GRC EBooklet as pilot project

The aim is to develop an EBooklet for the GRC product line that acts as a master document for the other lines. It could even be a prototype that can be extended into a full Ebook with elements such as the company’s narrative, including the venture thesis, all product lines and a team page. In any case, the document has to communicate that Ibstock Futures is at the forefront of the sector and playing a leading role.

Task: (1) hold Brand Sprint to define the brand fundamentals, (2) create Identity Starter Kit closely aligned to the parent brand, and (3) design the GCR Ebooklet for digital and print use

Requirements: Assuming 6—8 pages, the Ebooklet is intended as a master document for other product lines and possibly as a seed document that can be grown into a full Ebook. The deadline is the end of Q2 2023, but it could be delivered earlier, i.e. the beginning to mid of the Q2.

Proposal: The package covering these three tasks is an investment of £6220, excluding VAT. The design and implementation takes 4—6 weeks, depending on the internal decision-making and approval process.

For

James Hudson

PMO Ventures

Ibstock Futures

Ibstock plc Leicester Road, Ibstock Leicestershire, LE67 6HS

For questions, please contact Stephan Hammes at 079 6619 5576 or mail@stephanhammes.com

The development of the EBooklet as a master document for other publications and as an initial vehicle to define and shape the Ibstock Futures brand needs the following three steps:

01 —  Brand Sprint

The sprint lays the foundation, which we can develop into a brand strategy with an engagement plan at a later stage.

1. Hold a Brand Sprint as an in-person workshop to determine the business goal, vision, values and purpose, as well as the customer journey and competitive landscape. (see example below)
2. Define the value proposition based on the customer segmentation, their pain points and desired gains
3. Summarise the results in a brief deck for sign-off

The Brand Sprint is ideally held with three but not more than four key people, including the decision-maker and a person with direct client contact.

Before the Brand Sprint, you will receive an introduction with a set of questions to prepare, making the sprint more effective.

In a sprint, once a segment’s time is over, we move on to the next one, and anything unresolved will possibly be picked up in a follow-up call.

02 — Identity Starter Kit

The kit will be closely aligned with a parent brand and include a logotype, use of Hex, colour and typography.

1. Propose two design concepts based on the outcome of the sprint using stylescapes. These panoramic poster-like layouts give a flavour of the overall look and feel. (see example below)
2. Develop the core brand elements of the selected route: symbol/mark, logotype, colour scheme, typography, and graphics/imagery style.
3. Tweak and finalise the core brand elements for sign-off.
4. Produce artwork files for print and digital applications.
5. Create a brand palette to ensure consistent future implementation. (see example below)

Stylescape

Brand palette

03 — GRC EBooklet

A 6—8 page document for print and digital use that could be a master document for other product lines or a seed document that can be grown into the full Ebook

1. Clarify the content of the three-part structure (narrative, product, team) based on customer’s needs and Ibstock Futures’ value proposition ⇒ creative brief
2. Devise a page plan as guidance for copywriting and layout design (NB: copywriting is not part of the proposed package and can be sourced if requested)
3. Proposing two design directions for the cover and two spreads to establish the design direction
4. Designing the page layouts based on the agreed design direction, refined page plan and final copy
5. Tweaking the layouts, i.e. two rounds of revisions of design and content (NB: client proofreads!)
6. Creating artwork PDF as the final deliverable for print and online/email use

The total for the package is £6220 plus VAT.

The estimated price includes all research, strategic and design work, as well as project management. Third-party costs such as copywriting, travel, image licences or photography are extra and agreed upon beforehand.

Preliminary Timing

The design and implementation should take 4—6 weeks of effort. The duration depends on the internal decision-making and approval process.

Successful Collaboration

For successful execution of the three steps, open and trusting cooperation is crucial and required. That also means that all shared information and developed results are treated confidentially. Due to our close and regular collaboration, it is only necessary to document the essentials and not to create any further reporting. Any postponements or additional work will only take place after consultation.

Next Step

1. Stephan presents the proposal to ensure all is clear and to address any feedback.

2. With the scope and timing agreed upon, you receive a formal estimate with your PO number.

3. Agree on a date and format for the Brand Sprint, i.e. attendees and either one-day or two-half-day sessions.

If you have questions, please get in touch with me.

Warm regards Stephan Hammes

Stephan learnt his craft working primarily for the automotive sector (Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Toyota and SEAT ) and F1 (RedBull Racing, Scuderia Toro Rosso and VodafoneMcLaren) and cultural sector (Victoria & Albert Museum, The British Society of Theatre Designers, and the University of the Arts London). So, he is used to a rigorous design process, attention to detail and delivering high quality. As creative director and designer holding an MBA from Imperial College, he handles projects independently and collaboratively from conception to execution for big brands and SMEs. Currently, he is also consulting start-ups on business models and branding. Experience on LinkedIn