The branding and design agency Peter Schmidt Group is committed to excelling through creativity – and consistently fulfills its promise. Following its success at the ADC competition in January, the agency has now won five Red Dot awards for communication design. The Red Dot has become established internationally as one of the most sought-after seals of quality for good design. One project in particular stands out: The corporate design relaunch for Deutsche Bahn was named “Best of the Best.”

“The work we did for Deutsche Bahn demonstrates how to modernize an iconic brand without watering down the brand codes it has established over many decades,” explained Lukas Cottrell, Managing Partner at Peter Schmidt Group. The designers simplified the design system and gave the brand a new element called "the Pulse," which unfolds its full potential in interactive, digital environments – with a look that perfectly matches the product. Extremely flexible, it allows the Bahn to communicate personally with customers – as well as providing guidance for travelers in a hurry. The Pulse works on even the smallest surfaces, including in icons and illustrations, on posters and within architectural contexts.

Cottrell said, “The Pulse gives Deutsche Bahn new possibilities on all the channels that are increasingly important in today's world of networked mobility. It can react to individual wishes and enhance the emotional appeal of the brand.”

Jürgen Kornmann, Chief Marketing Officer Deutsche Bahn, added, “We're pursuing a consistent, digital-first approach to Deutsche Bahn's visual identity in order to bring the brand closer to the people. We are pleased that the judges of the Red Dot award have recognized our efforts.”

The other four prize-winning projects testify to the wide range of expertise at Peter Schmidt Group. For HERE Technologies, one of the leading global providers of location-based data, the agency simplified and further developed the existing visual identity, making it more accessible to users around the world. For the brand launch of the retail concept Manufakturwerk, on the other hand, the designers created an elegant, minimalistic look. And the agency's “Cards of Grace” greeting card app features optimistic illustrations that raise awareness for the topic of sustainability in a fun way.

Another outstanding example of sustainable design is the “Cocolette” collection of shoes. Originally conceived as a graduation thesis by Laura Ullmann, a designer with Peter Schmidt Group, she continued developing the project with the goal of bringing the shoes to market as an alternative to beach footwear made of plastic. Cocolette shoes are made entirely from compostable material, making them a fashionable way to reduce pollution in the world's oceans. This consciousness is not only evident in the product itself, but also permeates the entire corporate design. “Cocolette is an idea that our agency is promoting with conviction and enthusiasm,” said Lukas Cottrell. “It proves it's possible to combine the responsible use of resources with the highest design standards. At the same time, the experience our employees are gaining while developing this product is extremely beneficial, enabling us to provide the best possible advice to clients facing the challenges of sustainable transformation, and empowering them to make positive changes.”