Translucent concrete in product design : Implementation of a new segment of design products through Strategic branding

Sammanfattning: The company Butong is based on a patented process of casting concrete between two layers of bubble wrap, resulting in panels of translucent concrete. This material is mainly applied as panels in vertical gardens and light installations. Today, the business is based on projects that require custom made designs. Alongside these projects, products with a standardised manufacturing process are desired to extend the company towards the consumer market and fill the workflow gaps existing in their current production. Through strategic branding, this project aimed to create a new business segment of standardised design products and the framework needed for Butong to enter the consumer market. From analysing the company and its values, understanding the possibilities and limitations of the material and from investigating the opportunities on the market, the brand position for the segment was determined. A strategy to establish the business on the targeted market was developed, including a brand identity and design guidelines for the new segment. To exemplify the usage of the guidelines, several concepts were produced, of which one was further developed to be the flagship product of the segment. The segment was directed to target both Butong’s current market and the consumer market in order to facilitate its establishment and to reach a larger public. It is developed to consist of products that clearly display the properties of the material and are aligned to the identity of the brand. Following the set guidelines, the developed concepts confirm its value and potential by communicating coherency and the expressions desired. With a standardised manufacturing process, the production can be engaged at any time to make use of the existing workflow gaps and complement Butong’s existing business without obstructing it.