Creating a platform to shoot for the stars

METI

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#### In Brief

As an organisation dedicated to conducting scientific research into messaging extra-terrestrial intelligence, METI International has always balanced the cutting-edge with a timeless outlook on its work. So when we were asked to develop a visual identity that would help establish METI in the sector, raise awareness of the organisation's work and rally its audiences, we knew we would need to shoot for the stars. 

Through our initial research we found ourselves returning to one sentence in the brief that seemed to us, to encapsulates METI's mission: 'In one word, messaging'. 

This sentence set us on course for an exploration into code systems, messaging and the origins of language. We were inspired by the Arecibo message, the 1974 interstellar radio communication broadcast into space. 

Constructed using binary code to represent scientific and mathematical data, as well as simple graphic pictograms about life on Earth, the message was mankind's first greeting to the universe. 

We also wanted to make reference to the convention of writing 'Hello, World!' when first learning a new programming language. We combined the two to craft METI's own unique message: 'Hello, Universe'. 

#### What we did

'Hello, Universe' formed the inspiration for the METI visual identity. The roman alphabet in binary becomes a metaphor for a universal language that appears unfamiliar but can be deciphered. 

The colour scheme and typography grounds the identity in the realm of research, and the square translation brackets hint at scientific annotations. The METI logo is based on a square grid and uses binary patterns. The finished design can clearly be read as METI but retains an otherness that mirrors the unique and alien work that METI undertakes. 

As well as conducting scientific research, METI also considers the human impact of its mission, asking the big questions: what makes us human? What is the future of our species? We combined the utilitarian elements with emotive imagery and a philosophical tone of voice to connect to our human experiences of outward and inward discovery. 

The flexibility of the identity allowed us to take surprising messaging routes: [ambition] or [to be or not to be]. 

We wanted METI's messaging mission to be accessible for its audiences and so, we created ways of bringing the identity to life in the physical world. 

From posters where you pop out perforated squares to create a binary message, to simple postcards which encourage users to create their own communication, we made the playful powerful, emphasising the role of human interaction in METI's ground-breaking purpose. 

If there is anybody out there, METI will help us to make contact and help them to understand us. 

Dedicated to conducting scientific research into messaging extra-terrestrial intelligence

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Superunion | METI

Superunion is now Design Bridge and Partners. Redefining what design is and what design can do for brands, businesses, people and the planet. We are a revolutionary design partnership.

Design Bridge is now Design Bridge and Partners. Redefining what design is and what design can do for brands, businesses, people and the planet. We are a revolutionary design partnership.

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Creating a platform to shoot for the stars