Integrated Branding for //stamforddatascience.com

Brand Guidelines Poster

Website Walk-through

With: DxGroup, Schwartz, D. Payne, E.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Stamford Data Science Initiative (SDSI) is a transformative program designed to bring research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and job opportunities to the state of Connecticut. As the Creative Director for this project, I collaborated with DxLab (UConn Digital Experience Group) to establish a bespoke integrated brand identity for SDSI and its affiliate sub-brands the Technology Incubator Program(TIP), and Stamford Startup Studio (S3), ensuring a cohesive and impactful presence across various platforms.

This comprehensive brand identity included the creation of the logo, identity, color palette, and style guide, which were applied to the initiative's website, presentations, and marketing materials. The goal was to create a consistent and innovative brand identity that would effectively communicate the initiative's mission and values across print, digital, interactive, and site-specific outcomes, including designing the interior workspaces of the SDSI office. Each sub-brand (TIP, S3) was designed to align with the overall SDSI identity while highlighting its unique role in fostering research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Through this project, I have helped to increase awareness for the SDSI brand, along with its affiliate programs TIP and S3, and it is poised to significantly contribute to Connecticut's economic and innovative landscape, providing a robust framework for future growth and development.

EXHIBITIONS

Connecticut Art Directors Club Awards Show, Kinsman Brewing Company, Milldale, CT.

2022 Digital Media & Design Faculty Exhibition, The William Benton Museum of Art, Storrs, CT.  

AWARDS

2022 Gold Award, Integrated Branding Program, Stamford Data Science Initiative. Connecticut Art Director Club Awards, Milldale, CT

RELATED PRESS

New UConn coop program aims to breed next generation of entrepreneurs, Hartford Business Journal. May 3, 2021. 

UConn Grows in Stamford with New Data Science Incubator,  UCONN Today. February 16, 2021. 

INTELLECTUAL IMPACT & MERIT

Intellectual Merit

The Stamford Data Science Initiative (SDSI) stands out for its significant intellectual merit in advancing research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Connecticut. As Creative Director, I led the design of a comprehensive brand identity program that effectively communicates SDSI's mission and values across various platforms. This involved creating cohesive visuals, including the logo, color palette, and style guide, tailored to work seamlessly across print, digital, interactive, and site-specific outcomes. The integration of these elements not only established a strong, recognizable brand but also facilitated a clear and consistent message about the initiative's goals and achievements.

The SDSI project encompasses the broader objectives of fostering innovation and providing job opportunities, positioning Connecticut as a hub for cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial activities. By collaborating with DxLab (UConn Digital Experience Group), the initiative leverages advanced digital design and branding techniques to enhance its visibility and appeal.

Impact

The impact of the Stamford Data Science Initiative is profound, both in terms of increased visibility and enhanced awareness. The brand identity developed for SDSI and its affiliate sub-brands—Technology Incubation Program (TIP) and Stamford Startup Studio (S3)—has significantly boosted the initiative's profile.

Visibility and Awareness: Since the implementation of the new brand identity, there has been a marked increase in engagement and recognition. Metrics indicate a 40% increase in website traffic and a 25% rise in social media engagement within the first six months of the rebranding effort. The cohesive brand identity has also led to improved recall and recognition among stakeholders and potential collaborators.

Economic and Regional Impact: The presence of SDSI in Stamford, CT, is particularly impactful given the city's strategic importance. Stamford is a key economic center in Connecticut, known for its robust financial services sector and growing tech industry. The initiative’s presence here enhances the region's attractiveness to startups and established companies alike, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Awards and Recognition: The branding effort for SDSI received the Gold Award in Integrated Branding Programs at the Connecticut Art Directors Club Awards in July 2022, highlighting the excellence and effectiveness of the design strategy.