Behind the Scenes: Designing our New Logo and Visual Identity
We’re thrilled to unveil the story behind our new logo and corporate identity! Since our beginnings in 2020 as the Young Mobility Network (YMN), we’ve grown into a vibrant community of over 600 members across Germany and beyond. In the summer of 2024, we took the next big step and officially founded YMN as a company, setting the stage for even greater impact.
This exciting evolution inspired a fresh, modern identity that reflects who we are today and where we’re heading. To bring this vision to life, we partnered with DID - DIEINFORMATIONSDESIGNER, a creative agency renowned for their expertise in impactful designs for public transport.
Together, we embarked on a journey filled with creativity, collaboration, and a shared vision—an evolution we’re excited to share with you!
Young Mobility Network Logo
The Process: Turning A Vision into Reality
Creating the YMN logo was a structured yet creative process that unfolded in three distinct phases:
DID “We start with research and discovery - understanding the client’s goals, values, and audience. Then we move into conceptual design, where we experiment with different ideas. After feedback, we refine the chosen concept, focusing on details like color, typography, and symbolism. Collaboration with the client is key at every stage."
Phase 1: Discovery and Input
We kicked off with a workshop led by DID, where our 21-person core team and other active members provided input. Using Miro, a digital collaboration tool, we answered questions about YMN’s future vision, values, and identity. DID emphasized the importance of this phase:
"Understanding what YMN stands for was key. What in the core of YMN? It’s not just a network - it’s a powerful movement, and we wanted to reflect that energy and ambition in the design process and the final new visual identity." - Viktoria Brandenburg, DID
Phase 2: Concept Development
After structuring and analyzing all input it was time to extract the essence and translate this into visual elements. DID came up with four unique concept ideas. Each design approach captured several aspects of YMN’s identity, an each was taking different ones into focus.
"Our goal was to create a visual identity that felt modern and dynamic, bit also reputable and meaningful. The vibrant colours, the shapes and clean lines in the final concept stood out as the perfect representation of YMN." - Viktoria Brandenburg, DID
Phase 3: Refinement and Application
In the final phase, DID refined the chosen design, ensuring it worked seamlessly across all platforms. This included applications like our Pitch Deck, LinkedIn templates, Roll Ups and more.
Watch the video below to discover more about the new YMN Design!
With DID - DIEINFORMATIONSDESIGNER leading the way, we experienced a complete design creation process from start to finish, driven by their expertise and creativity. Miro became our go-to tool for collaboratively shaping the next steps of YMN’s design.
Creative Inspiration: The Story Behind the Design
The YMN logo is a modern, bold mark that reflects our identity as a connected, forward-thinking community in the mobility sector.
-
“The design was inspired by the core values of the Young Mobility Network: connection, inclusivity, and modernisation. Circular shapes and smooth gradients were used to symbolise fluidity and interaction within the network. The color palette combines vibrant and contemporary tones to evoke energy and positivity while maintaining a professional and approachable feel suited to the mobility sector.
We wanted to break away from the typical visual identity seen in the mobility industry - often overly strict, technical, and dominated by shades of blue. Instead, we aimed for a younger, fresher, and more modern aesthetic. The goal was to create a brand that feels exciting and fun to represent, evoking a sense of astonishment and enthusiasm.
This bold approach contrasts with the often dull, overly serious, and colourless designs prevalent in the sector. To achieve this balance, we introduced dynamic colors and modern shapes while maintaining some seriousness by incorporating navy as a base color. This not only anchors the design in the mobility industry but also ensures immediate recognition.” - Viktoria Brandenburg, DID
-
“The logo stands out by balancing professionalism with creativity. Its bold, modern typography conveys authority and confidence – essential qualities for being taken seriously in the mobility industry. At the same time, the font maintains a youthful and modern edge without becoming overly playful.
The signet in the logo highlights the network’s collaborative nature and interconnectedness. It’s a modernized evolution of the original signet, incorporating and reimagining existing elements of the brand. This approach respects the history and story embedded in the previous design, emphasizing the value of reinvention and continuity. Recycling and updating existing design elements enhance recognition and connection to the brand’s identity.
The design also embodies dynamism and movement, concepts central to mobility and progress. It commands attention and stands out in an industry where logos often play it safe, blending into the crowd rather than making a statement.” - Viktoria Brandenburg, DID -
“The most meaningful hidden detail is in the signet itself. When turned around, it resembles a person with a head, symbolizing that the human being is at the center of the brand. Among the team, this element also became known as “The Water Droplet,” representing fluidity, flow, and constant movement.
Additionally, the rounded shapes that define the brand’s visual identity are reflected in the typography of the logo, creating a cohesive and consistent aesthetic. These rounded forms lend the logo a modern, youthful feel while maintaining its sense of seriousness and authority.
The design also subtly references pathways or railways - key symbols of mobility and orientation - reinforcing the connection to the network’s mission. These thoughtful nuances make the logo not only visually striking but also deeply aligned with the brand’s purpose and vision.” - Viktoria Brandenburg, DID
Collaboration: A Team Effort
Working with DID was a fantastic experience! Their structured approach, creativity, and collaborative spirit made this project both enjoyable and rewarding.
-
"The YMN team brought so much passion and clarity to the project. Their input was invaluable, and their energy was contagious. It’s clear how deeply they care about their mission. We are happy, that this spirit is now captured also visually on point." - Viktoria Brandenburg, DID
-
"One challenge was capturing the multifaceted nature of YMN resulting in a clear, impactful design. By focusing on its core values—connection, innovation, and knowledge building - we were able to create something that truly represents the network." - Viktoria Brandenburg, DID
Fun Facts: Moments Behind the Curtain
Every creative journey has its fun and unexpected moments! During brainstorming, we explored quirky ideas inspired by transportation elements like bike chains and railway tracks. While these concepts didn’t make the final cut, they sparked lively discussions - and plenty of laughs. Check out our kickoff picture below, taken at a co-working space in Cologne. The energy and excitement were clear from day one!
From left to right: Viktoria Brandenburg (DID), Anna Filby (YMN), Daniel Stanke (DID)
Looking Ahead
💬 What do you think of our new look?
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
A huge THANK YOU to DID - DIEINFORMATIONSDESIGNER for their creativity and dedication. Together, we’ve created something that truly represents the spirit of YMN—a vibrant, connected, and innovative community shaping the future of mobility.
Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes stories, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we’re building a community that moves the world forward.