• September 23, 2010
  • 15:40

360° Vol.29 out now!

I wrote about this awaited 360° X Finland issue in June. It's out now.

Read more here. 








A Country of Design—Finland

  • September 16, 2010
  • 09:06

Mad about the logo change?

In my previous career, I chose to join in United Airlines' Mileage Plus program much because I could use SAS from Helsinki to European destinations and United in transcontinental flights. However, the bigger reason was that ten years ago their mileage system was lightyears better than for example Star Alliance's. Everyone knows upgrading to business class in flight from Europe to West Coast USA is just plain awesome and with United that happened more often than with other carriers.  

 Past decade has been really traumatizing for the airlines operating with traditional (should it be written old) business model. Chapter 11, mergers and lay-outs have been dominating the airline industry news. Following that trend also United Airlines and Contintental are merging to create a world's biggest airline. No news there. 

 However, the really intriguing part is the anger towards the logo change of some United Loyalists. 

United Airlines logo development over the years. 
 
The United Tulip logo was designed by famous visual designer Saul Bass in 1974. He is man behind some other great visual identities and vast amount of other visual mastery as well. 
 
United loyalists are stating that: " The iconic tulip logo is hallmark of American aviation and it belongs as part of the new United Airlines" – even continuing by saying – "If you prefer the Continental globe, there must be something wrong with your prefrontal lobe". Tiny auch.
 
Of course there absolutely, most definitely has to be a Facebook group.
 
On a broader perspective the really interesting part is the actual brand attachment people have towards the United brand and its tangible brand elements. Logos have always been loved and hated by people and therefore their design should not been taken lightly. Great brands need to have great brand elements that people can resonate with. This might end being a case where the new identity, when created, won't satisfy the United loyalists. Logo change epitomizes the classic change resistance. Sometimes subtle changes are better that radical. 

Here is the original story.  
 
If you are interested in visual identity development, while even keeping your logo the same, do not hesitate to contact us.  
 
 
 
  • September 3, 2010
  • 13:56

KSV NIMA

"KSV NIMA creates value for its customers by providing advanced, innovative instruments for thin film fabrication and characterisation, by constantly exchanging knowledge with its customers and through building open, trusting relationships with customers and partners."

KSV NIMA is the leading provider of instruments for thin film fabrication and characterization in research and development globally. Instruments made by KSV NIMA are being utilized in nanotechnology research, surface chemistry, surface physics, biophysics, colloidal research, biochemistry and materials development.

In 2010 KSV and NIMA joined forces as part of the Biolin Scientific group, uniting both product ranges under the new KSV NIMA brand. This required a new visual identity, too - and Werklig was chosen to do the job.

It was required to keep both Nima and KSV key elements visible also in the new identity. The new symbol for the company was created combining two key forms  - a circle (from Nima) and hexagon (from KSV). Transparency was used  in the symbol to create a sense of layers and films.

A full identity concept was provided, including company symbol and logo,typography, colours, website design and other main applications. 




KSV and NIMA logos (before) and the new KSV NIMA logo (after)



Website renewal (above samples of old and new website)




Brand colours and typography are used in all PR material.




Custom watercolour illustrations were created and used folders and stationary.
  • September 2, 2010
  • 11:48

Popot

"Since its inception in February of 2006 Popot has quickly become a leader in the sneaker & street fashion business in Finland and a cultural phenomena appearing widely in the media with prevalent mentioning in tourist guides. [...] The success of POPOT (the word now synonymous with sneakers in the Finnish language in the Helsinki area), obviously, centers around the wide selection in sneakers and apparel of various brands with a choice of the latest, the hottest, most exclusive trends both in in-store range and on-line collection." (source)

Werklig made a small visual facelift for Popot logo, a Finnish sneaker retailer and a store. Go check out the new Popot store on Iso Roba 16 or surf to Popot webstore.

 



The old and new Popot logo.


Beta-stage logo versions.