Client

Linkup Technologies Inc.

Description
Description

Gaming PC Power Cables

Gaming PC Power Cables

Year
Year

2019

2019

Website
Website

Linkup.One

Linkup.One

Background

I led design teams at Linkup for 5+ years, overseeing 60-70% of product design. As design lead and product manager, I drove product direction through market analysis, user research, and supplier collaboration. I refined my expertise in design and project management, using user research to inform designs and differentiate us from competitors. We developed user stories and journey maps to enhance products and identify unique selling points, contributing to brand recognition and improved ROI.

I led design teams at Linkup for 5+ years, overseeing 60-70% of product design. As design lead and product manager, I drove product direction through market analysis, user research, and supplier collaboration. I refined my expertise in design and project management, using user research to inform designs and differentiate us from competitors. We developed user stories and journey maps to enhance products and identify unique selling points, contributing to brand recognition and improved ROI.

I led design teams at Linkup for 5+ years, overseeing 60-70% of product design. As design lead and product manager, I drove product direction through market analysis, user research, and supplier collaboration. I refined my expertise in design and project management, using user research to inform designs and differentiate us from competitors. We developed user stories and journey maps to enhance products and identify unique selling points, contributing to brand recognition and improved ROI.

Objectives

Our team's mission was to transcend aesthetic enhancement, aiming instead to elevate customer satisfaction by being accurate and informative about products, resulting in value for Linkup. These examples exemplify the potency of strategic graphic design in conjunction with user experience principles, underscored by a steadfast commitment to collaboration and innovation.

Our team's mission was to transcend aesthetic enhancement, aiming instead to elevate customer satisfaction by being accurate and informative about products, resulting in value for Linkup. These examples exemplify the potency of strategic graphic design in conjunction with user experience principles, underscored by a steadfast commitment to collaboration and innovation.

Our team's mission was to transcend aesthetic enhancement, aiming instead to elevate customer satisfaction by being accurate and informative about products, resulting in value for Linkup. These examples exemplify the potency of strategic graphic design in conjunction with user experience principles, underscored by a steadfast commitment to collaboration and innovation.

Process

My design approach is holistic, creating infographics, icons, product photography, and innovative packaging that stands out. I led meetings, presenting design briefs and discussing brand image, voice, and style guides. I bridged teams, aligned projects with company vision, and ensured effective communication.


I worked closely with copywriters, and others for design consistency. Examples above include icon development to advertise product features and a creative brief.


I adjusted the levels, and hues and did some layer masks to create interesting effects and match the colours of variations to save time and work efficiently.

My design approach is holistic, creating infographics, icons, product photography, and innovative packaging that stands out. I led meetings, presenting design briefs and discussing brand image, voice, and style guides. I bridged teams, aligned projects with company vision, and ensured effective communication.


I worked closely with copywriters, and others for design consistency. Examples above include icon development to advertise product features and a creative brief.


I adjusted the levels, and hues and did some layer masks to create interesting effects and match the colours of variations to save time and work efficiently.

My design approach is holistic, creating infographics, icons, product photography, and innovative packaging that stands out. I led meetings, presenting design briefs and discussing brand image, voice, and style guides. I bridged teams, aligned projects with company vision, and ensured effective communication.


I worked closely with copywriters, and others for design consistency. Examples above include icon development to advertise product features and a creative brief.


I adjusted the levels, and hues and did some layer masks to create interesting effects and match the colours of variations to save time and work efficiently.

Graphic Design Product LIfecycle

Adopting Agile product development is crucial in today's fast-paced market. The design product lifecycle:


research & discovery > define problem > develop strategy > visual audit > visual identity > design system > test & refine > implement & rollout > maintain & evolve.


Collaborating with teams, we incorporate feedback and research to stay up-to-date and industry-standard. Laura Anthony's diagram shows marketing integration, while the second image illustrates the interconnected design process.

Adopting Agile product development is crucial in today's fast-paced market. The design product lifecycle:


research & discovery > define problem > develop strategy > visual audit > visual identity > design system > test & refine > implement & rollout > maintain & evolve.


Collaborating with teams, we incorporate feedback and research to stay up-to-date and industry-standard. Laura Anthony's diagram shows marketing integration, while the second image illustrates the interconnected design process.

Adopting Agile product development is crucial in today's fast-paced market. The design product lifecycle:


research & discovery > define problem > develop strategy > visual audit > visual identity > design system > test & refine > implement & rollout > maintain & evolve.


