Visual Brand Language Design

OTTO

Headphone Designs Tuned To Perfection

Creating a Harmonious Product Line of Professional Headphones.

Challenge

OTTO is an established OEM electronics manufacturer for the military as well as the consumer market, and wanted to increase brand awareness for their OTTO-branded products. The president of OTTO was familiar with Beyond Design’s work and the efficiencies that a Visual Brand Language (VBL) brings to product development. Management at OTTO sought to create a VBL that could unify its brand identity and product aesthetics under one strategic framework.

Process

Designers conducted in-depth stakeholder interviews across OTTO’s marketing, product development, and engineering teams. This structured approach provided the design team with insights into the Client’s heritage, current market position, and future aspirations. By listening and building empathy around existing strengths, our design team was able to create a design language with greater impact.

Through our iterative design process, designers sketched and built models until a distinctive language emerged. The product designs had gentle curves intersected by strategic chamfers, creating a cohesive visual flow that was strong and distinct. Additionally, soft, cushion-like earmuff forms made the products approachable and dynamic. The headphone design language balanced OTTO’s heritage and sophistication to push the brand forward.

Impact

The new VBL guidelines were adapted and became a comprehensive design manual, enabling faster, more organized development. Clear direction with specified design elements accelerated product cycles while giving OTTO’s team the flexibility to apply the language cost-effectively across the line. The cohesive aesthetics also elevated brand recognition in the marketplace.

Another benefit that came from the new VBL is that the development process and timeline were streamlined with faster decisions. The scalable system could be applied independently by OTTO’s internal team, ensuring long-term consistency across future products. The project positioned OTTO with a unique market presence and equipped the company with the internal structure and tools needed for efficient and consistent product development.