The Grandfather Who Changed the World: The Pampers Story 👶


Hi friend,

Have you ever wondered who came up with the idea for disposable diapers? Well, let me take you back to the 1950s.

Imagine a grandfather named Victor Mills, who worked as a researcher at Procter & Gamble. Victor was frustrated with the endless task of changing his grandson’s cloth diapers. One day, he thought, "There has to be a better way!" And so, he embarked on a mission to create something revolutionary. His determination and ingenuity led to the birth of Pampers, a brand that would soon become a household name.

Pampers wasn’t just about keeping babies dry; it was about happy, healthy development. This core value is reflected in everything they do, from their packaging to their advertisements filled with happy, laughing babies of all genders and races.

One of my favorite Pampers stories involves a famous ad campaign. Picture this: John Legend, yes, the Grammy-winning singer, changing his baby’s diaper. But he’s not alone; he’s joined by a chorus of singing dads, breaking the stereotype that diaper changing is just a mom’s job. And then, Chrissy Teigen, John’s wife and Twitter queen, chimes in with a cheeky comment, "Do you want a medal for this?" It’s hilarious, relatable, and sends a powerful message: if Pampers is good enough for celebrity babies, it’s good enough for yours too.

The UX Lesson: Challenging the Status Quo

Pampers' success lies in its ability to challenge societal norms and resonate with its audience on a deeply personal level. By showing that men can also participate in diaper duty, Pampers not only promotes its product but also advocates for gender equality in parenting.

How to apply this lesson to your next project:

  1. Identify and challenge norms: Look for opportunities to challenge outdated norms or stereotypes within your industry. This can help differentiate your brand and make it more relatable to a broader audience.
  2. Use relatable storytelling: Craft stories that your audience can see themselves in. Use real-life scenarios and relatable characters to create a strong emotional connection.
  3. Incorporate humor and realism: As seen in the Pampers ad with John Legend, a touch of humor and a dose of reality can make your message more engaging and memorable.

Cheers, UX Letter

P.S: Always remember, great UX is not just about the product; it's about the story you tell and the norms you challenge. Victor Mills didn't just invent a new diaper; he redefined parenting convenience for generations to come.

🎬 Pampers' Ad I was referring to

video preview

✍🏻 Quote of the week

"All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure."
- Mark Twain

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I love reading all your emails, even though I may not able to reply to them all. But Yes! I read them all.

uxletter, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302021
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