Collaborating with teams, we incorporate feedback and research to stay up-to-date and industry-standard. Laura Anthony's diagram shows marketing integration, while the second image illustrates the interconnected design process.

Design Strategy & Systems

Design strategy, design systems, and style guides are crucial. A style guide helps define brand identity and design system. When designing I consider:


  • Demographic and market research

  • Competitor analysis

  • Originality and reception

  • Brand tone and voice

  • Typeface, font, colour palette, and imagery style

  • Logo usage and restrictions

  • ADA/AODA accessibility guidelines


Knowledge of colour theory can enhance brand design. Consider these factors to create an effective design strategy.


Some things to consider regarding AODA:


Clear and simple language: Using plain language in designs, avoiding complex terminology and jargon.


  1. Colour contrast: Ensuring sufficient colour contrast between text and background for visually impaired individuals.

  2. Font sizes and styles: Using legible font sizes and styles, avoiding fonts that are too small or difficult to read.

  3. Image descriptions: Providing alternative text descriptions for images, making content accessible to screen readers and visually impaired individuals.

  4. Closed captions: Including closed captions in videos and multimedia presentations.

  5. Accessible PDFs: Ensuring PDF documents are accessible and can be read by screen readers.

  6. Web accessibility: Designing websites and digital materials that meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Other things to remember are working with the team to develop a design strategy and employ a design system. 


Above, you can see an example creative brief for a mini ITX gaming computer case, seen here.


In addition, a team should determine the visual identity (if it still needs to be developed) and design system.


It is helpful to think of questions such as: 


·      Demographic and conduct market research

to understand the demographic, and

·      What competitors are doing

·      How will the company be original in its

designs?

·      How will it be received?

·      What is the brand tone of voice?

·      What typeface and font (typeface describes a

particular style of lettering; a font refers to variations of

a typeface, like its

size and weight)?

·      What colour palette,

·      Style of imagery,

·      How will logos be used,

·      Are there restrictions/requirements for logo

use?


Knowledge of colour theory can help develop exciting colour palettes and patterns for brand design. 

Other things to remember are working with the team to develop a design strategy and employ a design system. 


Above, you can see an example creative brief for a mini ITX gaming computer case, seen here.


In addition, a team should determine the visual identity (if it still needs to be developed) and design system.


It is helpful to think of questions such as: 


·      Demographic and conduct market research to understand

the demographic, and

·      What competitors are doing

·      How will the company be original in its designs?

·      How will it be received?

·      What is the brand tone of voice?

·      What typeface and font (typeface describes a particular

style of lettering; a  font refers to variations of a typeface, like

its size and

weight)?

·      What colour palette,

·      Style of imagery,

·      How will logos be used,

·      Are there restrictions/requirements for logo use?


Knowledge of colour theory can help develop exciting colour palettes and patterns for brand design. 

The Results

I delivered practical and visually appealing designs that built our brand, enhanced user experiences, and drove revenue. Our designs extended beyond static mediums, incorporating dynamic video production elements. Through iterative user testing and feedback, we refined our designs, resulting in increased customer engagement, satisfaction, and sales. Our thoughtful design and strategic collaboration elevated the brand's visual identity, clarity, and market position, demonstrating the impact of effective design on business outcomes.


I delivered practical and visually appealing designs that built our brand, enhanced user experiences, and drove revenue. Our designs extended beyond static mediums, incorporating dynamic video production elements. Through iterative user testing and feedback, we refined our designs, resulting in increased customer engagement, satisfaction, and sales. Our thoughtful design and strategic collaboration elevated the brand's visual identity, clarity, and market position, demonstrating the impact of effective design on business outcomes.


I delivered practical and visually appealing designs that built our brand, enhanced user experiences, and drove revenue. Our designs extended beyond static mediums, incorporating dynamic video production elements. Through iterative user testing and feedback, we refined our designs, resulting in increased customer engagement, satisfaction, and sales. Our thoughtful design and strategic collaboration elevated the brand's visual identity, clarity, and market position, demonstrating the impact of effective design on business outcomes.


Client

Linkup Technologies Inc. / iChewie

Description
Description

Matcha Whisk

Matcha Whisk

Year
Year

2023

2023

Website
Website

Linkup.One

Linkup.One

Background

For some time I acted as Product Manager, while still leading teams of designers for the products we brought in. I developed a new product line to build on the existing brand recognition we developed for a subsidiary company called iChewie. I lead teams to develop the designs required to launch the products.

