Process
Design is coinciding. A give and take process. Through research, we give our clients a comprehensive point of view. Through strategy, we take that research and give clients a unique voice. And through collaboration, we create the most powerful resource of all, an invaluable lasting partnership.
Learn
The first phase—undeniably the most important—is where intensive learning quickly takes place. We do this by casting a broad net collecting extensive data by: reading previous collateral, interviewing within the company, reviewing business and marketing plans, understanding the brand, analyzing competitive materials, as well as familiarizing ourselves with the overall industry trends and issues. It is imperative for us to fully understand the companies individuality and its objectives before we begin any strategy development or design exploration.
Calculate
The second phase applies all the insight obtained to calculate—figuratively speaking—what success looks like. We develop a cohesive strategy, be it brand architecture and nomenclature, or internal and external language. This is produced in a bound working document. Through collaborative working sessions, we evaluate our insight with the client and mutually agree upon an effective strategy. This strategy will serve as a framework of information and will establish criteria for visualizing the design development while aiding us in creating appropriate design solutions for the project.
Create
Lastly, we apply the developed strategy to create and explore design concepts, hierarchy of message, and the construction of materials. Initial presentation of visual exploration are collaborative sessions for the purpose of thinking through concepts verses critiquing design aesthetics. As appropriate concepts solidify, prototypes will be presented for extensive review in order to verify that the visual approach is aligned with the initial strategy. At this point, we apply targeted expertise to craft final design development, resulting in impactful design communication.
Case Studies
- 7ticks
- American Library Association
- American Marketing Association
- American Planning Association
- Artists of Eastbank
- Brown Kaplan + Liss
- Center for Civic Engagement
- Center for Leadership
- Center for Talent Development
- CEOs for Cities
- Chicago Jobs Council
- Cultural Policy Center, U of C
- Cycle Touring Outfitters
- Doug Human Photography
- Family Institue at Northwestern
- Harris School of Public Policy, U of C
- IDEO
- Joint Council on Thoracic Surgery Education
- Julia Rosa Floral Design House
- Kadlec Architecture + Design
- Kiwanis
- Maes Studio
- MedChicago
- Michigan Campaign Finance Network
- Mirus Futures
- My Earth
- Nature Conservancy
- Naturespace
- Next Dimension
- Openlands
- Opportunity Chicago
- Partners in Community Building
- Pearson Education
