Since its inception in 1932, Zippo has built a reputation as one of the most reputable brands globally, creating an iconic product culture. However, the challenging local Chinese market, characterized by a plethora of choices and rapid innovation, necessitated a brand image revamp. The designers, WenYuan Chen and Ze Hao, rose to the challenge, focusing on cultivating Zippo's core personalities and translating them into a cultural identity that resonates with consumers.
The new website is a testament to the brand's commitment to engaging with its consumers. The designers employed progressive UI technology to create an edgy interaction UI that showcases the brand experience. The website's dynamic images and interactive UI elements encourage user engagement, immersing visitors in an experiential visual journey. The choice of a black theme further enhances user engagement, creating a cohesive and immersive website experience.
However, the journey to the website's realization was not without challenges. The team had to sift through a vast database, a task that proved daunting. But through a systematic approach, they managed to understand Zippo's segmentation, establish a message house for product innovation, and quantify the market potential of the segments. This research formed the foundation of the website's design, ensuring it resonated with the target audience.
The designers' efforts were not in vain. The website redesign was awarded the Golden A' Website and Web Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's wisdom and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics. The award is a testament to the designers' innovative approach and the website's potential to redefine Zippo's digital presence.
As Zippo continues to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape, the new website serves as a beacon of the brand's commitment to staying relevant and engaging with its consumers. It is a testament to the power of innovative design in transforming a brand's digital presence, setting a precedent for other brands in the digital age.
Project Designers: Wenyuan Chen
Image Credits: ZIPPO NO.347274
Project Team Members: Wenyuan Chen and Ze Hao
Project Name: Inspiration
Project Client: Wenyuan Chen