Category
#02
Graphic
Graphic
Graphic
Design
Design
Client
Linkup Technologies Inc.
Category
Graphic Design
Year
2018-2023
Website
Linkup.One
Background
I had the privilege of leading design teams at Linkup for over five years, where I was responsible for the design of approximately 60-70% of our thousands of products. In addition to managing graphic design work, I also served as a product manager, overseeing market analysis, user research, product sourcing, supplier collaboration, and executive team consultations to inform product direction. As the design lead, my primary objective was collaborating with and leading teams to understand product intricacies and the competitive landscape thoroughly. I seized the opportunity to refine my design and project management expertise, leveraging user research to inform our designs and differentiate us from competitors. We effectively developed user stories and journey maps to visualize the user experience, enhancing our products and identifying unique selling points communicated through our design strategies. This approach contributed to building brand recognition and driving value through improved ROI.
I had the privilege of leading design teams at Linkup for over five years, where I was responsible for the design of approximately 60-70% of our thousands of products. In addition to managing graphic design work, I also served as a product manager, overseeing market analysis, user research, product sourcing, supplier collaboration, and executive team consultations to inform product direction. As the design lead, my primary objective was collaborating with and leading teams to understand product intricacies and the competitive landscape thoroughly. I seized the opportunity to refine my design and project management expertise, leveraging user research to inform our designs and differentiate us from competitors. We effectively developed user stories and journey maps to visualize the user experience, enhancing our products and identifying unique selling points communicated through our design strategies. This approach contributed to building brand recognition and driving value through improved ROI.
I had the privilege of leading design teams at Linkup for over five years, where I was responsible for the design of approximately 60-70% of our thousands of products. In addition to managing graphic design work, I also served as a product manager, overseeing market analysis, user research, product sourcing, supplier collaboration, and executive team consultations to inform product direction. As the design lead, my primary objective was collaborating with and leading teams to understand product intricacies and the competitive landscape thoroughly. I seized the opportunity to refine my design and project management expertise, leveraging user research to inform our designs and differentiate us from competitors. We effectively developed user stories and journey maps to visualize the user experience, enhancing our products and identifying unique selling points communicated through our design strategies. This approach contributed to building brand recognition and driving value through improved ROI.
Objectives
Our team's mission was to transcend aesthetic enhancement, aiming instead to elevate customer satisfaction by being accurate and informative about products, resulting in value for Linkup. These examples exemplify the potency of strategic graphic design in conjunction with user experience principles, underscored by a steadfast commitment to collaboration and innovation.
Our team's mission was to transcend aesthetic enhancement, aiming instead to elevate customer satisfaction by being accurate and informative about products, resulting in value for Linkup. These examples exemplify the potency of strategic graphic design in conjunction with user experience principles, underscored by a steadfast commitment to collaboration and innovation.
Our team's mission was to transcend aesthetic enhancement, aiming instead to elevate customer satisfaction by being accurate and informative about products, resulting in value for Linkup. These examples exemplify the potency of strategic graphic design in conjunction with user experience principles, underscored by a steadfast commitment to collaboration and innovation.
The Process
My approach was holistic, encompassing the creation of compelling infographics that distilled complex information into digestible visuals, enhancing product photography to capture the essence of each item, and developing innovative package designs that stood out on the shelves.
We had regular meetings, executive and otherwise, where I presented design briefs, and discussed design systems, brand image, and brand voice, using many sources of information and perspectives to make informed decisions. I bridged teams, broke down barriers and aligned the projects with the company vision.
My approach was holistic, encompassing the creation of compelling infographics that distilled complex information into digestible visuals, enhancing product photography to capture the essence of each item, and developing innovative package designs that stood out on the shelves.
We had regular meetings, executive and otherwise, where I presented design briefs, and discussed design systems, brand image, and brand voice, using many sources of information and perspectives to make informed decisions. I bridged teams, broke down barriers and aligned the projects with the company vision.
My approach was holistic, encompassing the creation of compelling infographics that distilled complex information into digestible visuals, enhancing product photography to capture the essence of each item, and developing innovative package designs that stood out on the shelves.
We had regular meetings, executive and otherwise, where I presented design briefs, and discussed design systems, brand image, and brand voice, using many sources of information and perspectives to make informed decisions. I bridged teams, broke down barriers and aligned the projects with the company vision.
