Look around you right now. The computer you’re looking at this article on, and the snack you’re about to pop into your mouth were likely made by name-brand companies with a long history behind them.

Long before they appeared in stores or streamed into our homes, the companies below wanted to solve a problem, delight, and in some cases, entertain. Let’s look at their history and how people experience these brands today.

IKEA

IKEA has furnished homes around the world for decades. Even though flat pack existed long before the company, in 1953, IKEA combined the idea with self-assembly products. This innovation was the starting point for people to conveniently transport and put together inexpensive, stylish furniture without relying on expensive movers.

By the 1960s, IKEA stores began experimenting with full-service restaurants, which removed interruptions in the shopping experience. Since then, the restaurant has become synonymous with grabbing an order of Swedish meatballs and cake. Out of the 650 million customers the brand gets each year, 30% come just for the food.

Why people love it
IKEA cares about how people live. And they listen to their customers. In 2014, they embarked on their first Life at Home report, which delved into the routines of buyers. They use these insights to design better, more usable products. Ones that actually fit the lifestyles of those bringing them into their homes.

As a company, IKEA offers furniture that’s both contemporary and minimalist. Because of this, the brand appeals to younger people and first-time homeowners who may be on a budget yet still want to buy quality furnishings that are easy to take apart and reassemble when it’s time to move.

Google

We might venture to say Google contains the largest repository of knowledge in human history. Since 1998, it’s enabled us to connect, communicate, and navigate the vastness of the internet, unlike never before. As of now, it has over 50 internet products and services, from Gmail and zoomable Maps and satellite views to Android mobile devices and tablets.

Why people love it
What began as a search company has expanded into every sector of our personal and business lives. Heck, Google is even a verb. We google recommendations for beach destinations and shoes. And with the acquisition of YouTube it’s made it possible for people around the world to gain new experiences that influence our digital lives.

Disney

The Disney brand is one of the most recognized and positively associated brands globally. Since the iconic Steamboat Willie (1928) featuring the first cartoon with Mickey Mouse, kids and kids at heart have had a warm spot for the Disney brand. And with network, film, and other media companies like ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, and Lucasfilms, Disney is the number one provider of family entertainment.

Even though they’re known for delivering world-class experiences for people on land in their theme parks, since 1998, Disney has offered fun at sea with their own cruise line. People can have a luxury experience meant for jolly sea-lovers.

What people feel about it now
Part of the appeal of Disney is that you have permission to be a kid. For a few hours or days, you can leave your worries behind to go on an adventure. Disney transports people of all ages into a fantasy world where almost anything is possible. As George G. Q. Quitoriano explains,

“I think the Disney brand is so beloved because the Walt Disney Company has mastered how to create fans and build long-lasting relationships with them. In some cases, their adult fans actively induct their children to become Disney fans as well, helping grow the fandom for across generations.”

Its characters transcend age, gender, and all of the other labels we use daily to if only for a moment, give us a glimpse into a world where magic exists.

Heinz Kraft

Before merging with the Kraft Foods Group in 2015, Heinz provided us with sauces and other meals appearing on our dinner tables. The brand was most well-known for its ketchup, which covered hot dogs and burgers during ball games and barbecues. With over 200 brands under the Kraft Heinz name, it continues to evolve its offerings, giving us gems like Brunchables, the more refined version of the classic Lunchables.

What people think of its products now
Back in the day, no lunch or dinner was complete without a bottle of Heinz ketchup on the table. It’s still a nostalgic product and sometimes a guilty pleasure for those wanting to indulge in their childhood favorites. But the kicker is the ham and cheese, DIY snack, Lunchables, which people still remember with a particular fondness, like Carissa Tzeng.

“Remember these bad boys? They were the sh*t during my preschool/kindergarten/early elementary years. All the cool kids had them. During recess, it was Lunchables galore! Timmy would trade some of his crackers for cheese with Ben, and Tiffany will give Laura all her ham because she only likes cheese! Meanwhile, Johnny will go around collecting everyone’s leftover pieces and make a mega cheese and ham cracker sandwich that everyone was envious of. Everyone wanted to be Johnny!”

LEGO

LEGO is a toy brand that has lived up to its Danish meaning of “play well.” Since 1932, children have built — and continue to build — structures made from their wildest imaginations. It’s one of the few companies that has earned the title of “Toy of the Century.” Twice.

And the brand continues to live up to the illustrious award to this day. In 1978, LEGO introduced the world to the Minifigure, which became a staple of the brand’s playsets, eventually getting a staring role in The LEGO Movie series.

How people experience LEGO in their daily lives
Over the last decade, LEGO has become a huge part of pop culture. From Star Wars-themed sets and Batman-inspired movies, LEGO has given both children and adults a reason to play. It continues to make us laugh, think, and of course, build, as Robbie Frost puts it:

“Anyone can play LEGO games. LEGO was made as a product for kids, but it’s grown into so much more. If you enjoy LEGO games, go ahead and play them. They’re not immature, and the people who say they are are the true immature ones. As a wise man once said: “Games are meant to be fun.”

Conclusion

Many of the brands featured here were passed down through the generations. One thing is certain for each of them. They have never been afraid to change with the times. Each one continues to take daring challenges and look for unique ways to innovate the experiences of their biggest fans.

They also believe in partnering with complementary brands that enhance their products and services. So the next time you use one of these products, think about their story and how they still play such a significant role in our lives.