What Does “Make It Pop” Really Mean?

The phrase “make it pop” has become a hallmark of design feedback, leaving designers scratching their heads and clients hoping for something more eye-catching. At its core, this request is often a vague way of asking for more visual impact, but what that looks like can vary wildly. The challenge for designers is to translate these words into actionable improvements that align with the client’s vision and brand.

Here’s a deeper look into what clients may actually mean, along with examples and actionable tips to help you bridge the gap:

1. Add More Color: Vibrancy and Energy

When a client says “make it pop,” they might want the design to feel more lively and engaging. This often translates to introducing bold or unexpected colors.

Actionable Tips:

• Use an Accent Color: Introduce a contrasting or complementary color to emphasize key elements, like call-to-action buttons or headlines.

• Example: If the design has a muted palette, adding a bright orange or teal accent can draw attention while keeping the overall look cohesive.

• Experiment with Gradients: Replace flat backgrounds with subtle gradients to add depth and sophistication.

• Example: A product advertisement with a gradient background can make the product feel dynamic and modern.

• Adjust Saturation: Boost the vibrancy of existing colors slightly to give the design a fresh, energetic feel without overdoing it.

What to Avoid:
Overloading the design with too many colors or clashing hues can quickly make it look unprofessional. Stick to the brand’s color palette or carefully chosen complementary tones.

2. Increase Contrast: Highlighting What Matters

Another interpretation of “make it pop” is that the client feels the design lacks hierarchy or clarity. Increasing contrast between elements can help create distinction and guide the viewer’s eye to the most important parts.

Actionable Tips:

• Play with Light and Dark: Use light text on dark backgrounds (or vice versa) for critical content like headlines.

• Example: A social media graphic with a dark overlay on an image and bright white text ensures the message stands out.

• Emphasize Key Elements: Increase the size or boldness of important text, buttons, or graphics.

• Example: A newsletter layout where the main headline is bold and larger than the rest of the text immediately captures attention.

• Layer Elements with Shadows or Borders: Adding subtle shadows or outlines to text and images can help them “pop” off the background.

What to Avoid:
Too much contrast across every element can overwhelm the viewer. Balance is key—use contrast to prioritize specific areas, not everything at once.

3. Focus Attention: Directing the Viewer’s Eye

Sometimes, “make it pop” is the client’s way of asking you to make a particular feature stand out. This could be a headline, a product image, or a call-to-action button.

Actionable Tips:

• Use Size and Placement: Place the most important elements in prominent positions (e.g., the top third of the design or center stage). Larger elements naturally draw attention.

• Example: A homepage hero image with a prominent call-to-action button in the center ensures the user’s focus is on the desired action.

• Incorporate Visual Cues: Arrows, lines, or other directional elements can subtly guide the viewer’s eye.

• Example: An email campaign featuring an arrow pointing to the “Shop Now” button creates a clear focal point.

• Add Animation or Movement: For digital designs, subtle animations like hover effects or pulsing buttons can draw attention without being distracting.

What to Avoid:
Adding too many focal points can dilute the impact. Identify the one thing you want the viewer to notice first and build the design around that.

Ask the Right Questions to Clarify

When a client says “make it pop,” your first step should always be to uncover their true intent. Asking the right questions can help avoid miscommunication and ensure you’re enhancing the design in a way that meets their expectations.

Key Questions to Ask:

• “Which parts of the design feel flat to you?”
  This helps pinpoint areas the client feels need improvement.

• “Can you show me an example of what you mean by ‘pop’?”
  Clients often have a specific idea in mind but lack the vocabulary to articulate it. Reference images can be invaluable.

• “What emotion or reaction do you want people to have?”
  Knowing the desired emotional impact can guide your design decisions, whether it’s excitement, urgency, or trust.

Pro Tip: Keep an open mind during these discussions. Sometimes, “make it pop” is just a placeholder for “I feel like something is missing,” and a little collaboration can reveal surprising insights.

Bringing It All Together

By understanding the client’s intention—whether it’s adding color, boosting contrast, or focusing attention—you can transform the nebulous “make it pop” into a design that genuinely resonates. Remember, communication is key. With a little detective work and thoughtful design tweaks, you can ensure your work stands out for all the right reasons.

Now, the next time you hear “make it pop,” you’ll know exactly how to respond—with confidence and creativity.

Would you like help designing something that truly “pops”? Contact me today to discuss how we can elevate your brand’s visual presence!