Visual identity is the essence

Sometimes the obvious doesn´t have to be in the logo composition

About this work

Who would imagine a courtroom as a cultural hub? This museum transformed a space of justice into a captivating story of Porto. The museum offers a unique perspective on notorious cases, historical documents, and antiquated tools.

I enjoyed working on this project as a member of ByAR – Augmented Your Reality. My role was to design the visual identity, UX and UI interactive wall app, introductory video storyboard, and augmented book.

My role focused on crafting:

logo visual identity;
design the interactive wall app;
create the video projection storyboard, and;
design the augmented book.

More than a courtroom

Logo design

As a designer, I was tasked with creating a logo that aligned with Oporto Court’s existing brand identity while incorporating unique elements. To achieve this, I carefully considered the client’s specific requirements:

avoiding common justice-related symbols – balance, hammer, or sword;
incorporate the graphic line from the main brand – like a submark.

So, I explored various design concepts, including:

play with the name itself – related to the Conflict concept or its resolution;
the letter M could also be a possibility – from the museum word;
Align this logo with the court logo’s constitution – it should feel like a submark, be the same kind of logo – a combination mark, – and finally integrate the main colors.

Logo proposals

Following the previous main ideas for the logo, two proposals were developed. The graphics were very similar, but the logos incorporated different concepts.

First proposal

This one was more balanced and aligned with the client’s transmitted ideas.

interconnected human figures – symbolizing the parties involved in a justice process, this being the mediator in resolving the initially existing conflict;
and the “M” refers to the word “museum,” – a house of knowledge, historical and cultural dissemination; your linearity gives it modernism and sophistication.

Second proposal

This was a backup proposal in case the first one failed in its purpose.

This logo contains:

the scales – it symbolizes the balance of unleashed forces, antagonistic currents, and the weighting and impartiality of justice;
human profile faces – symbolizing the human part involved in the justice process, which mediates the resolution of the initially existing conflict;
the “M” – refers to the word “museum,” a house of knowledge and historical and cultural dissemination.

Interactive wall application design

In addition to the logo, I was responsible for designing an interactive wall and the accompanying app interface. The app allowed visitors to explore various justice-related themes, including historical context, future perspectives, and intriguing facts.

A cohesive design

To create a cohesive design, I incorporated the color palette and design elements from the existing logo. The app interface was designed to be:

visually appealing and user-friendly;
ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for visitors.

A video with antagonist concepts

At the entrance, there should be a video where justice-related concepts should be explored. I also participated in its creation, being responsible for the storyboard.

The video should present “bad” and “good” actions.
I did the storyboard thinking about how to highlight their opposing nature.

How can this contrast be emphasized?

To emphasize this contrast, I employed the brand’s primary colors. Yellow and white represented “good,” while black symbolized “bad.” This color scheme was consistently applied throughout the video, with images depicting negative concepts appearing in black and white when juxtaposed with positive concepts.

Interactive Justice Cases Book

Last, for telling the emblematic stories of some justice cases, nothing more appropriate than a book, but not a boring one.

What is in it?

The book incorporates animations to visually illustrate key aspects of the justice process, making it a more engaging experience for visitors.

The book’s design seamlessly integrates with the overall museum theme, featuring the main color associated with the justice section where it was displayed.