Polywell

Rebranding for a New Era

Polywell headline image
Date: 2014
In this project, I revitalized Polywell Computers' visual identity, leveraging its rich history and culture as inspiration for a new logo, updated stationery, and contemporary website design.

Background

Company Overview

Polywell is a South San Francisco-based computer manufacturing company with nearly three decades of industry experience. Specializing in quality computer systems, Polywell caters to both U.S. and international markets.

Original Brand Identity: Background - showcase image

Original Brand Identity

Project

Upon my engagement, Polywell was operating under a logo and website that had remained static for almost 30 years. My role was to breathe new life into these assets, aligning them more closely with the company’s history and present-day culture.

Logo Revision

Historical Context

The original logo sought to emphasize Polywell's U.S. manufacturing roots, using stripes reminiscent of the U.S. flag. However, this symbolism had grown outdated, especially given that even industry giants like Apple no longer manufacture exclusively in the U.S.

Design Choices

In redesigning the logo, I selected DIN Schrift as the typeface for its strong association with technology and industry. I also modernized the letter 'P' to resonate more closely with contemporary design aesthetics and industry relevance.

New Logo Concept: Logo Revision - showcase image

New Logo Concept

Branding Guide: Logo Revision - showcase image

Branding Guide

Applications

Other Design Contributions

During my tenure with Polywell, I served as a Graphic and Web Designer. Beyond the rebranding initiative, my responsibilities extended to designing an array of marketing materials such as posters, brochures, flyers, and trade show booths. I also occasionally took charge of product photography and web-based assets like banners.

Stationery: Applications - showcase image

Stationery

New Site Concept: Applications - showcase image

New Site Concept

Mobile & Desktop Web: Applications - showcase image

Mobile & Desktop Web

Learning Moments

This project underscored the importance of aligning a company's visual identity with its evolving market position. It offered a condensed lesson in balancing historical identity with contemporary demands, and thereby reinforced my belief in the adaptability and ever-changing nature of branding.