Design Is Subjective, But Some Things Are Just Better

Design is subjective. Preferences differ, opinions vary, and there are endless ways any advert could be executed. But subjectivity doesn’t mean every solution performs equally. Some approaches communicate more clearly, position a brand more confidently, and ultimately work harder.

Take a recent example from LBS Builders Merchants. The original Meta ad showed exactly what it needed to show — the product. A close-up image of sand. Accurate, functional, honest. But in a social feed, that’s rarely enough. It doesn’t frame the material as valuable. It doesn’t give the viewer a reason to pause. It simply presents a commodity and hopes it speaks for itself.

The proposed designs approach the same product differently. Instead of leading with raw material alone, they introduce context, people and outcome. The headline becomes declarative rather than descriptive, positioning the brand around quality and results rather than stock. Hierarchy guides the eye. Key words carry emphasis. The red shape anchors the layout, reinforces brand consistency and creates a recognisable campaign device. Supporting copy adds credibility and trust, ensuring the message does more than fill space.

This isn’t about awards or overcomplicating a simple ad. It’s about recognising that when products are similar, presentation becomes the differentiator. Clarity beats neutrality. Strong messaging beats silence. Brand presence beats a generic image. There may be infinite creative routes, but when one communicates more effectively and elevates the perception of the business, it’s hard to argue that it isn’t simply better.