Brands that have penetrated our lives: Mapping them on Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Maslow's hierarchy talks about various needs that motivate motivates us and drives us at various  stages. We use many brands throughout our life time that are essential to us at each stage to satisfy our needs.

Below is an account of brands that I need or that drives me at each stage mapped on Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Mapping brands on Maslow's hierarchy

Physiological needs: Physiological needs are basic needs and are primal in nature. The brands that we use at this stage are in a way subconscious as our parents and friends may use these products and that would have influenced us.

My picks:

•          Bisleri water - I generally pick Bisleri bottle in general when I am out and need water. As I feel the quality and the taste of water is better compared to others.
•          MTR Rasam powder- Rasam is a staple dish in our house and MTR Rasam powder is the closest to the taste of homemade rasam powder.
•          Bombay dyeing bed sheets – Bombay dyeing bed sheets are soft, affordable and easy to maintain.

Safety needs: While having a roof our head is the first thing we look for. There are various things we use to feel protected and safe ranging from umbrellas to sunscreen lotions.

My picks:

•          Zucci Hand sanitizer- Sanitizer is one thing that we tend to mostly have in our bags. I prefer Zucci as the fragrance is soothing and does not have the strong smell that sanitizers have. It also feels lighter compared to other brands.
•          Godrej locks- We have always used Godrej locks for many years. The locks are sturdy but, smoother to open with the key. Jamming of the key rarely appears.
•          Hit spray- Hit spray works instantly and is a good product to kill roaches. It provides a sense of security against cockroach infestation

Love & Belonging: Family, friendships and love are an integral part of human lives. Everyone wants to belong.

My picks:

•         WhatsApp – I heavily rely on WhatsApp to communicate with my friends especially with the ones that I can’t meet on a daily basis. With texts, calls and vide calls on WhatsApp it is easier to stay connected.
•          Green Label coffee powder – Drinking coffee with my parents in the morning is a daily ritual. We have prepared filter coffee with the Green Label coffee powder for generations. Along with liking the taste of the coffee, the brand gives me a feeling of home and comfort.
•          Postcross – Postcross is an organisation that promotes the sending of post cards and making pen pals from around the world. Receiving a postcard from someone who you have never met and connecting with them is joyous.  

Self esteem: At this stage the brands that we would use would be a very conscious decision as it has to appeal to our sensibilities and social standing.

 My picks:

•         Baggit – Being a person who loves bags and wallets that does not use leather products, I am always on the lookout for quality bags and wallets that are not made of leather.  Baggit caters to this category well. Although, it is slightly expensive, it is worth its price.
•          Dell - Dell has a durability factor to it. The looks and the user interface are pretty good.
•          Fastrack - I have always been fascinated with Fastrack, the looks of the watches are very quirky and sporty.

Self Actualisation: Self actualisation is when we realise our potential and want work on the causes that drive us. 

My picks:

• Cupa Second Chance Home- Cupa's second chance home is an initiative to find homes for dogs that were not adopted earlier or were abandoned by their previous owners.  Causes for animals is something that I am passionate about. While there are other organisations, I have had the chance to visit the organisation and interact with the management and the other volunteers and the place is very welcoming.
• Teach for India- Teach for India is an initiative to get the youth to share their knowledge and teach children who do not have access to quality teachers. The way the fellowship works interests me.
• Institute of World Culture- Institute of World Culture hosts a library on its premises and organises various talks on social causes. I used to spend a lot of time in the library and volunteered at the library as I wanted to learn the work of a librarian.