We combine research and strategy with thoughtful design to create, communicate and build brands and identities that transform businesses and deliver measurable value.

A great place to work and live

18 June 2008

We took a confident, informative and colourful approach to this year's annual report for the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.

Highly visual, this report utilises colourful imagery to emphasise the development of Docklands and focus on the vibrant and exciting cultural events that took place within the area throughout 2007.

Having designed the annual reports for the DDDA over the last five years, our approach to this year's design was a departure from the existing square format. We developed a tall format, printed on an uncoated stock with white-foiled cover typography that gives this publication a distinct, tactile feel.

Oireachtas identity gets national exposure

12 June 2008

Our corporate identity system for the Houses of the Oireachtas got a lot of coverage today, with the high profile media launch of the Oireachtas Family Day at Leinster House. Photos of Ceann Comhairle John O Donoghue launching the Family Day appeared in most of the national dailies. The launch was also covered on the RTE evening news. Our brand mark was featured prominently on the balloon used as the centrepiece of the launch. This is a great example of how our identity system can be used to assist the process of broadening people's perceptions of the Houses of the Oireachtas. 

Photos by Leon Farrell, Photocall Ireland.

 

Forecasting future strategies

24 May 2008

We recently designed the identity for Bord Bia's Leadership Summit 2008. The exclusive event, which was themed 'Forecasting Next Generation Retail Strategies', brought together international speakers and leaders from global retailers and provided networking opportunities for business people across the Irish food and drinks industry.

By combining refined typography with subtle blue shades and the clean shapes of the symbol, we developed a sophisticated corporate identity which, in highlighting the inner circle, hints at its intended audience. 

We also designed the invitation booklet and branded materials for the event which was held in the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt.

A shoot above the rest

15 May 2008

As part of our ongoing work for Aer Lingus, we were commissioned to update their photographic library. As it had been some time since their original library of images was taken it was important that these new images were representative of Aer Lingus today. We art-directed and styled the shots and chose experienced photographer Arnold Bell to lens the shoot.

This was a major undertaking, not least due to the logistics involved in organising a photo shoot in a very busy and security-conscious airport while fitting into an extremely busy flying schedule to ground the planes. It has been one of the most challenging and rewarding photoshoots we have worked on.

The new images are engaging—portraying real people, relaxed and happy in natural scenarios. There is a strong focus on service, a key differentiating aspect of the Aer Lingus product offering. We used actual Aer Lingus cabin crew and ground staff portraying their normal job roles. This realism enhanced the shots.

Aer Lingus now have a comprehensive library of photographic images that will give a fresh and contemporary feel to their communications.

The Chairperson’s Guide

18 April 2008

The Chairperson’s Guide, a recently published book written by David Duffy of Prospectus, was launched in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham in April 2008. This is the second book written by David. His Practical Guide to Corporate Governance being published two years ago. This new book addresses the many responsibilites and opportunities afforded in chairing a Board of Directors.

 

Our design and layout for this publication is a development of our work on his first book. It is very understated to reflect the serious subject matter. We were very particular about ensuring a suitably high level of typographic detail, not only to establish a clear hierarchy of information within the text, but also to establish the appropriate tone. We introduced a corporate green as the accent colour throughout to differentiate this publication from the first corporate governance book. Both follow an overall Prospectus trade dress but there is a clear distinction between the book covers through our use of colour.

The book was well-received and looks set to become the key reference book for anyone who take on the role of Chairperson.