The University recently launched a student competition, involving designing a logo for an upcoming event called The GRID Conference, due to take place virtually on 13^th October 2021.

We published a brief, which detailed formatting requirements, the event overview, target audience, and event themes which gave students what they needed to create an eye-catching logo, whilst incorporating the concept of GRID.

The concept

The GRID (Growing Regional Innovation by Design) is set against the backdrop of the UK going through a period of rapid change and transformation- innovation being key in this process. The ability to quickly develop new products, take them to market and to capitalise on new ways of working and technologies, is important in remaining competitive and driving productivity.

The GRID Conference brings together various stakeholders (Higher Education; Not for Profit; Public; Private sector) from across the region to support SMEs (small to medium sized businesses) in developing their innovation potential through 4 key innovation pillars:

SME leaders can ‘plug in and power up’ their business to access a network of opportunities to drive forward innovation and adoption of net zero principles.

The students

We wanted to ensure all applicants had a meaningful and insightful experience, providing them with the developmental opportunities needed to add to their portfolio, exercise a new skill, test a design software, or just enjoy being creative.

‘I was incredibly excited to find out I had come second place, as Graphic Design is an area I struggle with, and I have been challenging myself to practice more. The prize has encouraged me to keep being creative.’ – 2^nd place, Nina Vallard

This opportunity meant that applicants could experience what it would be like to go through the end-to-end process of a real-world creative brief. Having the chance to ask questions to the client (that’s us) on a 1-2-1 basis before submission, meant they could discuss their concept and get feedback on what we were looking for from the design. As for the prizes, not only will the winners receive some cash, but there are also a range of work experience opportunities available with some of the University’s strategic partners.

Strategic partners

We have a range of strategic partners who will be supporting in the delivery of the GRID Conference in October, so it seemed fitting that we involved these partners in the judging of the designs. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our expert, independent panel:

Kimberley Anderson- CSR & Community Manager at Discovery Park

Matt Hodgkinson- Production Manager, Canterbury Christ Church University

Anita Glover- Head of Marketing, Locate in Kent

It was important that we had industry specialists judging the logos, as their insights and expertise offered a fresh and neutral perspective. Due to the high calibre of designs, all experts provided positive feedback for each of the submissions naming all applicants ‘winners’ in their eyes. The feedback discussions held at the panel, considered factors such as attention to detail, understanding of the brief, supporting documentation/ context and creative flare. Each participant has been offered the opportunity of 1-2-1 feedback to discuss their submissions.

With that in mind, a decision had to be made, and we’re proud to announce 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place:

1st place: Francesca Robinson

2nd place: Nina Vallard

3rd place: Alice Gill

Francesca’s logo won on account of her seamless, elegant, and simple design which fully encapsulated the required innovation pillars we set out in the brief. We will be looking at opportunities to showcase her logo at The GRID conference in October 2021.

On behalf of the department, a huge well done to each and every one of those who applied, and thank you to the judges, for their time, efforts and valuable feedback.

This competition would not have been possible without the support of our local partners and demonstrates the variety of opportunities businesses can collaborate with the University.

If you would like to find out how to get involved in initiatives like this in the future, or if you have any ideas in regards to how you and your business can work with the University and our students, contact the Enterprise and Engagement Team: b2b@canterbury.ac.uk