How can we expand the character's universe?

Our Planning Notes provide an in-depth look at the planning process behind everything Wadizcreates, following the five Ws and one H.
If you’re curious about the thought process behind creating impact, be sure to check this out! Filled to the brim with thoughtful consideration and sincerity, the Planning Notes are being written right now✍

잠깐, 아직 <디자이너> 기획노트를 안 보셨다면?
🙄 와디즈 캐릭터 진국이가 왜, 어떻게 탄생했는지 보고 오기

Let me introduce the designer who will share the story behind the creation of Jin-gook and his friends! 

🙍‍♀️ Designer DD Hello. I’m DD, a brand designer Wadiz.
I handle everything that makes theWadiz brand Wadiz. 

Jinguk and his friends, each with their own unique personalities

In our last project note, we heard about the process behind the creation of Wadizmascot, “Jinguk.”
Who are the characters we’ll be introducing today? 

🙍‍♀️ Designer DD: Today, I’d like to introduce Jin-gook’s “friends,” Genie and Joy.
First, let’s start with some common questions to break the ice! Try to guess.

Hmm… Since this character loves a challenge, I’m pretty sure they’re an E!

🙍‍♀️ That's right,Designer DD, Jinguk is an ENFP!  Jinguk is full of hobbies thanks to his curiosity and love of learning.
Are there any supporters out there with the same MBTI as Jinguk? (lol) 

Jin-gook, the ENFP

So Jin-gook is an ENFP!
Among Jin-gook’s “friends,” would you mind introducing Jinny along with her MBTI type?

🙍‍♀️ Designer DD ISTJ Jinny is a walking department store. She always carries all sorts of items and gear in her bag. She has so much stuff that if you need anything, she’ll pull it out for you. With her extensive IT knowledge and strong practical skills, she’s a problem-solver who can handle any question or issue with precision. Isn’t a friend like this a must-have in your life? 

ISTJ Genie

It must be so reassuring to have Genie by your side, don't you think?
Now, please introduce Joy!

🙍‍♀️ Designer DD INTP Joy is spot-on ("Aljalttakkalsen"). She’s perfect, with both natural flair and a knack for getting things done. But she often gets lost in her own world and retreats into her shell. Whenever that happens, she drives those around her crazy—but what can you do? Joy is a true “my way” kind of person who’s impossible to predict! Thanks to her cute charm, she’s a character you just can’t help but love. 

INTP Joy

He's actually the smallest of all the characters. (Laughs)

🙍‍♀️ Designer DD Joycreated a characterinspired by jorangi rice cakes. She was soaking in red bean noodle soup and ended up turning red bean-colored. That’s how she became a Jorangi rice cake that looks like a red bean.
Jini is a pumpkin steamed rice cake. Missing the cozy steamer basket she used to share with the other steamed rice cakes, she walks around wearing thick sleep socks. 

The characters' personalities are really distinct!
Was it difficult to create and expand the unique backstories for each character?

🙍‍♀️ Designer DD : It wasreally tough, wasn’t it? It was quite a challenge. (Laughs) Still, since Jin-gook’s character was already somewhat established, I created him while picturing him in my mind. I kept imagining over and over again what kind of friends Jin-gook would get along with. As I imagined that, rather than making them too similar to Jinguk, I needed to show how different friends come together to create harmony, the outline began to take shape. 

Hi, Joy, Jin-gook, and Jinny~

I almost forgot the most important question.
Why did you decide to create these characters? 

🙍‍♀️ Designer DD’s character, Jinguk, was originally created for internal branding to represent Wadiz. Then, the idea came up to give Jinguk an external debut. The goal was to actively use him as a channel to showcase theWadiz brand image and engage with the public. While we were thinking about this, we thought, “If we create friends for Jinguk, wouldn’t that enrich the universe and make it more fun to use?” , so we decided to create them. 

Where and how are these cute little guys being used?

🙍‍♀️ Designer DD: Although Jin-gook and his friends aren't being used extensively yet, we’re currently experimenting with incorporating Jinguk and his friendsand testing user reactions. We’re also using Wadizas merchandise.

Birthday Celebration Filter: Jin-gook and Friends Appear in the Feed

Jinguk and his friends appear on the "receipt" shared upon successful funding or purchase

When developing a character for branding,
what should be the first thing to consider? 

🙍‍♀️ Designer DD I believe that a character must be able to represent the brand’s identity and image, and above all, it must have a solid worldview (story).. If these elements aren’t taken into account, no matter how cute or pretty the characters are, they might struggle to resonate with people. The end result could even end up feeling completely out of place.  

I agree that the world-building needs to be solid.
So, just for fun, I’d like to ask you a few questions. There are some that are trending these days, too.

That’s a really interesting answer!
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?

🙍‍♀️ Designer DD: Jin-gook, who pours his energy into meaningful work to make the world a better place, is just like Wadiz. Even beyond Wadiz, I believe there are many people in this world just like Jin-gook. I hope those people can relate to Jin-gook and his friends. Please continue to follow and support the adventures of Jin-guk and his friends as they embark on their journey together, stumbling and fumbling along the way!

👉 Since you've read this far, why not head over to the Wadiz website
to find Jin-gook and his friends? Click here!

View the entire "Planning Notes" series 👇

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