hi, we are The Young.
Agency for creative
brand development.

Why The Young? ‘Young’ is not an age. Neither a generation. It’s not hip, hype or happening. It is a way of looking – a perspective on growth, driven by curiosity and a desire for development. Young means to us: What if? It’s about wonder, and the willingness to experiment. The power of imagination.

contact

info@theyoung.agency

The Rotterdam studio:
Baan 74, 3e etage
3011 CD Rotterdam
I like it, what is it?

We develop Brand Concept Cars !

As the name implies, a concept car is an inspiring combination of idea and reality, simultaneously demonstrating both an organization’s unique strategic intent and practical capabilities.

More than a simple prototype, it brings to life the priorities, values and vision that will guide the organization forward in the immediate future, and serves as a tangible brand statement that says, ‘This is where we intend to go now.’

While automotive brands generally use concept cars to communicate externally to the press, a brand ‘concept car’ is also a powerful tool for the strategic orientation of internal audiences. In the process of organizational change, one relevant, concrete example can be worth more than a thousand PowerPoint decks!

Of course, a brand ‘concept car’ doesn’t have to be a physical product designed for sale. It could be anything: a new service offering or internal system, a refreshed brand design language or communications idea.

No matter what form it takes, in order to succeed in moving organizations forward, a powerful brand concept car needs three key characteristics:

1. Inspirational

It is inspirational but achievable in the near future. It requires change and may even surprise some people, but it is not a BHAG. It is grounded in realistic expectations of near-term circumstances and available resources

2. Brand Relevant

It is brand-relevant. It is not simply a general view of the future. It demonstrates a distinctive brand perspective on that future and how this particular organization will use its strengths to take advantage of those circumstances.

3. Collaborative

It connects the efforts and input of multiple stakeholders. From a practical perspective, it must have widespread support. It cannot be seen as only one group’s project. And from a symbolic perspective, a brand statement should show how the organization’s functions work together, as one brand.

And in order to produce a successful brand concept car, you need to combine three key areas of expertise:

1. Research

Concepting is always grounded in a deep understanding of the relevant technologies (What is possible?), social environment (How will it be used and by whom?) and intent (What effect does the organization want to create among current audiences?)

2. Strategy

Translating today’s intent into tomorrow’s product or service requires the ability to think strategically; to identify and amplify the often subtle connections between what you want to say and what audiences need to hear.

3. Design

Design expertise is what turns a well researched, strategically sound idea into something that people can actually visualize, appreciate and desire. Whether the ‘concept car’ itself is a new thing, a new way of doing things or a new way of communicating them, design makes the final difference.

work with us

We are always excited for creative and curious minds to join us at The Young. andre@theyoung.agency

Gazelle

E-BIKE OF THE FUTURE

How to launch the e-bike of the future? How to unite all stakeholders in one future vision? Who are the future customers of the e-bike? What do they need from an e-bike to be launched 5 years from now?

  • Qualitative Research
  • Business Insights
  • Brand Strategy
  • Marketing & Communication Strategy
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Innovation Strategy
  • Product Strategy
  • Workshop Facilitation
  • Concept Development
  • Copywriting
  • Creative Direction
  • Art direction
  • Graphic Design
  • Motion Design
  • Photography
  • Digital Content
  • Consumer Insights
  • Focus Groups
  • Trend Analysis
  • Sustainability Strategy
  • Brand Positioning
  • Brand Storytelling
  • Brand Campaigns
  • Brand Prototyping
  • Customer Journey Mapping
  • Brand Purpose
  • Qualitative Research
  • Business Insights
  • Brand Strategy
  • Marketing & Communication Strategy
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Innovation Strategy
  • Product Strategy
  • Workshop Facilitation
  • Concept Development
  • Copywriting
  • Creative Direction
  • Art direction
  • Graphic Design
  • Motion Design
  • Photography
  • Digital Content
  • Consumer Insights
  • Focus Groups
  • Trend Analysis
  • Sustainability Strategy
  • Brand Positioning
  • Brand Storytelling
  • Brand Campaigns
  • Brand Prototyping
  • Customer Journey Mapping
  • Brand Purpose

The Young developed a co-creation process for Gazelle and Pon.bike, Dutch bike brand and Bike Brands holding – to develop a product vision together, that unlocks new business models and creates interactive touchpoints for a quite conservative industry.

First, we united all stakeholders into a shared internal product vision for the E-Bike of the Future, designed by Giugiaro combining the expectations and needs from different perspectives.

Then we conducted a European consumer research study to collect insights from lead users across leading cycling cities. Doing what they do, with them, on their own time. Not just asking questions, but having deep moving conversations.

Infused with the insights from our lead users, we developed a future customer journey in the real world, tested and validated with 1000 limited editions (even test driven by the Dutch king). Stretching daily business with future-ready business models and touchpoints.

A total package of integrated stakeholder vision made tangible

Arjan van der Vleuten Innovation Lead, Gazelle