Union of Students.
A new brand look, feel and language to inform and unite the student community at the University of Derby.
A true community.
The idea came on campus. Within minutes of leaving the meeting. But the execution took weeks and weeks. Sometimes that’s the way it goes.
The SU is becoming a meaningless acronym these days. Associated more with student bars and nightlife than a collective force of bright like-minds. We wanted to change that. In Derby at least.
So we created a living, breathing brand that would become owned by its students. An ever-present reminder of the things that can be achieved through the strength, togetherness and support of a true community.
So we said goodbye to the SU… because the future’s all about US.
The SU is becoming a meaningless acronym these days. Associated more with student bars and nightlife than a collective force of bright like-minds. We wanted to change that. In Derby at least.
So we created a living, breathing brand that would become owned by its students. An ever-present reminder of the things that can be achieved through the strength, togetherness and support of a true community.
So we said goodbye to the SU… because the future’s all about US.
Project summary.
Client
University of Derby
Disciplines
Branding
Design
Copywriting
Campaigns
Video & Animation
Design
Copywriting
Campaigns
Video & Animation
Designed to inspire.
People used to think the Union was an arm of the University. They don’t any more. The new brand represents a bold departure from its previous identity. It was designed to inspire, inform and involve the students of Derby, whilst aligning with the Union’s long-term strategic vision.
We knew we wanted to design a brand that would ignite the imagination of the students. And that meant they had to own the creative process too.
So we held focus groups, interviews and presentations throughout concept development. And we made it clear that this was their brand. And they would need to make their mark on it.
40% more engagement.
Within 12 months of launching the US brand, the Union reported a considerable growth in support enquiries, along with a 40% increase in student engagement at their elections.
"The US branding truly captures our mission of creating strong student communities across our various campuses, in a way that is vibrant and grabs attention whilst offering the flexibility to be both serious and playful depending on the context."
Victoria Hossack, Chief Executive
