:: Supporting Information ::
:: First Impressions ::
Our first objective was to brain storm again using the ideas garnered from the C3/RISE word storming session, but also approaching it from a different direction and thinking about how the term Social Enterprise is perceived outside of our industry sector.
It is very hard for an average member of the public to grasp exactly what Social Enterprise means. So in reaction to this we reduced social enterprise trade association down to an idea; bonds that link people.
Whether it is the businesses themselves or the clients they serve, the bonds between people are what ultimately drive Social Enterprise.
The word ‘people’ is a hard idea to put into imagery that is not as obvious as simply a photo of a person or group of people ‘having fun’.
We also wanted to stay clear of any stereotypes, like photos of people where every ethnic origin is represented, or anyone holding hands, as we feel this has been used far too many times already.
Looking at all the possible project outcomes, we thought about whether this would be a membership type scheme or just a process of accreditation, whether organisations pay to be involved, how valued they would feel if they received a welcome pack that was easy to understand and implement, whether their everyday constraints were considered; all these things were taken into account (hypothetical or not) and had an impact on how we approached the designing of this identity.
:: Bonds that link people ::
From this simple statement we started to formulate and grow ideas around linking, attraction and the forces that hold objects together such as; molecular bonds, cellular bonds, plant roots, orange segments, magnetism and spreading cells, but also began to think about physical bonds like jigsaw puzzles, the paths in mazes and childrens’ toys.
The ideas were allowed to flow and we roughed out any strong concepts as we went.
The best designs that grew out this initial meeting were agreed upon, and we both agreed to go away and produce 6 ideas each, 3 of which would be dropped at the following meeting and 3 which would be taken forward.
:: Key Messages ::
The following key words emerged from the C3/RISE word storming session.
Drive Achieve Commitment
Excel Message
Social Delivery Assurance
Change Quality Improve
Enterprise Enhance
Foundation Excellence
Performance Added Value
Enthusiastic Advantage
Values Sharing Networking
Good Practice Support Peer
Economies of Scale Shared Purchasing Power
It is important that any Organisation or Group thinking about joining this Trade Association understands that they are a part of this Association for the benefit of shared knowledge between like minds. We felt that the identity should reflect this sense of support.
Not only that, but from a clients perspective; coming into a centre approved by this trade association will instantly assure them that they will receive a certain level of service. We designed the ‘approved’ mark with this in mind.
We also considered the possibility of there being a grading system of different levels of accreditation/membership involved in the ‘approved’ logo appearing on organisations marketing and buildings. Once an organisation passes its first audit it gains level 1 and so on. This consideration was made when designing all the ideas and can be easily affected if this is a path you choose to go down.
:: Communication Channels ::
We have also included recommendations about the usage of these designs in different cases such as organisational stationary, members’ cards, business cards, signage on buildings and in context on other organisations stationary etc.
We also consider it important to show we are taking steps to not leave organisations behind, we realise that it is an expensive process and not all will want to reprint their company materials until existing stationary runs out.
In the meantime we consider stickers bearing the Social Enterprise Trade Association logo will be a more than acceptable stop gap.
We have also considered provision of a resource pack for new members with print ready imagery to be easily included in the printing of new company stationary, a user guide for the identity, stickers for the interim period, examples of good and bad logo usage and type face usage.
Whilst designing we were always mindful of the requirement for the identity to be able to be used on a variety of different communication channels and many different media, not least the internet which we monitored for available website addresses and the possibilities of using certain names.
se-ta
socialenterprise-ta
socialtradeunion
socialenterpriseunion
socialenterpriseassociation
seu.org.uk (only .org.uk availabla no other variants)
social-trade
Are all currently available.
We advise you to register all the most popular domain name endings; .co.uk, .com, .org.uk, etc.
Whatever the chosen name this process will cover you in the long term and you can establish a web presence early so you can have information readily available, as you develop this trade association.
This is to curtail any other organisation from purchasing the domain names and stopping you and your organisation from gaining the required domains and online presence of your choice.