Ellie Jones
University of Derby

Feel the Beats

Thank you to Interbrand for their extensive feedback: ‘Ellie’s response to Reality Check was an inclusive campaign supporting those with hearing impairments. The clever use of sign language in hero images created a platform for these individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and representation. The beautifully crafted illustrations not only raised awareness about communication accessibility but also celebrated the richness of sign language in a charming way. This thoughtful approach ensured the campaign resonated broadly, promoting inclusivity and understanding, and making the hearing-impaired community feel seen and valued, which we loved.

We would have loved to see how this concept could be expanded into a full brand identity. Moving away from the Beats brand and creating a new brand identity that integrates sign language as headlines and inclusive design elements across all touchpoints. This approach could set a new standard for accessibility and representation in branding. 

Ellie presented their research findings effectively, confidently highlighting alternative directions their campaign could have taken. They identified a market gap and smartly partnered with a well-loved brand like Beats, steering the campaign in a strong direction. The choice of illustrations and the incorporation of sign language added a clever twist. We would have loved to see some elements of the campaign pushed further, such as the packaging designs and different illustrations Ellie mentioned. Additionally, their well-prepared and succinct presentation made it easy to understand her process.’