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

Koopgoot

BECOMING A PLACE TO PAUSE

How to connect visitors in a commercial shopper
street? What do shoppers need to take a rest? 
What blends in existing architecture and shapes
of De Koopgoot, yet welcomes and attracts?

  • 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

For The Koopgoot, one of the busiest commercial shopping streets in The Netherlands with millions of visitors year round, The Young envisioned new seating. We decided to focus on colorful and green resting areas that encourage conversation between visitors. So the Koopgoot would become a place to stay rather than to pass through.

The Young worked together with Phil Proctor, Rotterdam-based designer, to develop the furniture. A major source of inspiration was the unique view of the shopping street from above. The colorful, playful and eye-catching shapes are based on a unified design language that emphasizes the unique architecture around and different perspectives of the Koopgoot. Central to the resting areas are the green-filled planters – allowing for low maintenance yet lush greens with colorful flowers. 

The poppy yellow color cuts through the clutter of retail information and makes sure the benches don’t go unnoticed and welcome visitors to take a rest.

For the realization and installation we carefully selected local manufacturers and transport company working in close proximity and also proudly on the furniture they would use as well when they go shopping. Stainless steel was chosen as the basic material. This offers the most structural strength while maintaining elegance in the design. The stainless steel that has been used can infinitely be recycled. The polyester coating allows for extremely durable surface coloring. 
We know for a fact that it’s highly appreciated by skateboarders.

For this project we’ve worked together with studio Phil Procter.

“The benches are such a playful, inviting addition to the Koopgoot. 
Since they’ve been installed, they are in use all of the time.

Sarah Vehmeijer Asset Management CBRE IM