Plantronics
Industry
Audio, Communication, Gaming, Technology, Headphone
Services
Packaging, Icon Design, User Guides, Illustration
Project Goals
Build Plantronics credibility and authenticity with gamers. Elevate the gaming division visual appeal with targeted approaches to headhphone packaging and icon creation.
Background
Since the early 1960’s, Plantronics has been a leader in the professional business-grade headphone market. In recent years, the focus has widened to capture the growing gaming segment, targeting a more youthful audience.
Our challenge was to come up with unique gaming audio solutions that felt like a natural extension of the current, more conservative brand.
We first created “Commander” headphone box concepts with interior collector components.
Next, we illustrated unique icons to brand the gaming division while achieving the main client challenge of representing the company’s Santa Cruz roots.
Icons // RIG – Plantronics Gaming Family
Our challenge was to encapsulate the beach town vibe of Santa Cruz in an icon representing Plantronics performance audio for gamers 25+.
We abstracted the idea of Santa Cruz into symbols and characters, focusing on marine life and ocean adventure. We drew direct inspiration from the world class surf break of Steamer Lane, ocean life like squid and of course legendary waterman, Jack Oneill.
THE WAVE
The surf town reputation of Santa Cruz reaches worldwide, so the concept of “waves” – both audio and ocean related was a natural conceptual starting point. We focused on dials, ocean and audio wave forms and headphones.
THE SQUID
The ocean and its life forms spawned the idea behind this aquatic audiophile. More detailed versions of the octopus, jellyfish and kraken were pursued, but morphing them into this curious, non-threatening character proved to integrate more meaning and discovery. Precision controls, headphones, marine life and an approachable character were the visual themes driving the design.
THE NAVIGATOR
Inspired by legendary waterman and Santa Cruz royalty, Jack O’neill, this nautical icon exudes precision ocean exploration. We drew inspiration from the compass, the sea, a ship’s wheel and the face of a sailor.
CONTACT US
It looks like you might have a project in mind. When you call you’ll reach Chris, the principal designer who will review branding and graphic design needs with you and set up an initial meeting to learn more. Whenever possible it’s helpful to kick things off with a face to face meeting to steer things in the right direction from the beginning. Give a call or shoot an email over today. We’re always excited to work with new clients looking for creative solutions to marketing needs.
