Sydney Uni Taekwondo Merch
Designing a modern merchandise line for the training and competition teams - blending style, functionality, and university branding.
Date
March - August 2024
Role
Lead Designer & Consultant
Company
Sydney Uni Taekwondo Club
Problem
The University of Sydney Taekwondo team’s existing merchandise primarily focuses on competition gear, overlooking the needs of non-competitive members, including supporters, managers, and staff. This gap limits opportunities for team identity to extend beyond formal uniforms, reducing engagement and visibility outside of competitions.
Solution
A versatile merchandise collection was designed to bridge this gap, incorporating apparel, accessories, and training gear that align with the university’s branding. Guided by user feedback, the designs prioritise functionality, comfort, and visual appeal, ensuring they cater to both athletes and supporters. This solution enhances team identity, fosters community engagement, and provides stylish, everyday wear options beyond the competition setting.
Gathering Insights
Research involving meetings with team members, coaches, and managers revealed the following insights:
Turning Ideas into Concepts
After numerous meetings with the club's executive team, various concepts and initial ideas were sketched out.
Following further discussions with all parties involved, a design was collectively chosen through a voting process. The selected design was then vectorised to create the final product.
The Final Product
Balancing innovation, visual appeal, and functionality while maintaining brand cohesion across a diverse product range presented key challenges throughout the project. Valuable insights emerged, including the importance of:
User-Centric Design
Engaging users at every stage to ensure products aligned with their needs and preferences.Iterative Refinement
Continuous testing and feedback loops to optimize design and functionality.Brand Consistency
Maintaining a cohesive identity across all merchandise through meticulous attention to detail.
The Sydney Uni Taekwondo team’s merchandise collection seamlessly integrates practicality, aesthetics, and user-driven design. The final product line strengthens team identity, enhances engagement, and provides athletes and supporters with functional, well-crafted pieces that can be used at club events and on a casual basis.
