CASE STUDY: Product Development “The Identity Collection"

Product Strategy • Research • MVP Planning • Testing • Business Integration

01. Overview

“The Identity Collection” is a three-piece apparel line created for BÓRA, a lifestyle brand focused on empowerment, identity, and self-expression. As the Product Lead, I applied a formal product development framework to take the concept from insight → definition → design → feasibility → prototype → MVP strategy.

This case study demonstrates how I apply structured product development methods, user-centered research, business analysis, and cross-functional decision-making to create a real, market-ready product.

02. Problem Statement

Many Gen Z, LGBTQ+, and identity-focused consumers seek minimalist apparel that reflects who they are, not just what they wear. However, most products in this category are either:

too trend-driven,
too generic, or
not emotionally meaningful

Core Problem

How can we design an apparel line that enables individuals to express their identity, empowerment, and sense of belonging while maintaining a modern, minimalist, and affordable aesthetic?

03. Goal & Success Criteria

Project Goal

Develop a three-piece apparel collection grounded in identity-driven messaging, supported by user insights, business feasibility, and scalable design patterns.

Success Criteria

Designs must be emotionally resonant and identity-centered
Production must be cost-effective and scalable
Messaging must be consistent with brand values
The collection must support a cohesive MVP launch
Visual identity must work across digital, print, and apparel applications

04. My Role

Product Lead • Researcher • Designer • Strategist

I was responsible for:

User & market research
Product definition & requirements
Visual strategy & concept creation
Feasibility analysis
Design of mockups and prototypes
MVP scope planning
Pricing & value strategy
Stakeholder coordination

05. Tools & Methods Used

Tools: Adobe Express, Canva, Adobe Color, Hostinger, Notion
Methods:

Stage-Gate Product Development
MVP Scoping
Value Proposition Canvas
Competitive Analysis
Hybrid Project Management
Brand Identity Systems
Iterative Testing (Design Feedback Loops)

Phase 1 - Research & Discovery

User Research Findings

Consumers want simplicity with emotional depth
Visibility and pride matter, but so does subtlety
Clothing should feel expressive without shouting
Earth-tone colors evoke modernity and grounding

Competitive Analysis

Compared BÓRA’s positioning to lifestyle brands offering:

minimalist T-shirts
small batch collections
empowerment messaging
Gap Identified:
Few brands combine identity storytelling + minimalism in a premium-feeling but affordable format.