KCP&L strives to offer affordable and reliable energy to homes and businesses throughout the Midwest. The linemen, the electric specialists that work on power lines, and utility vehicles have become their extension and contact to the community. But when most of their design is white and void of personality, how well can they really interact with Kansas City?
The workers of KCP&L are quite community oriented, but this goes unnoticed. They feel far more like a large corporate entity that you only pay your bills to, rather than a local business that engages customers on a personal level.
In the re-branding process, I want to focus on their role in the community, and keeping the lights on for a family rather over businesses. They need to be more approachable. My challenge is to make their identity reflective of their technical skill and work ethic, and in the process make them less anonymous. Without the bland fields of white, and more voice in their design, I believe that citizens will be more accepting and proud of their power provider. What little design they have centers around their logo, which is weak, and doesn't reflect the strength and intrepid nature of power. There's a lot of strong imagery that a power company places in the environment, and like it or not these massive power line structures are part of our graphic and physical landscape. They also have numerous interesting design surfaces to play with, and I for one am excited to design for utility vehicles and hard hats. While most businesses have business cards and brochures, KCP&L included, I think some of their best advertising are the workers themselves, and seeing them in the field. These technicians shouldn't be men behind the curtain, fixing problems without us taking notice. They should be seen and admired somewhat for their line of work and the risk involved. Climbing a 20-30 foot pole to work on live wires is an intimidating experience, and these men should be better represented.
Kcpl Final
