Branding

The challenge

The Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Profession asked us for new brand to provide a respected and unified identity for internal staff, and to position government as a tech-sector employer of choice for external candidates. The requirements of these two audiences varied significantly, so our brand had to resonate with both. To attract top talent from the private sector, we knew we needed to counter negative perceptions of the Civil Service and showcase the unique benefits of DDaT’s work.

Our solution

After gathering insight from stakeholder interviews, desk research and landscape audits, we developed three distinct creative routes and tested them with Civil Service and private sector professionals. We worked closely with the client to refine the chosen route, ensuring it achieved the right balance between professional and dynamic to appeal to both audiences. We renamed the profession to Government Digital and Data, producing an extensive suite of brand assets and guidelines to support recruitment and retention communications.

The challenge

National Cyber Force (NCF) wanted an engaging, interactive way to bring their ‘Responsible Cyber Power in Practice’ document to life. They wanted a board game that would introduce key cyber concepts to a diverse audience, from A level politics students and undergraduates studying PPE, to Cyber First students.

Beyond education, the game also had to serve as a powerful engagement tool, helping schools in recruitment areas and senior professionals new to cyber understand the complexities of the field. Additionally, NCF required the game to be both designed and manufactured in the UK, aligning with their commitment to supporting national innovation.

Our solution

To bring Ctrl Alt Defeat to life, we designed the visual identity and physical components of the game. This included the box, game board, 134 playing cards, counters and the instructions booklet. We also worked closely with the manufacturer to determine the best dimensions and materials for the board and cards.

A unique design feature of the game was our use of ASCII art – an early digital aesthetic where images are created using characters from the American Standard Code for Information Interchange set. Commonly found in early computing and hacker culture, ASCII art nods to the digital world in a visually striking way, reinforcing the game’s cyber theme while adding an authentic touch to its design.

The challenge

The Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) supports civil servants who deliver essential frontline services. Their branding no longer reflected their mission to help civil servants learn, connect and inspire through training and career development. The existing design was viewed as outdated and inaccessible, with colours that were difficult to use and lacked sophistication. ODP needed a new logo and visual identity that felt modern, professional and inclusive, while incorporating their core pillars.

Our solution

We developed a fresh brand identity centred on the ODP acronym to simplify the long name and retain familiarity. The lowercase logo featured circular counters representing people’s heads, symbolising ODP’s focus on the ‘public face’ of the Civil Service, while speech bubble shapes reflected communication and connection. A colour palette of yellow, green and blue aligned with the pillars of Learn, Connect and Inspire, ensuring accessibility and a cohesive design.

The challenge

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs was set up in 2019 and aims to make the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran. We were asked to create a brand identity to help unlock their ambition and build brand recognition. The brand needed to resonate with their staff and partners as well as the veterans they support.

Our solution

We created a vibrant and emotive brand that smashes stereotypes and recognises the unique contribution veterans make to society. Photography and bright block colours give the brand a modern and engaging look, while simple icons, textured typography and a unified tone of voice all bring a human touch.

The challenge

The Emergency Services Network is a new critical communications system that will be used by over 300,000 emergency service workers in Great Britain, including ambulance and fire and rescue teams. We were asked to create a simple, digital-focused brand to ensure the system is easy and intuitive to use in high-pressure situations.

Our solution

The simple brand focuses on the Emergency Services Network’s role in keeping workers connected. Straight lines and rounded shapes join up to represent direct communication and teamwork. This uncluttered approach means that users can navigate and find information quickly, supporting their life-saving work.