Y7K: Zurich's newest digital agency

Design, technology and content can be combined for more than just short-lived advertising campaigns, the four company founders believe. Used correctly, they can create outstanding products that offer great benefits. Yves Sinka, Ruben Feurer, Samuel Alder and Joris Noordermeer - all in their twenties - grew up in the digital world. They are so-called "digital natives" and know the needs of the younger generation. "We are the first generation to have grown up naturally together with modern information technology: from the Nokia 3220 to the latest iPhone, from 56k modems to 4G. That's why we can say with a clear conscience that we understand the digital zeitgeist and the needs of users!", says Ruben Feurer. They have already gained experience in the digital industry. Now the four Zurichers develop their self-initiated solutions, apps and websites, but also for companies and their customers.

Less is more

"Most web apps and websites are too complex for the user. They contain too many features and unnecessary things. The user is quickly overwhelmed by them," says Yves Sinka. Y7K wants to develop digital products that are easy to use, look good and only have the functions that are really necessary.

The four young entrepreneurs bring experience to the newly founded agency: Ruben Feurer (Art Director) most recently helped build a design team at the renowned digital production company UNIT9 in London (over 50 FWA Awards) and managed projects for companies such as Google, Nike and Salvatore Ferragamo. Before that, the 23-year-old realized projects in Switzerland at Hinderling Volkart, including the 2012 Awwwards HTML5 Project of the Year "360° Langstrasse".

Yves Sinka (Business Development) studied photography at the University of the Arts London after completing his business degree. He then worked as an account manager on commercials for clients such as Adidas, L'Oréal and Tabasco, and as a producer on the relaunch of the Ministry of Sound website.

Samuel Alder (Interaction Design, Development) earned his bachelor's degree in Interaction Design at the Zurich University of the Arts. The 25-year-old gained practical experience as a developer and designer at Zurich-based digital agencies such as Hinderling Volkart.

Joris Noordermeer (Technology) worked in Tokyo at the media production agency Augment5, where he was involved in projects for Google. Prior to that, he had worked as a freelancer on numerous digital projects in Switzerland. Noordermeer is a self-taught developer who has acquired his backend development skills over the years.

Globally networked

With overseas residencies in London, Tokyo and South Korea, and previous projects by the four partners such as cultural magazine Quottom, pop-up gallery Sinka & Weiss and digital museum Neverland Space, Y7K benefits from an international network of designers, developers, digital artists and business angels and entrepreneurs. "For each problem, we bring in the best people. Whether they are in Sao Paolo or Poland doesn't matter to us," says Samuel Alder.