An identity that puts human connection at the heart.

As the business continued to scale at pace and prepared to enter the Republic of Ireland, Stem Systems saw the need to invest in their brand identity and digital presence as a means of standing out.

This was one of my earliest projects where brand strategy was introduced as a service. DHD has continued working with Stem Systems to deliver web, photography and video services.

The IT industry is often seen as impersonal, technical and uninviting. My aim was to contrast this with something warm and human-centric.

Questionnaires and in-person visits helped to lay the groundwork.

Competitor research showed that cold navy and blue colours dominated, and close-up imagery of equipment stole the spotlight.

The brand strategy focused on the idea that Stem Systems is an enabler of something greater – building stronger customer connections. Technology is a means to a more impactful end.

I opted for warmer colour palettes to differentiate from the industry.

The logomark pictorially captures how one human connection can grow exponentially, as well as the forward-thinking approach that Stem Systems can bring.

The imagery focuses on customers, their experiences, and their connections—rather than on equipment being installed.

Director Stephen has sung our praises, subsequently bringing multiple new brand and web projects to DHD as a result.

Due to a period of extreme busyness, Stem Systems’ new identity is only just beginning to roll out – but it has received a positive reception from existing customers.

Their new identity helped secure marketing funding from Microsoft to promote Stem Systems’ Azure accreditation.

DHD continues to support Stem Systems through web, photo, video and design.

Five design decisions behind this identity, as a carousel: read it here.