Canva’s “The Intervention” takes a hilarious, almost sitcom-like approach to highlight the frustrations of bad design. The ad plays out as an intervention for someone who insists on using outdated, clunky design software—while everyone else has moved on to the simplicity and efficiency of Canva. It’s a witty, relatable take on how painful the design process can be when you don’t have the right tools.
The Formula (That Works at Any Budget):
Exaggerated Pain Points = Instant Engagement – The ad dramatizes the struggle of bad design tools, making it clear that sticking to the old way is not just inefficient—it’s intervention-worthy.
→ Lesson: Make your audience’s pain points feel ridiculous to emphasize how much better life is with your solution.
Humor Through Workplace Reality – Anyone who’s ever struggled with complicated design software or received an ugly, outdated presentation can relate to the frustration here. By framing it as an intervention, Canva turns workplace struggles into comedy gold.
→ Lesson: Use everyday workplace frustrations as a source of humor and engagement.
Product as the Obvious Hero – Canva isn’t just another tool—it’s the clear solution to the problem. The ad doesn’t just tell you that, though—it shows it through the team’s collective frustration and relief when Canva enters the conversation.
→ Lesson: Don’t just sell a product, sell the emotional relief of switching to it.
Social Pressure = Subtle FOMO – The intervention format makes it feel like everyone is already on Canva—except for the one stubborn holdout. This builds a sense of social proof and gently pressures viewers to consider making the switch.
→ Lesson: Make your product feel like the obvious choice that everyone is already using.
Humor Breakdown:
The humor works because it leans into workplace relatability and absurdity. The intervention setting is over-the-top, but the frustration is real—making it easy for the audience to see themselves in the situation. The playful exaggeration makes the pain points funnier while keeping the message clear.
Final Verdict:
Canva masterfully blends humor, relatability, and a clear product benefit into an ad that not only entertains but convinces. By taking a lighthearted, intervention-style approach, Canva turns the idea of upgrading design software into something fun, social, and obvious.
Brave-o-meter score:
B-8 | R-9 | A-8 | V-9 | E-9
BRAVE – 8.6/10
Watch the full ad & learn more:
Website: Canva
LinkedIn: Canva LinkedIn Page
