Streamlining Brand Consistency: A Deep Dive into the Management of Digital Brands
18. janvier 2024
Maintaining a consistent brand identity across diverse sectors can be a complex task.
Maintaining a consistent brand identity across diverse sectors can be a complex task.
La place de marché suisse en ligne Ricardo investit dans la sécurité et lance son nouveau service fiduciaire, Ricardo MoneyGuard, pour une protection totale lors de vos achats et de vos ventes. Grâce à l’intégration de l’application de paiement TWINT comme option de paiement, l’expérience d’achat sur Ricardo devient également plus simple et plus flexible.
The Swiss automotive industry is undergoing a major change that is not only shaped by new technologies, but also by global megatrends such as climate change, demographic change and digitalisation. But how exactly do these megatrends affect the automotive sector?
In the dynamic realm of technology, staying ahead necessitates more than just passive observation of trends; it demands active exploration, collaboration, and continuous learning. SMG’s X-Plore Days represent this commitment to innovation, knowledge-sharing, and the resilience required to future-proof our company.
AI has taken center stage in the world of technology, and here at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, we’re not just keeping up, we’re actively futureproofing. Recently, our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) had the opportunity to dive headfirst into the exciting world of artificial intelligence in a workshop that left them inspired and ready to embrace the AI revolution.
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. As we celebrate Cyber Security Month, it’s essential to shed light on innovative solutions that can protect both our employees and customers. That is why we’re proud that SMG has become a part of the FIDO Alliance.
Welcome to Cyber Security Month! This week, we’re diving deep into the treacherous waters of phishing attacks.
In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, ImmoScout24 has embarked on a creative journey to boost brand awareness.
Creating and implementing a digital brand presence is hard enough. But when you get the task to bring to life said brand within a physical space, you really have to start thinking outside the box.
At SMG we specialize in online marketplaces – one of them is Ricardo. Part of General Marketplaces, it is unique in our portfolio with its auction system and is known for its commitment to sustainability and charitable activities.
SMG Swiss Marketplace Group SA fournit à ses clients les meilleurs outils pour prendre des décisions importantes dans leur quotidien. Le portefeuille s’étend actuellement sur quatre domaines d’activité: Real Estate (ImmoScout24, Homegate, Flatfox, alle-immobilien.ch, Immostreet.ch, home.ch, Publimmo, Acheter-Louer.ch, CASASOFT, IAZI), Automotive (AutoScout24, MotoScout24), General Marketplaces (anibis.ch, tutti.ch, Ricardo) et Finance & Insurance (FinanceScout24, moneyland.ch). La société a été fondée en novembre 2021 par TX Group AG, Ringier AG, La Mobilière et General Atlantic.
Head of Design for Automotive
Introduce yourself and your role at SMG
I’m Marta Andreoni, Head of Design at SMG Automotive. I lead the design and UX writing team shaping AutoScout24 user experience.
In my role, I wear many hats. My main focus is ensuring we stay true to our vision “simplifying people’s lives and connecting humans through innovative digital platforms” and our brand promise, “make it happen”. I challenge my team to think user-first, push for innovation, ease of use for our customers and make forward-thinking decisions, even within business and technological constraints.
A big part of my role is supporting each designer’s growth, motivation, and career development. Through one-on-one coaching, mentoring, group work, and projects, I help my colleagues set and achieve their goals while fostering new learning opportunities.
What helps you feel empowered and confident in your role?
If I had to mention one thing I would say “being proactive” has been key to feeling more empowered. I enjoy solving problems, so when issues or opportunities arise, be it in the product, market or the team, I get curious and I proactively investigate the reasons and try to bring inputs to be discussed with others, this makes me feel I can be part of the process or solution and my point of view is going to be taken seriously. My optimism also plays a role, giving me confidence that even the most complex challenges can be solved.
Besides, having trust from other managers and colleagues makes me feel in a safe environment where I can take ownership on topics I’m passionate about.
What’s one thing SMG does well in fostering an inclusive workplace? What more can be done to amplify and support different perspectives in the workplace?
In my experience, we strive for balancing top-down and bottom-up inputs, ensuring employees can influence product directions, processes, and culture. People are approachable, and our strong feedback culture helps voices be heard. Across SMG, initiatives like regular People & Culture Surveys, topic guilds, and events in our locations across the world foster open exchange and mutual learning.
That said, I’ve noticed that quieter voices sometimes get less space, or interacting with top management can feel intimidating, especially when giving critical feedback. To make participation more inclusive, we could apply more facilitation and group work techniques like structured turn-taking, written input, and smaller group discussions – ensuring everyone, regardless of confidence level, seniority or personality, feels comfortable contributing.
Design is often about seeing the world differently. How do unique perspectives contribute to more innovative, inclusive, or impactful design?
Design is about understanding diverse user personas and perspectives to create solutions that truly meet their needs or create new opportunities. I believe in the power of collaboration to shape user experiences – bringing together different disciplines, backgrounds, and lived experiences helps challenge assumptions, uncover blind spots, and drive more inclusive, innovative, and impactful solutions.
Looking back on your career, what’s one lesson or piece of advice you wish you had known earlier as a leader in design?
There are three things no one really prepares you for as a design leader: dealing with constant change, facing failure and handling emotions at work. These topics aren’t talked about much until you face them. I was lucky to learn from others’ experiences, but much of it came through my own.
One thing I wish I had understood earlier is the power of emotional intelligence, my job is no longer about the content and the design, it is about people. Self-awareness, not just of your own emotions, but also how others feel and react, can be the difference between conflict and harmony, frustration and clarity. The more I grow as a leader and designer, the more I realise that design isn’t just about doing the design job, delivering solutions on the market: it’s about navigating people, their emotions, and making change more acceptable and transforming issues into opportunities, both within the organisation and through great products.
