Product naming convention

A product naming convention is a process of product or good description or titling. Consistent use of alphanumeric characters and separating devices defines a naming convention. The naming convention will create an identifier for that version or model of product or goods.[1][2]

The use of UPC codes may come to replace the need for such naming conventions as bar code readers become common. Speakable product name codes or strict names are still needed for marketing and customer service aspects. A properly identified product can lead to sales and properly targeted support.[3]

Naming can be separated by a shift of characters. Heritage concepts like character segments are common.

Purpose & Importance

• Brand Identity: A well-structured naming convention reinforces brand identity and ensures consistency across products.
• Searchability & Inventory Management: Consistent naming aids in efficient inventory management and improves product searchability for both consumers and internal teams.

Types of Naming Conventions

• Descriptive Naming: Names that clearly describe the product's function or characteristics, such as "Burger King" or "PayPal."
• Evocative Naming: Names that evoke an emotional response or imagery, like "Apple" or "Nike."
• Invented Naming: Creating unique, non-dictionary words to represent a product, such as "Wii" by Nintendo.

Common Separators & Formatting

• Delimiters: Utilizing underscores (_), hyphens (-), or pipes (|) to separate different elements in a product name enhances readability and organization.

Industry-Specific Naming Conventions

• Technology: In the tech industry, product names often include numbers or letters representing specific product features or capabilities.
• Fashion & Apparel: Names may incorporate style, collection, or season identifiers to convey the product's relevance and appeal.

Challenges & Best Practices

• Consistency: Maintaining uniform naming conventions across all products to avoid confusion.
• Scalability: Ensuring the naming system can accommodate future products and variations.
• Avoiding Overcomplication: Keeping names simple and intuitive to prevent misunderstandings.

The Future of Product Naming

• Technological Integration: As technology evolves, naming conventions may need to adapt to new platforms and digital environments.
• Consumer Feedback: Incorporating consumer insights can lead to more effective and resonant product names.

Examples

Simple names

1234H67

HGrD

11-2044

RR-1234

Complex names

ABC-04-DEF-GHI

AB035NN5T

21T-4000-97

Example-A:

1a-001a-01a

|........|.......|_____ (V6-Motor + Carburettor + Brass needle and seats)

|........|_________ (V6-Motor + Carburettor) – a 3-digit number (001) for motor type allows for the use of multiple motors types

|____________ (Vehicle type model-1) (Hatchback)

Example-B:

1 = (A Vehicle type model)

1a = (Vehicle type model-a) (Hatchback)

1b = (Vehicle type model-b) (Sedan)

.....-001a = (V6-Motor + Carburettor) – a 3-digit number (001) for motor type allows for the use of multiple motors types

.....-001b = (V6-Motor + Carburettor)

.....-001c = (V6-Motor + Fuel injection)

.....-002a = (V8-Motor + Carburettor)

.....-002b = (V8-Motor + Carburettor)

.....-002c = (V8-Motor + Fuel injection)

..............-01a (V6-Motor + Carburettor + Brass needle and seats)

..............-01b (V6-Motor + Carburettor + Stainless steel needle and seats)

See also

• Naming convention
• Naming firms
• Universal Product Code
• Product naming

References

1. Maxim Product Naming Conventions
2. Logic product naming conventions
3. "Nokia naming conventions". Archived from the original on 2010-03-06. Retrieved 2011-06-16.