San Francisco, CA – Hyundai Card’s dedication to branding and design has been recognized internationally with a prestigious iF Design Award 2026 for its archival book, “Our Typeface.” The publication, a comprehensive exploration of the company’s proprietary typeface ‘Youandi’ and its 20-year evolution, received the award in the ‘Branding Communication Design’ category, specifically within the ‘Publishing’ sub-section. This marks a significant achievement, as We see the first time a financial institution’s corporate typeface publication has been honored with this award.
The iF Design Award, often referred to as one of the world’s three most prominent design accolades, celebrates excellence across a wide range of design disciplines. “Our Typeface,” published in 2024, meticulously documents the history of ‘Youandi’ from its inception in 2003 through to its most recent iterations. The book isn’t merely a showcase of fonts; it’s a deep dive into the philosophy behind the typeface and its integral role in shaping Hyundai Card’s brand identity. The award underscores the growing recognition of the importance of corporate typography in building and maintaining a strong brand presence.
A 20-Year Journey in Type: The Story of ‘Youandi’
Hyundai Card first introduced ‘Youandi’ in 2003, establishing it as South Korea’s first dedicated corporate typeface. The typeface has since become synonymous with the Hyundai Card brand, consistently applied across all visual elements, from credit cards to marketing materials. This consistent application has been crucial in establishing a unique and recognizable brand identity for the company. The book chronicles the evolution of ‘Youandi’ through three distinct eras: the original ‘Youandi,’ the modernized ‘Youandi Modern’ (2012), and the latest iteration, ‘Youandi New’ (2021). Each version reflects evolving design trends and the company’s commitment to innovation.
“Our Typeface” is structured into three key sections: ‘Three Eras,’ a visual compendium showcasing the characteristics of each typeface version; ‘Thoughts,’ featuring insights from design experts on the significance of corporate typography; and ‘Expressions,’ a collection of examples demonstrating the typeface’s application in various contexts. This thoughtful organization aims to make the intricacies of corporate branding and typeface design accessible to both professionals and those new to the field. The book’s success lies in its ability to bridge the gap between technical design details and broader branding concepts.
Beyond Aesthetics: The Impact of ‘Youandi’ on Korean Design
The impact of ‘Youandi’ extends beyond Hyundai Card’s own branding efforts. The introduction of a dedicated corporate typeface paved the way for other companies and organizations in South Korea to develop their own unique typefaces. This trend has significantly influenced the Korean design landscape and visual culture as a whole. According to Press9, ‘Youandi’ has become a benchmark for corporate identity and design in the country.
The book’s recognition by the iF Design Award isn’t the only accolade it has received. “Our Typeface” similarly secured a win at the IDEA Design Awards, further solidifying its position as a leading example of innovative branding and design. This dual recognition highlights the book’s universal appeal and its contribution to the global design community.
The iF Design Award: A Global Benchmark for Excellence
The iF Design Award, organized by the iF International Forum Design GmbH, is a globally recognized symbol of design excellence. Established in 1953, the award evaluates submissions based on criteria such as innovation, functionality, aesthetics, and impact. Winning an iF Design Award signifies a commitment to high-quality design and a dedication to pushing creative boundaries. The award’s prestige attracts submissions from designers, companies, and institutions worldwide, making it a highly competitive platform for showcasing innovative function.
The 2026 award ceremony will further elevate Hyundai Card’s profile within the international design community. The company’s success demonstrates the power of investing in thoughtful branding and the importance of recognizing the value of design as a strategic asset. The award also serves as an inspiration for other financial institutions to prioritize design and explore the potential of corporate typography.
What Sets ‘Our Typeface’ Apart?
Several factors contributed to “Our Typeface” winning the iF Design Award. The book’s comprehensive approach, meticulously documenting the entire history of ‘Youandi,’ impressed the judges. The clear and accessible presentation of complex design concepts also played a key role. The book’s ability to showcase the practical application of the typeface, through numerous real-world examples, demonstrated its value beyond mere aesthetics. The judges specifically praised the book’s ability to educate and inspire both design professionals and the general public.
Hyundai Card’s commitment to its brand identity, exemplified by the development and evolution of ‘Youandi,’ has clearly resonated with the design community. The iF Design Award is a testament to the company’s dedication to quality, innovation, and the power of visual communication. The book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the intersection of branding, typography, and design history.
The success of “Our Typeface” underscores a growing trend in corporate branding: the recognition of a unique typeface as a valuable asset. As companies increasingly seek to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace, investing in a distinctive and well-designed typeface can be a powerful way to build brand recognition and loyalty. Hyundai Card’s experience serves as a compelling case study for other organizations looking to leverage the power of typography.
Looking ahead, Hyundai Card is expected to continue refining and evolving ‘Youandi’ to meet the changing needs of its brand and its customers. The company’s commitment to design innovation suggests that ‘Youandi’ will remain a central element of its brand identity for years to reach. The iF Design Award is not just a recognition of past achievements, but also a signal of future ambitions.
The next update regarding Hyundai Card’s design initiatives is anticipated in their annual report, scheduled for release in early 2027. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the importance of corporate typography and branding in the comments below.