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

Secrid

THE FUTURE OF POCKETWEAR

Who to identify our target audience and connect with them? How did our pockets change over time? What is the future of money?
How to create international consistency in Secrid’s brand expansion?

  • 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 has worked with Secrid, a Dutch wallet manufacturer, for over 10 years. Our journey started with consumer research. A qualitative study conducted through WhatsApp with current and potential Secrid owners, keen to share their thoughts on Secrid. Through conversations and workshops with the core team we gave Secrid a strong brand basis with articulated drivers to guide every brand effort into a sustainable yet adaptive future.

We defined the concept of ‘pocketwear,’ where fashion intersects with technology, through the powerful theme of ‘Pocket Change.’ This big idea illustrates Secrid’s transformative effect on the world and its profound impact on their fans. The result of this project comes together in the Brand Manifest for a pocket-size revolution – the starting point for the consumer-facing brand identity and HR strategy. 

We have continued to work together and developed a qualitative distribution strategy, focusing on global retail maintenance and new business development from a retail perspective. Together, we’ve created trust, inspiration and action at Secrid worldwide distributor events. Every year the 2-day program delights both participants and contributors. It’s all in the details: from the right coffee at the right time, to inspiring presentations from keynote speakers, interactive workshops and immersive dinners.

We have continued to work together and developed a qualitative distribution strategy, focusing on global retail maintenance and new business development from a retail perspective. Together, we’ve created trust, inspiration and action at Secrid worldwide distributor events. Every year the 2-day program delights both participants and contributors. It’s all in the details: from the right coffee at the right time, to inspiring presentations from keynote speakers, interactive workshops and immersive dinners.

“The Young is part of our Secrid family and we’ve embraced The Young’s support since day one. The Young offers the right process, knowledge and attitude to develop our brand together with our young team.”

Marianne van Sasse van IJsselt & Rene van Geer Founders and Directors Secrid)