Target Observation

Here are 5 artifacts that I found at Target that can suggest connections of design process, consumerism, and media influence:

A shopping cart is an excellent artifact that was designed specifically for Target stores nationwide. It can connect to the design process by the way it was made. There is a large space for items to be put in the cart while shopping in the store as well as space underneath to fit more items if necessary. In order to shop for multiple items in the store, the consumer needs to use a shopping cart so  one can get everything they need without carrying it. The shopping cart can also suggest that consumers should buy more than just one or a few items in the store. With so much room in the cart, there is plenty of room to shop till you drop. Target's logo is also located on the cart which suggests that the cart can only be used at Target stores. Placement of the logo can relate to media influence as the logo is known globally and appears in commercials.

Apple products are not only sold in Apple stores, but stores like Target. The display of the new iPhone 6 has actual models of the phone and the apple logo and phone are advertised pretty largely on a bright background to attract consumers to look at it. Target also has specials on the new iPhone which may be cheaper than buying the phone at a mobile phone store such as AT&T or Verizon. Selling apple products like the iPhone at stores like Target relates to consumerism by having the products be available at more common stores like Target. One would know where their nearest Target store is located but not necessarily an Apple store. The Apple logo and font used in the Apple ads relate to the media by being universally known and is constantly used in ad campaigns.

Clothing items of popular sports teams in the area are sold at Target in one display. One can easily find their favorite sports team and purchase apparel for the upcoming or current season. The display includes clothing for men, women, children, and even infants/toddlers. There is also assortment of clothing articles like t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, jerseys, and tank tops. Here the consumer has a lot of options to choose from. It can also relate to consumerism by possibly being at a lower price than one would pay for the same thing at a sports shop or team shop. The logos like the Reds, Bengals, and Kentucky Wildcats influence media by being placed all over the articles of clothing. Product placement is probably the biggest influence on media for this display in Target.
 

Like the Apple products, Starbucks coffee is sold in Targets. Sometimes, even Starbucks store locations are inside Target so customers can drink their favorite brand of coffee and get their shopping done. The display includes a sign with the Starbucks logo at the very top and all of the products on the shelf are obviously Starbucks related. Consumers now can buy Starbucks brand coffee or tea without having to go a Starbucks location. It could also be possible that the bags of coffee are cheaper than buying a single cup. Now consumers can have Starbucks roasted coffee in their house and can bring Starbucks home with them. The logo advertised by using a dark background so it will stand out and customers will notice the display right away. The logo is used on all Starbucks products and even things like cups, napkins, and bags from the store; consumers can recognize the logo fairly easily. The logo is also used in all of Starbucks advertisements.

Target has a small selection of fresh produce that is located near the boxed and canned food items. This display is the first food related one that customers will see when they turn the corner to go find the snack food items. Having this display out first suggests that customers can not only buy brand name food, but fresh fruit, vegetables, and handmade bakery items. These foods are on the healthier side of the food pyramid. Selling fresh produce now suggest that consumers can come to Target instead of going to the grocery store to buy their food. From personal experience, this can save consumers time by only going to one store for everything instead of multiple to get groceries. This also comes in handy when a consumer only needs a small amount of groceries. One can also pick up something here if they forgot to grab it at the grocery store. As far as media, Target commercials advertise that they sell produce necessities like milk, bread, and fruits/vegetables. This shows that Target does indeed sell items like that and one does not have to make a trip all the way to the grocery store for those kind of items.