Case Study

AutoXray

Brand makeover for an automotive diagnostic tool maker. Consumer research surfaced an unexpected truth — the SIMPLE brand — that drove a year-long rollout across packaging, point-of-purchase, advertising, PR, web, and product redesign, opening partnerships with Snap-On and Jiffy Lube.

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AutoXray, a manufacturer of automotive diagnostic tools, came to us ready for a brand makeover. They wanted to do more than promote features and benefits — they wanted a closer relationship with their customers. We assumed the brand would be built on the cool functionality and cost savings. Good thing we didn't settle on our initial assumptions.

Seeing through to the end user.

AutoXray tools are used by professional mechanics and do-it-yourselfers. The new brand had to appeal to both. To identify the right messaging, we went straight to the source — we ran one-on-ones and group sessions and encouraged loyal customers to talk.

The research surprised us. It wasn't the products' extensive capabilities or their affordability that mattered most — it was their simplicity. Whether it's cell phones or kitchen appliances, no one likes struggling with complex gizmos anymore. And so the SIMPLE brand was born.

AutoXray EZ-Scan 3000 diagnostic scanner — yellow-handled tool inside open kit case with documentation

One year to simplicity.

Over a year-long rollout, the SIMPLE brand was deployed through packaging, point-of-purchase, advertising, trade shows, PR, web, and even the design of the new generation of tools.

AutoXray brand book and packaging — interior spreads on green photo seamless

The new brand opened the way for partnerships with much larger players including Snap-On and Jiffy Lube, and gave the company a strong platform from which to position itself for sale. A substantial offer was made and accepted.

AutoXray 'Some tool choices are SIMPLE' print ad — toothpick metaphor and EZ-Scan 3000 product details

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