The Four-Letter Code to Selling Anything

Discover the secret behind successful product design and marketing in this 21-minute TEDx talk by Derek Thompson. Explore Raymond Loewy's MAYA principle - Most Advanced Yet Acceptable - which explains why humans are drawn to familiar surprises. Learn how this theory, developed by the father of industrial design, has been validated through centuries of research and can be applied to create popular products across various industries. Gain insights into the delicate balance between neophilia (love of new things) and neophobia (fear of the unfamiliar) that drives consumer preferences. Understand how to leverage this knowledge to create "hits" that resonate with audiences in today's age of distraction.

The four-letter code to selling anything | Derek Thompson | TEDxBinghamtonUniversity