Marketing is paramount

Design and marketing are very much intertwined insomuch that the various qualities of a product's design produce a message, a message often found appealing by certain demographies. Marketing, in turn, further strengthens and hones this message, articulating it through branding, packaging, etc., thus locking on to these desired consumers. It seems the most important elements of marketing center on branding and packaging as these largely contribute to the consumer's most outward perceptions of a product.

There is much similarity between the ideas presented in this text, the "Principles of Marketing," and in Tom Kelly's "Design of Experiences." Marketing often plays into experience; this is evident in various phrases found on product packaging which express ideas relevant to the consumer's experience with the product.

The Kalamazoo College brand is one of exclusivity, celebrated academics, and unparalleled study abroad. These qualities are exemplified in the college's architecture, its competitive student body, and its notoriety, particularly in the realm of academia. K is successful in reinforcing this brand through cite of graduate doctoral attainment rates similar to those of many of the Ivies.