Case:
Placebo Care
Product Concept and Design +
Brand Strategy +
Positioning and Messaging +
Identity and Marketing Design
Honest, Sugar-free,
Programmable Pill.
Most people have heard of a placebo. The word comes pre-loaded with associations, some of which work against the potential of the product. On the other hand, calling the product anything other than a placebo would be in practice, dishonest.
Placebos administered without deception are called open-label placebos. Nubellum Research engaged us to help define what a direct to consumer open-label placebo might look like - as a brand, as a product and as an engaging personal wellness tool.
We started where all acceptance challenges start, with open and honest conversation and education. Our goal was to separate the stigma of a “fake pill” and instead focus on the positive benefits of the placebo effect.
Zeroing in on the research, we wanted to share information and encourage buyers to test this effect for themselves with a quality, sugar-free product. The result is a brand, product and concept that invites seekers of alternative wellness in an approachable, honest and encouraging way.
The same guidelines of honesty and approachability also informed the visual cues we built into the labeling system.
Simple, clear, friendly typography for individualized products. Bold colors that help reinforce expectations and the placebo effect.
Choosing your intention and setting your expectation are key to harnessing the placebo effect. We built clear, bold, stimulating labeling that tied into outcomes that are highly placebo responsive. From managing stress and anxiety symptoms to brain fog and low energy, there is a programmable placebo for you.
Intention setting and consistency boost the placebo effect.
To make this easier, we designed an app and paper journal to help track progress and the effect over time.
The app gives users sensible notifications, progress tracking, outcome-boosting activities and biometric reporting to optimize their results.
For those wary of tying their daily calming rituals to their phone, we designed a paper Daily Quick Journal to track their progress.
