Display Standards

Compressive outline of Macy’s display this include design, copy and animations

I lead a team of 3 including myself. We are lean and mean covering over 120 individual jobs a month including html, dco and native ads. To keep us running a smooth as possible we have a process from briefing to final display production in place.

 

At the start of every project when we review content these are the answers we ask ourselves.

  • Is this a standard-alone ad or connected to a larger campaign?

  • Where is this linking?

  • Who is our target?

  • What are we saying to them?

  • How do we want them to feel?

  • Why should they want to shop with us?

  • What are take aways we want the customer to have?

Fashion- Standard display

Fashion- Standard display

Hybrid - Standard display and Dynamic Content feed

Hybrid - Standard display and Dynamic Content feed

Value- Dynamic Content feed

Value- Dynamic Content feed

Jobs fall in to 3 main categories at Macy’s fashion. value and hybrid ( is a combo of fashion and value).

These are the 4 tools we have to create best in class creative.

  1. Visual Narrative

  2. Messaging

  3. Typography

  4. Animation Standards

Good Visual Story

Good Visual Story

Bad Visual Story- Not cohesive visual narrative. Each image was shot at different locations and pieces together.

Bad Visual Story- Not cohesive visual narrative. Each image was shot at different locations and pieces together.

Visual Narrative

Display is a 15-second commercial it’s no different than animated social media ads or tv. The big difference is it lives on a page with content and we have 3 seconds to grab someone’s attention as they scroll.

It’s important to have a strong consistent visual narrative with striking images and design.

 

Messaging + Typography

A challenge with display is the limiting of space for copy so it need to be short and impactful. We follow the 5 second test idea. Does the copy leave a strong enough impression to achieve the desire goal in 3-5 seconds.

HTML 5 template examples

Dynamic Content template examples

For Fashion it should be great fashion, the feels good and fashion authority.

HTML 5 template examples

Dynamic Content template examples

For Value it should be great products at good prices.

 

Animations

A lot can be done in 15 secs.

If it is fashion and we take an editorial approach.

In a sales ad, we need to build excitement and draw the eye to the sale proposition.

Recommended timing:
3 frames- 6 seconds for first 2 frame and 2 sec for last frame​ the last frame holds.
This is useful for frames that need along read on copy.

4 frames - 4 seconds for first 3 frame and 3 sec for last frame​ the last frame holds.
Better for editorial and less copy.

 
I have worked with Tesia for over 4 years and she was a true asset to our winning team! She always came to the table with new ideas, valuable wisdom and the drive to help the business and others. I would welcome the opportunity to work with her again, anytime.
— Deepa Arora Das, Creative Manage