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Semaphor

Brand Identity • Graphic Design • Market Analysis

The Semaphor Branding Proposal focuses on designing a brand centered around hand-powered emergency communication solutions emphasizing community resilience and reliability by combining tradition and innovation.

Spring 2023 | Greg McCarthy

Project Summary

Introduction

The Semaphor Branding Proposal outlines the development of a brand dedicated to providing hand-powered emergency communication solutions.The project aims to ensure connectivity during crises, combining tradition and innovation to create reliable and versatile products.

Brand Mission Statement

To give peace of mind during emergencies by providing hand-powered communication solutions.

Brand Purpose

We create hand-powered emergency communication devices that give back to communities while connecting our customers when they need it most.

Vector Partnership

VECTOR (Vancouver Emergency Community Telecommunications Organization) enhances community resilience during emergencies by developing communication capabilities through volunteer efforts. Semaphor partners with VECTOR to support this mission.

Product Description

Semaphor products combine hand-crank radios, satellite phones, lights, and USB charging systems to ensure continuous communication during crises.The Pro model includes a satellite network subscription and a donation to VECTOR. The HWY-1 model provides essential features without the satellite subscription and includes a one-time donation to VECTOR.

This image displays a mockup of the dependency tracking screen. Users can add or remove dependencies, which are then tracked by the clock. The display shows the 5 most frequently used dependencies in the "On Display/Recent" menu, with the history shown below. The dependencies chosen to be tracked by the application will be displayed as oscillating circles on the main display.

Visual Identity

The Logo

Inspired by satellites, the logo features a logotype and icon composed of concentric rings, bringing to mind Wifi connectivity, space exploration, radio towers, and bullseyes. The negative space creates a satellite between the wifi symbols, and the rings emanate from a central circle like radio waves from an antenna.

The Semaphor logo consists of two components: the 'Satellite'(shown below) and the 'Logotype.'(shown after) These can be arranged in a 'Stack' or 'Inline' formation, or the logotype can be displayed individually.

Color Palette

Striking a balance between calming and invigorating, this palette merges natural blues with a warm orange to evoke open skies, sunlight, and outdoor preparedness. The result is a versatile range of color combinations that remains visually cohesive.

Semaphor Sky

Hex: #76c4f2
RGB: (118, 196, 242)

Semaphor Cloud

Hex: #c1e3f9
RGB: (193, 227, 249)

Semaphor Snow

Hex: #e2ecf8
RGB: (226, 236, 248)

Semaphor Dawn

Hex: #ffa200
RGB: (255, 162, 0)

Semaphor Midnight

Hex: #002c40
RGB: (0, 44, 64)

The Full Document

The complete Semaphor brand guidelines are available upon request. This comprehensive document covers:

Logo usage/misuse
Color palettes
Typography
Pattern construction
Real-world brand applications (advertising and packaging)
A in-depth competitor analysis
Design rationales
Mockups

In addition to other elements. If you would like to see a copy of the full document, please do not hesitate to reach out and a .pdf can be provided upon request.

Mockups

For additional information or to discuss this project further, feel free to reach out via the contact info on the about page. Your feedback and inquiries are always welcome!

TL;DR

Why it matters: The Semaphor branding proposal combines innovation and tradition to create hand-powered emergency communication tools, supported by a strong, cohesive brand identity.

The details:

A branding proposal for an emergency hand crank radio company.
Mission: Provide peace of mind and connectivity during emergencies.
Visual identity:
- Logo inspired by satellites, connectivity, and radio waves.
- Color palette blends calming blues and energizing orange, evoking nature and preparedness.
Brand guidelines document: Include logo usage, typography, patterns, competitor analysis, and real-world applications like packaging and advertising. (available upon request)

The takeaway: Semaphor's branding balances reliability and innovation, reinforcing its mission to keep people connected during emergencies.

TL;DR

Why it matters: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face sensory overload in public spaces. This project proposes inclusive design solutions to enhance accessibility and create a welcoming environment at the fictional Ability Respite Centre.

The details:

Developed for OCAD University’s Design as Research course.
Solutions include sensory zoning, escape spaces, transition zones, and compartmentalized layouts to minimize overstimulation and improve navigation.
Research utilized ethnographic methods and the ASPECTSS Framework to align with the needs of children with ASD and their caregivers.
Focused on cost-effective solutions using off-the-shelf components, ensuring accessibility and sustainability.

The takeaway: The "Navigating Spaces" project provides actionable, inclusive design strategies to reduce sensory overload and improve accessibility in spaces for children with ASD, offering a framework that is both practical and adaptable.

TL;DR

The details:

Developed for OCAD University’s Design as Research course.
Solutions include sensory zoning, escape spaces, transition zones, and compartmentalized layouts to minimize overstimulation and improve navigation.
Research utilized ethnographic methods and the ASPECTSS Framework to align with the needs of children with ASD and their caregivers.
Focused on cost-effective solutions using off-the-shelf components, ensuring accessibility and sustainability.

TL;DR

The details:

Developed for OCAD University’s Design as Research course.
Solutions include sensory zoning, escape spaces, transition zones, and compartmentalized layouts to minimize overstimulation and improve navigation.
Research utilized ethnographic methods and the ASPECTSS Framework to align with the needs of children with ASD and their caregivers.
Focused on cost-effective solutions using off-the-shelf components, ensuring accessibility and sustainability.