Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce and The Paradox of Choice center on the relations between choice and consumer happiness. In Spaghetti Sauce, I noted that Malcolm Gladwell focuses on how choice influences consumer happiness. Through the show, I learned how Pepsi selected aspartame as one of the ingredients in their beverages (Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce).
Gladwell indicates how the company selected the ingredient. He points out that the company started their tests with Diet Pepsi. While experimenting, the company realized that it was better to experiment with numerous choices. After watching this scene, I noted that more choices make clients happier (Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce).
With more choices, consumers can select a range of products or services, which make their lives better. After watching this show, I realized that if producers come up with a range of similar products consumers would have more choices. Because of more choices and products, shopping experience will change for a number of consumers. With diverse products in the market, customers will get value for their money and gain more contentment.
In The Paradox of Choice, Schwartz Barry unlike Godwell debates how eradication of customer choices can significantly lessen the shoppers’ worry. Barry asserts that in the past there were fewer brands in the market because there was less competition (The Paradox of Choice). He points out that today there is increased competition due to the entrance of a number of brands.
In the past, limited choices made shopping experience easy. He asserts that today’s shopping is not easy due to entrance of numerous brands in the market. However, he suggests that today’s shopping is a more pleasant experience (The Paradox of Choice). After watching the show, I realized that an increase in life choices has its advantages and disadvantages with respect to customer satisfaction.
Barry argues that with increased shopping choices, consumers’ expectations have increased (The Paradox of Choice). Shoppers are currently more concerned with how products should be designed in comparison with other products. He argues that with increased expectations consumers derive less satisfaction. Through this show, I also recognized that in the absence of more choices people might be contented with the little available preferences.
Barry concludes that the secret to contentment is setting low expectations. Barry asserts that a number of individuals who have set high expectations and failed often feel miserable about themselves (The Paradox of Choice). From the show, I noted that consumers should learn to manage their expectations. Consumers can benefit the most and be contented of the products they purchase if they set realistic expectations.
Works Cited
Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce. Ex. Prod. Malcolm Gladwell. New York: TED Show. 2006. Film.
The Paradox of Choice. Ex. Prod. Barry Schwartz. New York: TED Show. 2005. Film.