Network Junction Logo

THE BACKGROUND

Network Junction was a big initiative that included a design overhaul, expansion of features, and release to the wider NPR Network (i.e. local stations across the US). Thus, we rebranded what was previously known as “Podcasters NPR Dashboard” into “Network Junction.”

Network Junction is where both NPR staff and local Stations come together to manage and troubleshoot local station podcasts, newscasts, and story segments sent to NPR platforms for NPR Network-wide distribution. You can read about this case study here. It is meant to be a place for collaboration between NPR and Stations and between Stations, the junction of the NPR Network.

THE METHODOLOGY & TOOLS

Figma

Initial Concepts

Initially, Network Junction was only meant to deal with audio content: podcasts and newscasts. I played around with the microphone and audio wave motifs.

Refining Audio/Microphone Logos

At the time, “Podcast Center” was the placeholder name for what we eventually named “Network Junction”

“Network Junction” Rebrand

With the pivot and inclusion of additional content types (i.e. text headline stories), and a larger change in company strategy to focus more on video content, the name “Network Junction” was finalized.

Roundabout, a type of junction, concept testing.

Playing with classic NPR brand colors.

Trying different color combinations to give Network Junction a more unique brand identity.

Simplification/abstraction of the roundabout concept to make the logo simpler, since it would mostly be seen as a logo on a website.

Further Refinement

I held a review/critique session with the design and marketing teams. With their feedback, I further refined the the abstracted roundabout version to include white/negative space like a double circle to have a better callback to a roundabout.