TL Effect – A synergetic experience where value is added from the product acting as a catalyst to advance the end user.
So recently I purchased an Acura TL and let me tell you I love it! From the super-fast VTech engine to the Bluetooth syncing with my iPhone to the pounding super clear sound system this car has it all and more.
This past weekend my girlfriend got a dose of what I have dubbed the “TL Effect”. We were on our way to the movies Sunday night and stopped at a light when a jam from my iPod, plugged into the in-car USB plug, turned some heads and had the couple next to us dancing. I think Acura made an excellent choice promoting the TV commercials with Citizen Cope’s “Let My Drummer Kick” but in this case I found the perfect song for the perfect car. I have a remixed version of David Guetta’s “Love Is Gone” and the electronic baseline goes hard and nasty on the Dolby Sound system. Next we found ourselves ROFLOAO as the beats in the song seemed to be synchronized to our next moves. We pulled into a spot in the parking lot of the theater as if we were the stars arriving for the debut.
The next day I pulled up to a stop light and two young guys busted out a lame version of the robot cracking up as they did it. It was a classic YouTube moment probably worth millions of views but the 360-degree swivel-mount video camera option with one button upload to YouTube isn’t offered on the ’09 model yet.
Same story last night, passed by a local nightclub/bar and a girl exiting the club in a black dress threw up her hands and started dancing in the streets. It was awesome and entertaining to say the least. I’ve had people yell, “Hey give me my car back”, “can we go again” and probably broken more necks than an old Wrigley’s Double Mint double take commercial as they stare the TL down.
What I’m trying to say is that the experiences are worth more than what Acura had sold me for the car or promoted. They are moments and stories that are priceless and will be shared. The brand is rock solid the product ensures it, which makes for an enjoyable ride full of surprises each time I get in and push the big red button. More brands should focus on this type of experience design and weigh value and ROI on what the product can ignite and perpetuate in the user beyond just the sticker price. Thanks Acura you have a new loyal customer.
P.S. I would be happy to drive the next Great User Experience you create and share it across the web just give me a tweet at @RFIJoey.