Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and The Uses and Gratifications Theory

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

In the pre-production tasks, I looked at Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as one way of seeing what needs to be considered in creating a magazine.

The pyramid reads from bottom to top with the most basic needs at the bottom.

Physiological and Safety needs - cannot be covered by magazines.

Love/Belonging - Is accomplished in magazines by giving exclusive information and gifts, which makes the reader feel like they belong in a group by getting a certain magazine.

Esteem - Often covered in magazines by having one or a combination of things, which may include stories that make celebrities seem more like an average person (gossip magazines may use this), or by giving advice to readers to help further themselves at something (used in hobby magazines).

Self-Actualisation - Some magazines accomplish this simply by helping people further themselves at something, such as learning to play an instrument.

The Uses and Gratifications Theory

The uses and gratifications theory uses 4 areas that people desire to see what else needs to be considered in the production of a magazine

Diversion - An escape from everyday life and it's problems. 
Personal Identity - How a person sees themselves and their views and beliefs. 
Personal Relationships - Feeling as if they are part of a group. This is similar to the love/belonging part of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Surveillance - A need to know what is happening in the world around a person.