David Airey — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:46:07 +0000

A timely topic, Dwight, and well-said. I was pointed here by my friend Lauren, of Creative Curio, and was surprised to see my name in your blogroll. Thanks for that!