Team Building
My team was a testament to the power of diversity, with members hailing from Ukraine, Sri Lanka, and our local community. It was a process of careful selection and perseverance due to the finding the right fit and training each individual, but the result was a team I could trust and with whom I could collaborate effectively.
As part of my role, I also trained local talents, a process that involved training the new employees on existing systems. I found this aspect to be one of the most challenging for designers joining our company. I found that having virtual meetings was the best way to ensure alignment with my crew and determine that they understood requirements.
Through close collaboration with 3D render artists and engineers, I fostered a culture of mutual learning and growth. I mentored the team, but I also learned from them, leveraging a suite of tools including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator (including Premiere, After Effects, Solidworks and Shapr3d) to bring our collective creative visions to life.
My team was a testament to the power of diversity, with members hailing from Ukraine, Sri Lanka, and our local community. It was a process of careful selection and perseverance due to the finding the right fit and training each individual, but the result was a team I could trust and with whom I could collaborate effectively.
As part of my role, I also trained local talents, a process that involved training the new employees on existing systems. I found this aspect to be one of the most challenging for designers joining our company. I found that having virtual meetings was the best way to ensure alignment with my crew and determine that they understood requirements.
Through close collaboration with 3D render artists and engineers, I fostered a culture of mutual learning and growth. I mentored the team, but I also learned from them, leveraging a suite of tools including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator (including Premiere, After Effects, Solidworks and Shapr3d) to bring our collective creative visions to life.
My team was a testament to the power of diversity, with members hailing from Ukraine, Sri Lanka, and our local community. It was a process of careful selection and perseverance due to the finding the right fit and training each individual, but the result was a team I could trust and with whom I could collaborate effectively.
As part of my role, I also trained local talents, a process that involved training the new employees on existing systems. I found this aspect to be one of the most challenging for designers joining our company. I found that having virtual meetings was the best way to ensure alignment with my crew and determine that they understood requirements.
Through close collaboration with 3D render artists and engineers, I fostered a culture of mutual learning and growth. I mentored the team, but I also learned from them, leveraging a suite of tools including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator (including Premiere, After Effects, Solidworks and Shapr3d) to bring our collective creative visions to life.
Graphic Design Product LIfecycle
Adopting an Agile product development lifecycle (or a tailored Agile framework) in today's fast-paced market is vital to maintaining a competitive edge.
The design product lifecycle is generally:
research & discovery > define the design problem > develop the design strategy > conduct visual audit > develop visual identity > create a design system > test & refine > implement & role out > maintain & evolve ∞
By working with other teams, we can take the provided feedback, research, and close the loop, allowing us to maintain the edge and provide up-to-date designs that follow industry standards.
Laura Anthony, a Content Design Manager with Disher, incorporates marketing into the product development lifecycle. The first image above shows a diagram representing that.
The second image shows one style of the design process. I like this because it shows how different parts of the process inform each other.
Adopting an Agile product development lifecycle (or a tailored Agile framework) in today's fast-paced market is vital to maintaining a competitive edge.
The design product lifecycle is generally:
research & discovery > define the design problem > develop the design strategy > conduct visual audit > develop visual identity > create a design system > test & refine > implement & role out > maintain & evolve ∞
By working with other teams, we can take the provided feedback, research, and close the loop, allowing us to maintain the edge and provide up-to-date designs that follow industry standards.
Laura Anthony, a Content Design Manager with Disher, incorporates marketing into the product development lifecycle. The first image above shows a diagram representing that.
The second image shows one style of the design process. I like this because it shows how different parts of the process inform each other.
Adopting an Agile product development lifecycle (or a tailored Agile framework) in today's fast-paced market is vital to maintaining a competitive edge.
The design product lifecycle is generally:
research & discovery > define the design problem > develop the design strategy > conduct visual audit > develop visual identity > create a design system > test & refine > implement & role out > maintain & evolve ∞
By working with other teams, we can take the provided feedback, research, and close the loop, allowing us to maintain the edge and provide up-to-date designs that follow industry standards.
Laura Anthony, a Content Design Manager with Disher, incorporates marketing into the product development lifecycle. The first image above shows a diagram representing that.
The second image shows one style of the design process. I like this because it shows how different parts of the process inform each other.
Design Strategy & Systems
Other things to remember are working with the team to develop a design strategy and employ a design system.
