(03)
UX, UI, Packaging, Illustration, Campaign
Kano—anyone can make.
Client
Kano
Sector
Educational software/hardware
Role
Design Director
Year
2018–2020
At Kano Computing, a London-based startup creating educational STEM computer kits for children, I rose to the challenge of Design Director after a series of successful freelance projects. In this leadership role, I not only built a talented design team but also spearheaded operational growth, propelling Kano to its most impactful year on record. This success was fueled by strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Microsoft, Disney, and Lucasfilm, resulting in back-to-back product launches, significantly amplifying Kano's reach and impact in the educational technology space.
Challenge.
Following the success of the Harry Potter Coding Wand Kit, a partnership with Warner Bros, the newly scaled-up company embarked on an ambitious product launch year. Five new projects, including the Kano Computer Kit Touch, Star Wars Coding Kit, The Frozen II Coding Kit, and the Kano PC, were developed in quick succession. To support these launches, we established Kano Education, specifically designed for school STEM curriculums. This rapid pace necessitated tight collaboration across design, engineering, and marketing teams. We simultaneously managed overlapping deadlines for software, hardware, illustrated guides, packaging, e-commerce pages, and a comprehensive marketing strategy with targeted digital campaigns.
Strategy.
Success hinged on close collaboration with a talented cross-functional team. The ECD, creatives, UX/UI designers, illustrators, photographers, directors, editors, engineers, and marketers all played crucial roles. Together, we brought these products to life, crafting imaginative campaigns, user-friendly packaging that was both engaging & functional, and digital products that seamlessly blended playfulness with education.
Beyond product development, I played a key role in continuing to elevate Kano's brand identity. I oversaw the development of our visual language and brand voice, ensuring a consistent, open, creative, curious, and soulful experience across all touchpoints.
The business efforts were recognised with numerous prestigious awards, including the CES Innovation Award 2020, Clio Entertainment Award 2019, and Times Best Inventions 2019. Notably, Kano was ranked the No. 2 most-innovative company in the world by Fast Company in 2019, surpassing Google & Microsoft, and coming in just behind Apple. These accolades are a testament to the team's dedication and creativity.
Live site: Kano
Seed & Round funding
$45m
The successful launches of the Pixel Kit, Motion Sensor Kit, and various computer kits fueled a $45 million funding investment in Kano to date.
Engament duration
13.5hrs
Kano boasts a highly engaged user base, with users averaging 13.5 hours per week in Kano communities – rivaling the engagement of platforms like Snapchat in 2020.
User creations
227k
This vibrant community of Kano users has fueled an impressive creation engine, producing a staggering 227,000 apps. Coders as young as six from a remarkable 86 countries are contributing to this global phenomenon, circa 2020.
Feedback.
Ben is a thoughtful, considerate Design Director who strives to deliver the best work possible, either by managing a team of designers or by himself. He brings a friendliness, calmness and professionalism to chaotic work situations - finding real solutions. He understands every aspect of design - Branding, UI, UX, communications, packaging, publications, and more.
He was my partner in crime at Kano, helping to manage the creative team, develop the brand, illustration, photography, and marketing for some of our biggest launches. Pushing design and attention to detail to new heights, bringing in some incredible freelance talent and filmmakers to level up the team, and turning his hand to any challenge. Ben is an awesome person to have on your side.
— Aaron Hinchion, Executive Creative Director, Kano Computing
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