A fashion designer, brand strategist, and design director  

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MICRO
REBRANDING


REPOSITIONING A MICRO MOBILITY COMPANY AS A LIFESTYLE BRAND Microlino started with a vision for innovative technology, but my journey has led to a more exciting destination, the heart of the modern urban experience. I've shifted the brand's focus to the environmentally conscious urban tribe, an aspirational audience within it’s consumption audience.


What  I Did
The work was executed under the supervision of Susan Gornell.
Competitive Research and Analysis
Aspirational Audience Interviews
Identifying Design Target
Brand  Manifesto
Brand Architecture

OutcomeMicrolino's current messaging overemphasizes charging features, overshadowing its core value proposition of enhancing urban lifestyle. While targeting tech enthusiasts, the brand is neglecting a broader audience seeking sustainable and stylish solutions for city living. By shifting focus to a new design target, Microlino can appeal to a wider demographic and strengthen its brand identity.



Aspirational Audience TensionsConviviality X Sustainable lifestyle
“It's definitely hard to travel far with urban mobility, but is it still worth it to get maintain instead of regular fossil fuel vehicles?”

They value a social, enjoyable lifestyle but is also concerned about the environmental impact of their choices. They face a tension between the desire for convenience and the need to reduce their carbon footprint. The question of whether urban mobility can truly replace traditional vehicles for longer journeys becomes a central conflict.

Vitality X Corporate social responsibility
“How can we prioritize innovative gear and technologies without potential environmental impact?”

They prioritize high-performance and innovative products but also want to be socially responsible. They struggle with balancing their desire for cutting-edge technology with the need to minimize environmental and social impact.

Recognition X Ethical consumption
“Other than the aesthetics, what about the practicality and funtionality as well as manufacturing and lifecycle considerations. What is your priority?”

They value aesthetics and brand image but also prioritizes ethical consumption. They face a dilemma between choosing products that look good and those that align with their values. The question of whether a product's appearance should take precedence over its functionality, manufacturing process, and overall lifecycle impact is a central conflict.
Interview  Quotes“Electric scooter I own is great, especially during Covid. I definitely used the most out of it. I would say it was almost cost saving to get to places within my neighborhood because time is money.“
—  Won (32), fashion designer based in New York City

“Collective responsibility is sometimes too big of a concept for me to wrap my head around to be honest. And that’s why when a brand is about it, it helps me to live that way.”  
—  Scott (35), acountant based in Los Angeles

“I used to drive a Mini in a city and it really is because it’s visually cute, colors are so unique. There is a deep personal connection.”
—  Chaereen (27), brand marketer based in Los Angeles


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2024 Jay Kim. All Rights Reserved.