1. Niche and Target Group Analysis
The first step in our design process is to thoroughly analyze the niche and target audience. For Wood Exchange, we focused on understanding their specific market within the flooring industry, particularly their focus on wood flooring. We identified their target clients as businesses and homeowners looking for expert consultation in wood flooring solutions, ranging from parquet patterns to different wood types (e.g., oak, walnut).
This analysis informed us that the logo needed to reflect professionalism, trustworthiness, and expertise while being simple and clean.
2. Wordmap Creation
Next, we created a wordmap to define the brand’s core values and elements. This wordmap helped us brainstorm and capture the essence of the brand. Key words that stood out for Wood Exchange were: business, parquet, wooden floors, connections, expertise, craftsmanship, and elegance.
3. Storytelling Approach
We always use a unique storytelling approach, which we developed with insights from The Business Institute. The storytelling aspect of Wood Exchange’s brand revolves around the intricate craftsmanship of wood floors, their legacy, and the timeless elegance they add to any space. By focusing on this narrative, we aimed to infuse the brand’s story into the visual identity, ensuring that the logo would be more than just a design—it would convey the brand’s mission and story.
4. Logo Sketching
Once we had a clear understanding of the brand and its story, we moved on to the sketching phase. Here, we explored various design ideas that embodied the values and patterns associated with wood flooring, especially parquet and herringbone designs. Sketching helped us test different concepts, from abstract shapes to more literal representations of wood patterns.
5. Vectorization and Grid System in Adobe Illustrator
After finalizing the best sketch, we used Adobe Illustrator to create a vectorized version of the logo. This step allowed us to refine the details and ensure the logo was scalable and adaptable across various brand materials. We placed the design on a grid system, which gave the logo balance and symmetry, ensuring precision in its geometric patterns. This grid system was especially important for Wood Exchange as it reflects the planning and detail that goes into crafting beautiful wood floors.
6. Presentation and Client Feedback
We then prepared a detailed presentation for the client, showcasing the logo in various settings, including business cards, letterheads, and website mockups. This presentation allowed the client to visualize how the logo would function across all platforms. Feedback was gathered, and any minor adjustments were made to finalize the design.
