A Golden (Delicious) Apple

Apple recently upheaved the mega web-giant Google in being named the world's Most Valuable Brand. Obviously there is something more to this $153 billion company that meets the eye, but what is it about Apple that is so dang fascinating?

He won't stop iBelievin'

Mr. Jobs and Co.
Take their fearless leader - Mr. Steve Jobs. Despite having deteriorating health over the last several years, he's managed to steer this company in the right direction even when he can't physically be there. Just watch a video of one of Apple's product releases, and listen to the crowd. It's like being at a rock show and Steve Jobs has turned into Steve Perry. Apple fanboys no doubt put Mr. Jobs on a high pedestal, and with good reason.  Apple has skyrocketed their way from college teen's backpacks with the original iPod, to making their way into corporate offices with the iPad.

A great box and design only fitting
for a great product.

Package and Style
Now we'll take a look at them from a packaging/marketing standpoint (I'll be referencing an iMac box). Their boxes alone are walking advertisements. The front could easily be seen in any number of magazines. But what makes it sexy? Simplicity is the name of the game here. The product shots are phenomenal to say the least. Sharp and focused, color balanced and well printed. Even the font choice is a superb; a crisp and clean sans-serif. The physical layout of the designs are very modern and fit the identity that is undoubtedly Apple. A stark white background with a single product in the forefront. The product name is large and is pleasing to the eye. Overall, a brilliant box to look at.

Beauty. Wonder. iMazing.

The same style then translates over to their physical brick-and-mortar stores. It's like Chuck E. Cheese for grown ups (at least for me). I literally feel slightly overwhelmed every time I set foot in one of these stores. The way they set up the various products is to allow greater flow of traffic, and for good cause - there is always a ton of people there. I recall practically having to wait in line to just play with a new iPad 2 several weeks after it's initial launch date. Also the staff is quite fitting with the tone that is Apple - cutting edge and full of energy. While some may view them as snarky hipsters, I find them to be quite helpful and knowledgeable (granted I am part of their generation, so it sort of works for me).

The computer/phone/music/technology extraordinare definitely knows what they are doing. I just love that everything is streamlined from the stores, to the website, to their presentations. Black and whites. High contrast. High resolution photographs. Sharp and modern design work. More companies, technology based and beyond should try to emulate and follow suit. Apple's business plan works for them, and it shows in everything they do.