For some time I acted as Product Manager, while still leading teams of designers for the products we brought in. I developed a new product line to build on the existing brand recognition we developed for a subsidiary company called iChewie. I lead teams to develop the designs required to launch the products.

For some time I acted as Product Manager, while still leading teams of designers for the products we brought in. I developed a new product line to build on the existing brand recognition we developed for a subsidiary company called iChewie. I lead teams to develop the designs required to launch the products.

Objective

We were testing the market for this product and started with a small inventory for launch. We aimed to sell at least 1,000 units within the first month of launch, with a revenue target of $3,000.


Profit Objective:


  • In the first month, achieve a profit of $2,000 (66.7% of revenue), with a profit margin of 66.7%.


Secondary Objectives:

  • Maintain a landed cost of $1 per unit, ensuring a minimum gross profit of $2.

  • Achieve a customer acquisition cost (CAC) of less than $1.50 per unit, ensuring a positive return on investment (ROI) from marketing and advertising efforts.

  • Reach at least 500 unique customers within the first month, with a customer retention rate of at least 20% for future sales.


Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  • Unit sales: 1,000

  • Revenue: $3,000

  • Profit: $2,000

  • Gross profit margin: 66.7%

  • Customer acquisition cost (CAC): <$1.50

  • Customer retention rate: >20%

  • Landed cost per unit: $1

  • Sales price per unit: $3

We were testing the market for this product and started with a small inventory for launch. We aimed to sell at least 1,000 units within the first month of launch, with a revenue target of $3,000.


Profit Objective:


  • In the first month, achieve a profit of $2,000 (66.7% of revenue), with a profit margin of 66.7%.


Secondary Objectives:

  • Maintain a landed cost of $1 per unit, ensuring a minimum gross profit of $2.

  • Achieve a customer acquisition cost (CAC) of less than $1.50 per unit, ensuring a positive return on investment (ROI) from marketing and advertising efforts.

  • Reach at least 500 unique customers within the first month, with a customer retention rate of at least 20% for future sales.


Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  • Unit sales: 1,000

  • Revenue: $3,000

  • Profit: $2,000

  • Gross profit margin: 66.7%

  • Customer acquisition cost (CAC): <$1.50

  • Customer retention rate: >20%

  • Landed cost per unit: $1

  • Sales price per unit: $3

We were testing the market for this product and started with a small inventory for launch. We aimed to sell at least 1,000 units within the first month of launch, with a revenue target of $3,000.


Profit Objective:


  • In the first month, achieve a profit of $2,000 (66.7% of revenue), with a profit margin of 66.7%.


Secondary Objectives:

  • Maintain a landed cost of $1 per unit, ensuring a minimum gross profit of $2.

  • Achieve a customer acquisition cost (CAC) of less than $1.50 per unit, ensuring a positive return on investment (ROI) from marketing and advertising efforts.

  • Reach at least 500 unique customers within the first month, with a customer retention rate of at least 20% for future sales.


Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  • Unit sales: 1,000

  • Revenue: $3,000

  • Profit: $2,000

  • Gross profit margin: 66.7%

  • Customer acquisition cost (CAC): <$1.50

  • Customer retention rate: >20%

  • Landed cost per unit: $1

  • Sales price per unit: $3

Process/Workflow

Following an Agile approach, I demonstrated exemplary teamwork by clearly defining requirements, conducting thorough research and auditing, and specifying image quantities, typeface, colour palettes, and providing photography for designs.


Leveraging work management tools, and proactive clarification ensured seamless collaboration, preventing misunderstandings and instilling confidence. Our collective effort and attention to detail led to a successful outcome, showcasing the value of effective teamwork in driving project success.

Following an Agile approach, I demonstrated exemplary teamwork by clearly defining requirements, conducting thorough research and auditing, and specifying image quantities, typeface, colour palettes, and providing photography for designs.


Leveraging work management tools, and proactive clarification ensured seamless collaboration, preventing misunderstandings and instilling confidence. Our collective effort and attention to detail led to a successful outcome, showcasing the value of effective teamwork in driving project success.

Following an Agile approach, I demonstrated exemplary teamwork by clearly defining requirements, conducting thorough research and auditing, and specifying image quantities, typeface, colour palettes, and providing photography for designs.


Leveraging work management tools, and proactive clarification ensured seamless collaboration, preventing misunderstandings and instilling confidence. Our collective effort and attention to detail led to a successful outcome, showcasing the value of effective teamwork in driving project success.

