If you’re a fan of catchy tunes and quirky illustrations, you might have come across the “Dumb Ways to Die” campaign created by Metro Trains in Melbourne, Australia. This public service announcement was launched in 2012 in the form of a music video that quickly went viral on the internet.
So, what was it about “Dumb Ways to Die” that made it such a hit?
One of the main reasons was its use of humor. The song and video featured a variety of characters engaging in activities that were considered dangerous and careless, such as playing with a stick of dynamite or standing on the edge of a train platform. The lyrics of the song warned listeners about the consequences of these actions and encouraged them to be more careful.
But the use of humor wasn’t just for entertainment purposes. It also helped to capture people’s attention and make the message more memorable. The catchy tune and humorous illustrations of the “Dumb Ways to Die” campaign were designed to stand out and get people to pay attention to the message.
Another reason why “Dumb Ways to Die” was made in a funny way was to appeal to a wide audience. By using humor, the creators of the campaign were able to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. The song and video were designed to be entertaining and engaging for anyone who watched them.
The use of humor also made the message about safety more palatable and easier for people to accept. By presenting the message in a lighthearted and humorous way, it was more likely to be received positively and remembered by the audience.
One of the most successful aspects of the “Dumb Ways to Die” campaign was its ability to encourage sharing. The catchy tune and humorous illustrations made it more likely that people would share the song and video with their friends and on social media. This helped to spread the message about safety to a wider audience.
In addition to all of these benefits, the use of humor in the “Dumb Ways to Die” campaign helped to differentiate it from other safety messages that might be perceived as boring or preachy. It helped to make the campaign stand out and be more memorable. Overall, the use of humor was an effective way to promote safety around trains and raise awareness about the importance of following safety rules.