광주 어플리케이션 디자인 리브랜딩 & 네이밍
Rebranding KJ Bank: Icon & Naming
About the Project
Kwangju Bank is a leading regional bank in South Korea, rooted in tradition but facing the need to connect with a new generation of customers in a competitive financial market.
This rebranding project was initiated to modernize the bank’s identity and app design, moving away from its conventional and somewhat conservative image. The goal was to create a refreshed brand that feels dynamic, approachable, and relevant to younger audiences, while maintaining the trust and reliability valued by its existing customers.
KJ GO BANK
KJ GO Banking” builds on multiple layers of meaning. The abbreviation KJ directly connects to Kwangju Bank’s heritage, while GO is chosen for its clarity, energy, and cross-cultural resonance.
On one level, GO is a universally recognizable English word that conveys action, momentum, and progress—values that resonate strongly in modern digital banking. It also draws from the Chinese character “高” (pronounced Go), meaning high or elevated, symbolizing the aspiration to reach greater heights with customers.
By combining these elements, the new name is not only simple to pronounce globally, but also communicates a forward-looking, trustworthy identity—positioning KJ GO Banking as a brand that empowers users to move confidently into the future.
App Design
Inspirations
The design incorporates the Korean consonants ‘ㄱ’ and ‘ㅈ’ to visually capture Kwangju Bank’s identity. By adapting the shapes of ‘ㄱ’ and ‘ㅈ’ from the word "광주" (Kwangju), I crafted a design that is both dynamic and minimalist.
Additionally, the dynamic Hangul design also evokes a sense of motion, intuitively conveying the idea of "GO." This symbolizes Kwangju Bank's dedication to future growth and advancing together with its customers.
Colors
Primary Blue:
Leverages the color's established association with security and stability, maintaining the core values of a reliable bank.
High Saturation:
Infuses the brand with a sense of energy and vitality, moving it away from the staid image of traditional banking and connecting with a younger, more active demographic.
