How would Montblanc grow?

Montblanc is famous for its luxury pens, which have been used for communication for hundreds of years. How would Montblanc, a traditional communication tool brand, grow in this digitalized world?

Montblanc produces a wide range of products, including goods for travel, writing implements, watches, jewelry, and other products.

product categories

brand audit

Among competitors, Montblanc is less invested in trends and more so the heritage of its wide range of products.

(Brand audit was created through teamwork with Steven Chen, Elyse Cho, Lele Liu, Yu Ma, Qing Yan, and myself)

grow into virtual communiCaion

In consideration of Montblanc’s full range and heritage in writing instruments, there is an opportunity for Montblanc to expand its market into the virtual communication industry.

Hearing voices clearly is important to great communication. Thus, creating a high-quality microphone and set of earbuds has the potential to start this expansion.

montblanc design language

Sleek lines, masculine style, attention to detail, and German quality.

design Goals

How to make virtual meetings with less friction?

Creating the best audio experience for virtual communication.

• Easy to set up

• Match with outfit

• Undisrupted communication

How to make it easier to take out and put on three pieces?

After exploring all the different casing ways, I decided to use the most simple one, which is sliding.

How to change volumes and settings more intuitively?

Mic

This dial doesn’t require a lot of movement, which would be less distractive during meetings.

Earbuds

Matching the same control language (system), a circular dial would be idea for the earbuds. And the control on the case will be matching both the earbuds and the mic.

Form development

Microphone

Sleeker & more modern looking.

Earbuds

More & more masculine.

Case

Simplify & simplify.

Texture Study

Quieter texture & metallic.

mockup testing

Scale & Fit Testing