We had to make a brand identity that would memorialize PEN’s inception as a group of writers who believed that words could help effect change. With that ethos guiding us we knew we had to create work that encapsulated their outstanding work in the human rights field.

Building on the hand drawn look of their brand we designed a new centenary logo that celebrated their rich history. We developed a new design feature that would compliment their existing brand by showing how the pen can also be used to censor or redact. The use of the black highlighter effect helped call attention to the threat of censorship and reiterate why organisations like English PEN are so very important.

Trying to effect meaningful change is a complicated process, we needed to make sure accessing the right information wasn’t. This project called for an extremely in-depth UX process. This included defining audiences, empathy mapping and user journeys. Expert strategist, UX specialists and web designers from the Pals Collective collaborated closely to make sure we really got into the weeds with this one to design an improved user experience that didn’t compromise the integrity of the information.

We built a CMS modeled on e-comm and editorial platforms. Giving English PEN the flexibility for all the key strands of their organisation to act like a news publisher with content and communications that responded to their needs. By improving the user experience we freed English PEN up to do what they do best – effect positive change.