Introducing the SK8 KIT, an all-in-one on-the-go kit for skateboarders. Made by the brand that’s been providing you with the best deck shoes for over fifty years.
Brand Study
From the time they started making shoes in 1966, Vans has been providing skaters everywhere with high quality deck shoes, defining an iconic skate style that is recognizable around the world. It wasn’t long before Vans was exploring more of the extreme sports community, designing shoes and boots for bikers and snowboarders, and sponsoring surf, snowboarding, BMX, and motocross teams across America. Throughout their history, Vans has taken their design leads often from their own customers, producing new patterns for their shoes inspired by the doodles that people began adding to their Vans shoes.
As the brand has developed, Vans has added a clothing line, accessory lines, and a collection of backpacks and bags to their stock. They continue to be a large sponsor of extreme sports while attracting a multidimensional customer base. Their investment in niche communities and response to their customers’ needs has won them a cult following and status as one of the most iconic shoe brands in America.
Product Exploration
During the early phases of this project, I explored applying Van’s brand language to gaming chairs. Although producing a chair for gamers felt adjacent to the interests of Vans’ cult following, the application of the brand language felt too easy, with most of the branding elements translating via the fabric patterns that Vans has already developed. Because of this, I decided to design a product that required more attention to detail as well as meeting a specific customer need. Through the brand research I completed, I learned how responsive Vans has been to their customers’ needs and desires, which made the Sk8 Kit a more likely choice for Vans’ production.
Below you can see my exploration of gaming chairs.
THE SK8 KIT
Made specifically for skateboarders, the SK8 KIT by Vans was designed as an addition to your favourite backpack. Whether you use Vans’ Obstacle Skate Backpack or that one your uncle gave you for your thirteenth birthday, this kit provides an easy-to-access compartment where you can find all of the things you need for a day out at the skatepark.
The kit comes with an all-in-one skate multi-tool, a first aid kit, straps for your extra wheels, and a pouch for any additional gear you like to have with you at all times.
