The Research Council of Norway, a government agency under the Ministry of Education and Research, allocates approximately $1B annually to fund research and scientific advancement. Based in Oslo, the council has a staff of over 450 individuals and is dedicated to fostering innovative thinking that addresses global needs. By connecting research communities with resources, businesses, and government agencies – they facilitate real-world change and transformation. Connections enabling change, as we formulated it in our design concept.

Our task was to merge the council with its 38 sub-brands into a cohesive entity that would effectively communicate their role as a connector in four different languages, while also reducing unnecessary expenses. While doing so, we needed to ensure that each sub-brand retained its distinct identity and was capable of standing out on its own.

In this decisive decade characterized by a demand for drastic changes, the solutions we need are yet to be invented. The Research Council's vision is "empowering ideas for a better world". We created a design concept that conveys how they do this: by connecting the scientific community with resources, institutions, corporations and talent.

Connections enabling change.

Inspired by the idea of effective connections, we created a timeless and recognizable design system based on research principles. The heart of the council's identity is a custom-built Dubins Path-based generator. By picking a series of random points in a grid, then using Dubins path to connect them all, it can generate a near-infinite number of different shapes. This tool has made it possible to unite the council and its 38 sub-brands with a cohesive visual language that effectively communicates their role as a connector, and mirrors the technical complexity of their field.

Using the bespoke software, we created a library of icons that serve as logos both for the mother-brand and selected sub-brands, but also inform a series of 3D graphics, illustrations and physical objects across the identity. With a flexible square grid system and a strict set of typography rules, we developed a system of 145 colors — all chosen with perceptual uniformity and universal design in mind. The color system is used for both selection of specific color palettes and accurate data visualization.

A lot of the work went into creation of presentation templates, reports, posters, roll-ups, flags, screensavers, video call backgrounds, Instagram stories, etc. Overall over 100 templates that the 38 sub-brands need and use every day. Together, the elements form a branding system that is distinct and works effortlessly on all surfaces, in Bokmål, Nynorsk, Samisk and English, and can be tuned to work for different target audiences.

The Research Council was previously perceived as fragmented and not visible to some audiences. A lack of a unified platform to clearly communicate its mission and function caused certain misunderstandings about the organization’s work and value.

A new unified brand identity system with a strong narrative increased the council's brand awareness among the public, from school children to scientific environments. It is now perceived as a forward-looking and productive source of innovation, while also creating pride among employees. The identity's generative nature acts as a graphic mirror of the organization's bountiful output of work, and maintains The Research Council’s presence in all of its sub-brands’ distinct communication.

By unifying 38 sub-brands into one comprehensive identity with clear guidelines and templates, The Research Council not only saves time but also cuts agency costs in half, resulting in an annual savings of $300,000 that can now be directed towards meaningful initiatives.