Prior to the acquisition, the CloudLibrary branding was outdated. The app was getting lost as a potential offering because of its archaic design approach. The challenge was to bring some visual consistency within the OCLC suite of products, making use of the corporate branding, while modernizing the visual identity.
As a public-facing product, I approached the redesign with friendliness in mind. I used softer, rounded corners for the typeface and the iconography. I chose a blue, green, and yellow gradient (available from the current OCLC color palette), that evoked that welcoming reaction. The use of the abstract cloud shape to break a page or a canvas was a departure from the corporate "grid" approach that most companies are accustomed to. The photography choices are also curated with inclusivity in mind.
Creating a design system for CloudLibrary with friendliness and flexibility in mind strengthens the value proposition of the app. The backend of the app was never an issue, but the positioning of the app needed to be redirected from its outdated approach.
This rebrand now fits in with the OCLC suite, as well as standing out because of its public facing nature. It was very fulfilling having led the design efforts and watch it be a success.
Next projects.
(2008-26©)
