Helsinki Design Festival
Project Overview
Redesign of Helsinki's design festival to create a cohesive brand experience that reflects innovation in Nordic design.
Challenge
The Helsinki Design Festival needed a modern identity that would resonate with both local and international audiences while maintaining its roots in Scandinavian design traditions.
- Outdated branding no longer aligned with contemporary design trends
- Need for stronger visual cohesion across all touchpoints
- Desire to attract younger design-savvy audiences
Solution
A new brand identity was developed using organic shapes and bold typography to reflect both tradition and innovation. Key elements included:
Design System:
- Modular grid system for flexible applications
- Dynamic color palette inspired by Finnish nature
- Custom typography for print and digital use
- Geometric patterns for secondary materials
Results
The redesign was met with overwhelming approval, resulting in:
- 40% increase in social media engagement
- 25% growth in international attendees
- Selected as "Best Design Festival Branding" at A' Design Awards
Design Process
The project followed a human-centered design approach:
- Extensive research into Nordic design traditions and current trends
- Co-creation workshops with festival organizers and designers participants
- Prototype testing with target audience demographics
- Iterative refinements based on user feedback cycles
Key Deliverables
Brand Guidelines
Comprehensive 128-page document detailing type usage, color application, and pattern implementation across both print and digital platforms.
Digital Assets
Responsive website template and social media content kits with customizable templates for event updates and artist promotions.