Consumer Identity and Purchase Analysis | Student Project

Consumer Identity & Purchases

Ms. Bannister<br/>Abdi T.<br/>Social 9<br/>18/03/25<br/>

Connect to Big Ideas – Assignment

Purchase #1 — Keyboard

Why I Bought It

While browsing social media, I came across tech appliance review videos, including keyboard reviews that tempted me to upgrade. This temptaion combined with the thought of my old keyboard malfunctioning, having too many useless keys, and registering inputs poorly, I decided to invest in a magnetic keyboard with a 75% layout.

Identity's Role

My identity as a gamer played a major role in this purchase. A reliable and responsive compact keyboard will definitely give me an advantage over my opponents. The keyboard has low input-delay which is crucial to make quick actions

Reflection of Self

This purchase mostly reflects my gamer identity and my belief in keeping only what I need. It also reflects my identity as a student as I can use this keyboard to type assignments and notes comfortably without having to worry about keys not registering, which may possibly lose me marks due to typos. I value performance, comfortability, and minimalism. Buying a 75% keyboard shows I discard what is unnecessary and optimize for what matters.

Other Factors

Quality and functionality were critical factors. The keyboard needed to have low latency and great key registration. Price was secondary to performance given how central it is to my setup.

Purchase #2 — Little Caesars Pizza

Why I Bought It

While scrolling through social media, I came across review videos of Little Caesars that made the pizza look really appetizing. The craving kicked in immediately, and the affordability and convenience made it an easy decision to act on.

Identity's Role

My identity played a minor role here. I do not strongly identify as a foodie, so brand loyalty and food culture had little influence. The purchase was more about curiosity and convenience than identity.

Reflection of Self

This purchase reflects my belief that it is okay to enjoy a cheat meal once in a while. I value balance, I do not restrict myself from indulgent foods, but they are not a core part of who I am either.

Other Factors

Price and convenience were the dominant factors. Little Caesars is known for being affordable and fast, both appealing qualities for a student on a budget who wants a quick, satisfying meal.

Purchase #3 — Cotton Shirts

Why I Bought It

Most of my existing shirts were not 100% cotton, which made them less comfortable to wear. I needed to add more comfortable shirts to my wardrobe, and a pack of these delivered exactly that.

Identity's Role

My identity played a moderate role. I do not strongly identify with fashion or style, but I do value personal comfort highly. The choice of a plain cotton shirt reflects that comfort matters more to me than appearance or brand.

Reflection of Self

This purchase reflects my belief that comfort should come first. As someone who prefers practicality over style, buying a simple 100% cotton shirt aligns with my simple, laid-back approach to clothing and daily life.

Other Factors

Material quality was the primary factor. 100% cotton is noticeably softer and more breathable than blended fabrics. Price was reasonable for the quality, and since I am not focused on fashion trends, the plain design was a plus, not a drawback.