functional graphics

THROWING SOME HOT SAUCE ON THE BORING WORLD OF APPAREL TRIMS & GRAPHICS

We didn’t set out to disrupt Nike’s approach to apparel graphics & trims, but it happened anyway. Prior to this program, apparel graphics at Nike were exclusively decorative. 

To better align with Nike’s brand promise of performance, we transformed them into something more useful.

SCOPE OF WORK

Starting as a standard seasonal design project—trims and garment graphics—this program turned into something larger. Visual influence from functional/informational graphics (“this end up” stickers, furniture assembly instructions) quickly evolved to a concept in which garment graphics not only look functional, they are functional. This has been a staple of Nike garment graphics ever since.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

• Design research

• Graphic design

• Material & application development (including prototyping, sourcing, and material engineering)

outcomes

• Evolution of the brand’s approach to apparel trims & graphics into something more compelling and on-brand.

• Development of a new adhesive rubber ink, engineered to add “grip graphics” to ribbon zipper pulls 

• Engineering of an experimental loop label material to echo the inviting tactility of the “grip graphics.”