File Handling and Asset Management

Effective file handling and asset storage are crucial in design, ensuring organization, efficiency, and scalability. By using structured file systems, design asset management software, and version control, designers can quickly locate and share assets, maintain consistency, enhance collaboration, and track changes.


Best practices include clear naming conventions, logical folders, regular backups, centralized repositories, and metadata for searchability. Implementing these strategies streamlines workflow enhances focus, and recognizes the value of designers' contributions.


I improved security and file organization by migrating company files from the local server to M365, creating a more efficient structure using Teams/SharePoint. Each department now has a dedicated file location, a widely appreciated change.

Effective file handling and asset storage are crucial in design, ensuring organization, efficiency, and scalability. By using structured file systems, design asset management software, and version control, designers can quickly locate and share assets, maintain consistency, enhance collaboration, and track changes.


Best practices include clear naming conventions, logical folders, regular backups, centralized repositories, and metadata for searchability. Implementing these strategies streamlines workflow enhances focus, and recognizes the value of designers' contributions.


I improved security and file organization by migrating company files from the local server to M365, creating a more efficient structure using Teams/SharePoint. Each department now has a dedicated file location, a widely appreciated change.

Effective file handling and asset storage are crucial in design, ensuring organization, efficiency, and scalability. By using structured file systems, design asset management software, and version control, designers can quickly locate and share assets, maintain consistency, enhance collaboration, and track changes.


Best practices include clear naming conventions, logical folders, regular backups, centralized repositories, and metadata for searchability. Implementing these strategies streamlines workflow enhances focus, and recognizes the value of designers' contributions.


I improved security and file organization by migrating company files from the local server to M365, creating a more efficient structure using Teams/SharePoint. Each department now has a dedicated file location, a widely appreciated change.

Team Building

As a testament to the power of inclusivity. Careful selection and perseverance enabled me to build a trustworthy and collaborative team.


As part of my role, I trained local talents, teaching new employees about existing systems. Virtual meetings ensured alignment and understanding. Through close collaboration with 3D render artists and engineers, I fostered a culture of mutual learning and growth, mentoring and learning from the team. Leveraging tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and 3D software, we brought our collective creative visions to life.

As a testament to the power of inclusivity. Careful selection and perseverance enabled me to build a trustworthy and collaborative team.


As part of my role, I trained local talents, teaching new employees about existing systems. Virtual meetings ensured alignment and understanding. Through close collaboration with 3D render artists and engineers, I fostered a culture of mutual learning and growth, mentoring and learning from the team. Leveraging tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and 3D software, we brought our collective creative visions to life.

As a testament to the power of inclusivity. Careful selection and perseverance enabled me to build a trustworthy and collaborative team.


As part of my role, I trained local talents, teaching new employees about existing systems. Virtual meetings ensured alignment and understanding. Through close collaboration with 3D render artists and engineers, I fostered a culture of mutual learning and growth, mentoring and learning from the team. Leveraging tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and 3D software, we brought our collective creative visions to life.

AI

We have used AI to increase efficiency at times. It has dramatically improved over time; Adobe is now incorporating Firefly. Generative AI is beneficial when incorporated into already powerful tools to improve productivity. It depends on the requirements of the project, of course. Sometimes I use AI to isolate objects and such.

We have used AI to increase efficiency at times. It has dramatically improved over time; Adobe is now incorporating Firefly. Generative AI is beneficial when incorporated into already powerful tools to improve productivity. It depends on the requirements of the project, of course. Sometimes I use AI to isolate objects and such.

We have used AI to increase efficiency at times. It has dramatically improved over time; Adobe is now incorporating Firefly. Generative AI is beneficial when incorporated into already powerful tools to improve productivity. It depends on the requirements of the project, of course. Sometimes I use AI to isolate objects and such.

Results

The project involved six products to bolster the brand, and it was a huge success. We invested little money in these products because they were a test, but the market responded well. Recently, I heard they are still performing well, bringing in revenue for Linkup. 

The project involved six products to bolster the brand, and it was a huge success. We invested little money in these products because they were a test, but the market responded well. Recently, I heard they are still performing well, bringing in revenue for Linkup. 

The project involved six products to bolster the brand, and it was a huge success. We invested little money in these products because they were a test, but the market responded well. Recently, I heard they are still performing well, bringing in revenue for Linkup. 

Client

Linkup Technologies Inc.

