KVB ReDesign

IIllustration | Branding

This project was a group assignment in which we collaborated on a large-scale redesign of the Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe AG (KVB) – the public transport operator of Cologne. My main focus was on creating the illustrations and designing the visual identity for buses and trains.

Category: Semesterarbeit

Course: Art Direction

Year : 2024

My Role: Bus Design | Illustrationen

THE ILLUSTRATIONS

Our concept was built around the phrase: That’s Cologne!
It should be instantly recognizable that the design represents the city. So we explored what truly symbolizes Cologne and selected five iconic landmarks:
the Cologne Cathedral, cable car, Hohenzollern Bridge, TV tower, and Carnival.

Following our visual guidelines – round, simple, and friendly – I illustrated each element to reflect the city's character.

BUS & TRAIN DESIGN

The illustrations were then applied to buses and trains. A sweeping curved line frames the designs and represents the Rhine River – as a moving and connecting symbol. Ideally, each vehicle would pass by the landmark it displays on its exterior – creating a visual link between the illustration and the real location.

THE PATTERN

Using the same illustrations, I created a custom pattern that we integrated across various backgrounds for the website and app.

We also adapted the pattern for seat upholstery inside the buses and trains – tying the branding together across digital and physical touchpoints.

kerstin designs

Brand Designer

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