Olly new brand identity
A new eye on observability education.
To create the brand identity for Olly, a new observability school in Brazil, the goal was to design a unique symbol that embodies its core values. By transforming the letter "O" into a slit eye, the design represents vigilance and adaptability, setting Olly apart in the field. This logo aligns with the school's mission of clear, inclusive, and collaborative communication, establishing Olly as an important name in local observability education.
Design objective
Observability is a crucial concept in modern IT, enabling professionals to understand and interpret the internal states of systems by examining their outputs. This field focuses on collecting, correlating, and analyzing data to ensure system reliability, performance, and security. The objective of the Olly brand design was to create a distinctive and memorable identity that reflects the core values of the school: facilitating and enriching the learning journey of IT professionals, transforming observability into personal and professional growth, supported by an inclusive and inspiring community.
Solution
The creative process began with understanding the essence of observability and how it can be visually represented. The initial idea was to utilize the letter "O" from the name Olly and transform it into an eye, a recognizable symbol in the observability domain. However, to differentiate Olly from other brands that also use the human eye symbol, I chose to design a slit eye instead. This approach provides a unique and fresh take on the concept.
A simple search for observability icons revealed that the human eye is a highly recognizable but overused image.
Slit-like pupils have significant advantages, such as allowing the iris to contract and expand dramatically. This trait is beneficial for nocturnal species, as their eyes are optimized for low-light conditions while also protecting them from bright daylight. This symbolism was perfect for Olly, representing vigilance, adaptability, and protection—qualities essential for IT professionals in the field of observability.
Slit-like pupils are optimized for low-light conditions, making them a powerful symbol of keen observation. This distinctive design, seen in pop culture icons like Lord of the Rings and Thundercats as a metaphor for the 'eye that sees all,' helps the logo stand out among observability competitors, offering a unique and memorable visual identity.
Additionally, the brand's visual elements were designed to be clear, conversational, connecting, and collaborative, resonating with Olly's mission and values. The use of simple, inclusive language and a friendly tone ensures that the brand communicates effectively with its audience, making observability more accessible and less intimidating.
Results
The final brand identity for Olly successfully captures the essence of observability and the school's mission. The slit eye logo stands out in the crowded field of observability-related brands, offering a unique visual representation that is both meaningful and memorable. The design has been well-received by the target audience, who appreciate the clarity, inclusivity, and innovative approach.
The brand design not only fulfills the objective of creating a distinctive identity but also effectively communicates the values of Olly. The combination of thoughtful design elements and strategic messaging has positioned Olly as a welcoming and knowledgeable player in observability education.
Overall, the project demonstrates the power of creative thinking and careful execution in developing a brand that resonates deeply with its audience, paving the way for Olly to become a recognized and respected name in the field of observability.