Description
Description

Travel Power Adapters

Travel Power Adapters

Year
Year

2022

2022

Website
Website

Linkup.One

Linkup.One

Background

We were asked to design some images for a product that a client was interested in. We selected three versions from samples we procured based on the client's requirements and got to work designing images. The designs were part of the package. The client wanted full 3d designs of a certain calibre, so I pulled in my designer's location in Sri Lanka, which specializes in Maya. Like other projects, I created a protocol and system using artboards and setting requirements. 

We were asked to design some images for a product that a client was interested in. We selected three versions from samples we procured based on the client's requirements and got to work designing images. The designs were part of the package. The client wanted full 3d designs of a certain calibre, so I pulled in my designer's location in Sri Lanka, which specializes in Maya. Like other projects, I created a protocol and system using artboards and setting requirements. 

We were asked to design some images for a product that a client was interested in. We selected three versions from samples we procured based on the client's requirements and got to work designing images. The designs were part of the package. The client wanted full 3d designs of a certain calibre, so I pulled in my designer's location in Sri Lanka, which specializes in Maya. Like other projects, I created a protocol and system using artboards and setting requirements. 

Objective

We were to find three products with specific features that matched the client's requirements, test them, and create 2D marketing designs that matched particular requirements so the client could sell them on their channels. 


  • 4x USB-A, worldwide outlet compatibility, 100VAC-250VAC, 5.0V3500mA, CE ROHS FCC certified

  • 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C, worldwide outlet compatibility, 100VAC-250VAC, 5.0V3500mA, PD power delivery, CE ROHS FCC certified

  • 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C, PD power delivery, worldwide outlet compatibility, 100VAC-250VAC, 5.0V3500mA, CE ROHS FCC certified

We were to find three products with specific features that matched the client's requirements, test them, and create 2D marketing designs that matched particular requirements so the client could sell them on their channels. 


  • 4x USB-A, worldwide outlet compatibility, 100VAC-250VAC, 5.0V3500mA, CE ROHS FCC certified

  • 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C, worldwide outlet compatibility, 100VAC-250VAC, 5.0V3500mA, PD power delivery, CE ROHS FCC certified

  • 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C, PD power delivery, worldwide outlet compatibility, 100VAC-250VAC, 5.0V3500mA, CE ROHS FCC certified

We were to find three products with specific features that matched the client's requirements, test them, and create 2D marketing designs that matched particular requirements so the client could sell them on their channels. 


  • 4x USB-A, worldwide outlet compatibility, 100VAC-250VAC, 5.0V3500mA, CE ROHS FCC certified

  • 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C, worldwide outlet compatibility, 100VAC-250VAC, 5.0V3500mA, PD power delivery, CE ROHS FCC certified

  • 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C, PD power delivery, worldwide outlet compatibility, 100VAC-250VAC, 5.0V3500mA, CE ROHS FCC certified

Process

Like other projects, I created a system of protocols, using artboards to clearly set requirements and holding meetings to ensure alignment. I then proceeded to iterate using work management tools. We used 3D design software. 

Like other projects, I created a system of protocols, using artboards to clearly set requirements and holding meetings to ensure alignment. I then proceeded to iterate using work management tools. We used 3D design software. 

Like other projects, I created a system of protocols, using artboards to clearly set requirements and holding meetings to ensure alignment. I then proceeded to iterate using work management tools. We used 3D design software. 

Results

The designs were very successful, except the client decided not to proceed with the project. It was a fun project, and I was happy with the results. 

The designs were very successful, except the client decided not to proceed with the project. It was a fun project, and I was happy with the results. 

The designs were very successful, except the client decided not to proceed with the project. It was a fun project, and I was happy with the results. 

Extras

Above, you can see a package design we made that wasn't consistent with our brand, so we didn't use it. Below are some other samples of my work, including logo designs. Fun projects. 

Above, you can see a package design we made that wasn't consistent with our brand, so we didn't use it. Below are some other samples of my work, including logo designs. Fun projects. 

Above, you can see a package design we made that wasn't consistent with our brand, so we didn't use it. Below are some other samples of my work, including logo designs. Fun projects. 

  • Project

    Management.

  • Project

    Management.

  • Project

    Management.

  • Project

    Management.

READY TO DO THIS

Let's get to work

© 2024. All rights reserved — Patrick East

READY TO DO THIS

Let's get to work

© 2024. All rights reserved — Patrick East

READY TO DO THIS

Let's get to work

© 2024. All rights reserved — Patrick East