Above, you can see an example creative brief for a mini ITX gaming computer case, seen here.
In addition, a team should determine the visual identity (if it still needs to be developed) and design system.
It is helpful to think of questions such as:
· Demographic and conduct market research to understand the
demographic, and
· What competitors are doing
· How will the company be original in its designs?
· How will it be received?
· What is the brand tone of voice?
· What typeface and font (typeface describes a particular style of lettering; a font refers to variations of a typeface, like its size and weight)?
· What colour palette,
· Style of imagery,
· How will logos be used,
· Are there restrictions/requirements for logo use?
Knowledge of colour theory can help develop exciting colour palettes and patterns for brand design.
Other things to remember are working with the team to develop a design strategy and employ a design system.
Above, you can see an example creative brief for a mini ITX gaming computer case, seen here.
In addition, a team should determine the visual identity (if it still needs to be developed) and design system.
It is helpful to think of questions such as:
· Demographic and conduct market research to understand the
demographic, and
· What competitors are doing
· How will the company be original in its designs?
· How will it be received?
· What is the brand tone of voice?
· What typeface and font (typeface describes a particular style of lettering; a font refers to variations of a typeface, like its size and weight)?
· What colour palette,
· Style of imagery,
· How will logos be used,
· Are there restrictions/requirements for logo use?
Knowledge of colour theory can help develop exciting colour palettes and patterns for brand design.
Other things to remember are working with the team to develop a design strategy and employ a design system.
Above, you can see an example creative brief for a mini ITX gaming computer case, seen here.
In addition, a team should determine the visual identity (if it still needs to be developed) and design system.
It is helpful to think of questions such as:
· Demographic and conduct market research to understand the
demographic, and
· What competitors are doing
· How will the company be original in its designs?
· How will it be received?
· What is the brand tone of voice?
· What typeface and font (typeface describes a particular style of lettering; a font refers to variations of a typeface, like its size and weight)?
· What colour palette,
· Style of imagery,
· How will logos be used,
· Are there restrictions/requirements for logo use?
Knowledge of colour theory can help develop exciting colour palettes and patterns for brand design.
The Results
We created graphic design elements that were not confined to static mediums but integral to our video production efforts, adding a dynamic layer to our storytelling capabilities. Operating within an iterative framework, our team thrived on the feedback from user testing sessions, allowing us to refine and perfect our designs continually.
The culmination of our efforts resulted in a marked increase in customer engagement and satisfaction for Linkup, as evidenced by positive feedback and improved metrics post-launch. Our designs elevated the brand's visual identity and played a pivotal role in ensuring clarity of the brand message and appeal, leading to a notable uplift in sales and market position. These projects stand as testaments to the power of thoughtful design and strategic collaboration in driving meaningful business outcomes.
Above, you can see a package design iteration. We didn't use this one because it didn't match our brand image consistency.
We created graphic design elements that were not confined to static mediums but integral to our video production efforts, adding a dynamic layer to our storytelling capabilities. Operating within an iterative framework, our team thrived on the feedback from user testing sessions, allowing us to refine and perfect our designs continually.
The culmination of our efforts resulted in a marked increase in customer engagement and satisfaction for Linkup, as evidenced by positive feedback and improved metrics post-launch. Our designs elevated the brand's visual identity and played a pivotal role in ensuring clarity of the brand message and appeal, leading to a notable uplift in sales and market position. These projects stand as testaments to the power of thoughtful design and strategic collaboration in driving meaningful business outcomes.
Above, you can see a package design iteration. We didn't use this one because it didn't match our brand image consistency.
We created graphic design elements that were not confined to static mediums but integral to our video production efforts, adding a dynamic layer to our storytelling capabilities. Operating within an iterative framework, our team thrived on the feedback from user testing sessions, allowing us to refine and perfect our designs continually.
The culmination of our efforts resulted in a marked increase in customer engagement and satisfaction for Linkup, as evidenced by positive feedback and improved metrics post-launch. Our designs elevated the brand's visual identity and played a pivotal role in ensuring clarity of the brand message and appeal, leading to a notable uplift in sales and market position. These projects stand as testaments to the power of thoughtful design and strategic collaboration in driving meaningful business outcomes.
Above, you can see a package design iteration. We didn't use this one because it didn't match our brand image consistency.
