Nudge⁴
CASE STUDY: IDENTITY & BRAND EXPRESSION
About the client:
The Nudge⁴ Solutions Lab was a five-year initiative from 2016 to 2021 that applied behavioral insights, data science, and interactive technologies to develop scalable solutions in education and public policy. With its home at the University of Virginia, they utilized a team of staff, students, and affiliates to develop their research and solutions for challenges across the country through a behavioral lens.
GOALS:
Research and develop relevant names for new lab to capture its essence and goals
Develop a comprehensive visual identity including logo, typography, color, pattern, and imagery library that showcases its fresh and exciting approach to academic research
Create a full website design in conjunction with a developer to help launch the lab and serve as a home for research, promotion, news, and more
PROCESS:
After performing market research, five name options were presented for the naming of the lab
Developed mood boards to get a sense of the desired look/feel of the lab from a visual standpoint to drive identity development
Designed five logo options utilizing wordmarks, symbols, and patterns, refining selected logo for final product
Developed visual identity including primary and secondary color palette, typeface families, photo library, and pattern to aid in design of website and collateral materials such as Word and Powerpoint templates
Worked closely with a developer to create custom website for Nudge4 that fully captures their information and new visual brand
TARGET AUDIENCE:
Funders, leaders, policy-makers, researchers and practitioners with interest in the fields of behavioral science, data insights, and interactive technologies.
RESULTS:
The full initial engagement of developing a comprehensive name, visual identity, and website allowed Nudge4 to launch with a clear identity, helping to attract additional funders and new partners. It provided a reference point against which Nudge⁴ could evaluate research opportunities and explore where we could be most impactful with our work. The website allowed for a consistent and coherent dissemination platform, which is key in this field.
“As a new organization, we had a clear vision and mission, but we needed help creating a cohesive brand to communicate our identity. Working with Elise helped us articulate our purpose as an organization and brought together our work so that the sum was greater than the parts. She pushed us to answer tough questions about our strategic goals. Having a clear identity helped us gain additional research partners, provided clarity in funding applications, and provided us with a consistent and coherent dissemination platform. We value her easy-to-use brand collateral like design guides and infographic templates, along with her professional network to connect us to additional experts that help us accomplish our vision. We recommend GDC if you need a partner to fully understand your organization’s needs and motivations, and to execute all of the elements of success.”