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Brand positioning and strategy for KONE

Two people walking on the street
Two people walking on the street

Client: KONE

Services

Sustainable progress inspired by the flow of life

KONE, one of the world’s leading producers of elevators and escalators, partnered with Manyone to modernize its brand after a century of operation.

Together, we created a brand strategy and identity that are built for the future, hybrid and digital to the bone, and aligned with KONE’s mission to enhance the “flow of life.”

Two people walking down the street, with the text 'Can you hear the hum?' in white overlay

Challenge

Balancing heritage with modern demands

KONE needed to retain their legacy, while refreshing their brand to meet growing global and digital needs. The new identity had to capture the company’s mission, while resonating across different markets and ensuring seamless digital adaptation.


Approach

Developing a global brand framework

We conducted extensive research and led workshops with employees at all levels globally. This inspired a vision for the future KONE, underpinning global excellence.

In collaboration with KONE’s brand team, we fine-tuned their brand positioning and strategy, helping to shape a unified and globally recognized experience that reflected a wholesome perception of the brand.

Illustration of a mechanic fixing an escalator
Animated arrow

Outcome

A brand strategy and identity built for the future

White text reading 'Human, inspiring, energetic & trustworthy' against a blue background

The new KONE brand emphasizes how their products and services intertwine with people’s lives – with the flow of life in the city itself. The new brand position and experience unfold across naming strategy, employer branding, service and training initiatives, and continuous engagement spanning the entire organization.

As KONE’s brand strategy and design partner, we’re continuing our journey together to shape and evolve the brand going forward – and ensure sustainable progress for the business, their customers, and city life.

We could have chosen a more traditional or more known brand agency partner, but we knew that we wanted to change.

Annika Payn

Head of Brand Experience, Global

KONE
Anikka Payn from KONE

Hear from Annika Payn, Head of Brand Experience, KONE.

KONE by the numbers:

550,000

customers worldwide

1billion

people moved each day

100

countries of distribution

65,000

employees

A minimalistic illustrated graphic of three people – one ascending an escalator, one on a skateboard, and one on a scooter.
The KONE logo in front of a smiling man

The updated KONE logo

A couple of brand assets
A hand holding a white totebag with a pattern of repeating blue arrows, pointing upwards
A still of a website landing page, with an image of two people on an escalator, and the KONE logo and text 'Dedicated to People Flow' on top

A brand experience across digital touchpoints

White text reading "A sense of flow, life & trusts"
Minimalistic illustration of a girl with a ponytail on her laptop, sitting on an illustrated blue cloud

Want to know more?

Looking for more details about this case? Or maybe you have a similar challenge? Just reach out, and we'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. We're here to help.

Katrine Rafn Knudsen

Katrine Rafn Knudsen

Head of Experience, Partner

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