What's in a Name?
When developing a name for a product or business, you want to think about a name that has the correct associations. It is important that the name evokes the right emotions and images. Your name should be easy to read, spell, and pronounce, and should reflect a certain quality. And most of all it should be memorable.
1. Prepare a word list
Make a list of 25-50 words that describe your business or product.
These words will help you build a foundation. Start with simple and obvious words. EXAMPLE: if you were naming a coffeeshop a few words you might start with could be aroma, beans, addicitive, caffiene, quaint, fresh, friendly, etc...
These words will help you build a foundation. Start with simple and obvious words. EXAMPLE: if you were naming a coffeeshop a few words you might start with could be aroma, beans, addicitive, caffiene, quaint, fresh, friendly, etc...
2. Combine words
Try putting two words together to create 1 word. Mix and match words to see how they fit together.
Example: PopLaundry, Microsoft, FedEx (Federal Express)
Example: PopLaundry, Microsoft, FedEx (Federal Express)
3. Look beyond the obvious
Use alternate spellings. But be careful of existing names which might be similar. You want to be unique but you don't want customers to be confused.
Example: Cingular vs Singular
Example: Cingular vs Singular
4. Think outside the box
Use foreign words. Greek and Latin words are great resources for developing meaningful names
5. Pick your finalists
By now you should have a solid list of words and phrases. Narrow your list down to the top 5 candidates that best match your product or business. Start to think about literal and emotional meanings of each word.
6. Find a soul
The thesaurus is your friend. Use it. Look up the words from your list. Find related words or phrases. Find synonyms of your words and phrases. Create a word tree. 7. Listen to the sounds
People have a tendency to "see" images when we read or hear a word. Try to avoid names with uncertain pronunciations. Part of the meaning of a word is colored by its sounds.
8. Understand your surroundings
Where your name will be used? Whether it is in Japan, US, Germany, Turkey or anywhere else, you should be aware of what your product or business name means to the residents of that country. Knowing what part of the world your product or business will be can have a large impact on the name you select.
9. Informal usability testing
Go over the candidate list with a few people. Have them tell you how each name makes them feel, and how memorable they think it is.
Example: If you told your company or product name to ten strangers, would at least half of them guess what business you're in? Make a scorecard of how name does.
Example: If you told your company or product name to ten strangers, would at least half of them guess what business you're in? Make a scorecard of how name does.
10. Own it
Once you have come up with an acceptable name think about getting a Trademark, copyright or domain name.
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Lensmaster
lizholz wrote...
This is a growing document. Does it need more details or examples?
Posted June 20, 2009
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