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Who decides when a brand needs evolution or revolution? James Greenfield on Amazon’s refresh, tired UK brands, and why design discipline matters for work that is hard to copy or ignore.

In a candid conversation with Creative Bloq, Koto’s James Greenfield unpacks the state of branding today, drawing on recent work with Amazon and lessons from icons like Nike and Apple. His core argument is simple: design without discipline leaves brands stuck in the past, while strong creative signatures make them harder to copy and easier to love.
Greenfield points to legacy UK names such as O2, Sky, and Carphone Warehouse as examples of brands that have failed to evolve. Customers notice when identity is rooted in outdated references, and familiarity alone is no longer enough. By contrast, brands like Apple prove the compounding value of putting design at the centre of strategy, showing that consistency and clarity pay off long term.
He also reflects on Amazon’s refresh, highlighting how consumer relationships differ wildly across markets. For some, Amazon means Prime content; for others, it means pharmacy, retail, or logistics. Bridging those experiences requires storytelling that respects cultural context and builds trust step by step.
The takeaway is clear: meaningful brands are disciplined, culturally aware, and not afraid to take risks that push them out of the middle ground. Read the full interview in Creative Bloq.
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