Branding a brand program that had no brand (yet)

Helping MA in Brand Experience Design with their visual identity

Client

Department of Multimedia Design and Graphic Arts, Cyprus University of Technology

Mission

To help the program make the right first impression and stand out in a competitive field of creative education.

Outcome

A visual identity that feels both academic and experimental, designed to capture the attention of design students while still holding its own within an institutional context.

Impact

Clear differentiation from other university programs. Internal buy-in from faculty teams. Increased promotion of the master’s program

Services

Visual Identity, Brand Guidelines, Digital Design, Campaign Assets

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Cyprus University of Technology’s Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts had designed a forward-looking MA in Brand Experience Design, but without a brand of its own, the program risked being overlooked. The academic team wanted something striking enough to attract top-tier creative students while maintaining credibility within the university framework. This wasn’t about just looking good. It was about earning trust, sparking curiosity, and making the case that this MA was different.

The department knew they needed something bold, but also strategic. They wanted to launch the program with a fresh visual approach that could break from academic sameness and appeal to the kinds of students already immersed in design culture.

Blue background with the following text on the left top corner: MA Brand Experience Design
Hands of a girl arranging fabric and paper swatches on a white surface, conveying design research. The text reads "RESEARCH & CONCEPT ANALYSIS: BRAND EXPERIENCE DESIGN."
A blue tote bag with bold white text reading "Brand Experience Design" rests on a speckled concrete ledge, conveying a modern, creative vibe.
Brand Experience Design text logo, on a white-blue gradient background
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We began by speaking with the program’s creators, then extended our research to include potential applicants, people who care about the difference between “fine” and “wow.” We also audited how similar programs were showing up online to understand what stood out (and what didn’t). The resulting identity leaned into contrast: royal blue as the primary color, paired with black and white for clarity and edge. The type system was structured but playful, while the use of duotone textures hinted at zine culture, print nostalgia, and the joyful chaos of the design process itself. It was a brand identity that felt made for designers (because it was).

Designing a visual identity for a program about visual identity is a weirdly meta challenge. You’re not just selling a product, you’re designing the promise of what students will learn to design themselves. We leaned into that tension, avoiding clichés and pushing just far enough into experimental territory without losing academic clarity. The brand launched across digital channels and campaign materials, positioning the program as a credible, creatively ambitious option in the academic space. The identity helped the department present the program with clarity, confidence, and distinction.

Social Media post with a focus on brand experience design master program. Words in varying fonts include 'evoke sensations,' 'feelings,' 'cognitive responses,' and 'behavioral reactions.' Blue and black text on a white background.
Hand holding a smartphone against a purple background. Screen displays a design with colorful figures and text reads "Interdisciplinary Design Thinking.
Blue gradient background with a photo of a person's hands holding a document. Text reads "MA Brand Experience Design" and "How to Apply." Stylish and professional tone.
Gradient blue background with cascading cards labeled "MA BRAND EXPERIENCE DESIGN" and featuring the steps of applying to the program at Cyprus University of Technology.
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A laptop displaying the website design for a Brand Experience Design MA program. The screen shows blue and white graphics, with text detailing admissions deadlines.
Blue-tinted image with bold white 'Q&A' text. It features a close-up of someone holding a clear cup and a card, conveying a modern, informal tone.
A bold blue graphic with white text promoting an MA in Brand Experience Design. Two smiling students hold papers. Text: "Got Questions?" with contact info.
A roll of white tape with blue lettering reading "BRAND EXPERIENCE" unravels across a rough, gray concrete surface, conveying a modern, industrial feel.
Blue-tinted image featuring an Instagram post promoting Cyprus University of Technology's postgraduate studies. Text highlights that 2078 students chose CUT for further education. The university logo is at the bottom.
Alt text: Four panels display information about the MA in Brand Experience Design at Cyprus University of Technology, highlighting courses and project work. Each panel represents a semester, featuring images of students engaging in design activities
Smiley face icon made from quotation marks in dark clay Orgcaos color

"Our working experience with Orgcaos was highly satisfactory in alignment with professional standards in all aspects: creativity, originality, response, effectiveness and deadline restrictions.”

- Dr Evripides Zantides

Professor in Graphic and Visual Communication in the Department ‍of Multimedia and Graphic Arts of the Cyprus University of Technology

Credits

All photos and videos featured on this website are sourced from the archive of the Department of Multimedia Design and Graphic Arts at the Cyprus University of Technology. All rights are reserved by the Cyprus University of Technology, CUTing Edge, and Kyriacos Philocratous.

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