Securing enterprise browsers
Cyberlume is a Cybersecurity startup on a mission to secure the browser for enterprise use. The browser extension monitors, controls, and protects all web activity, ensuring enterprise-level security without impacting browsing performance.
Cyberlume is a portfolio company of Downing Capital Group, a leading VC that builds future-ready ventures across the US. Downing Capital approached us with their business idea in mind: a browser extension that offers company-wide security without compromising user experience. The project milestones included Naming, Brand Strategy, Visual and Verbal Identity, and Web Design & Development with engaging Motion Design elements.
Strategy
The brand strategy that set the guidelines for the Cybersecurity brand was based on the solution's features: easy to deploy and manage, providing a seamless user experience, and enabling full control of browser activities. Therefore, in contrast to other cybersecurity companies, we were looking for a branding that would prioritize tranquility and calmness instead of online attacks and threats. Thus, we needed to create a visual and verbal identity that would align with these characteristics; from naming to logo and every brand element of the website. It became clear that “light” would be a cornerstone of the branding, indicating not only a lightweight, compatible solution but also referring to shining a light on browser activities. With this concept in mind, we began developing the brand.
Naming
Cyberlume is a compound name and refers to the encounter between the cyberspace and the Latin word “lumen”, meaning “light”. The name encapsulates the notion of shining a light on a company's real-time browser activities and risk evaluation while providing a lightweight user experience. Cyberlume, thus, proudly presents a Cybersecurity company on a mission to offer browser security by guaranteeing transparency and control of the cyberspace. Following the strategy of moving away from creative paths that emphasize being "defensive" or "belligerent", Cyberlume conveys a safe zone.
Logo
The logotype of Cyberlume is composed of an isotype and a wordmark. In both components, the branding concept is visible: a dome, typically crafted from transparent or translucent materials like glass. Such domes offer natural illumination, provide panoramic views, and shield against inclement weather, all while enabling the observation of the surrounding environment. They are common in greenhouses, shopping centers, and other places where the goal is to combine protection against the elements with visibility and the entry of light. For the isotype, we outlined a geodesic dome, known for strength and stability due to its strong structure composed of triangles and other polygons. By including a cut between the shapes of the “L” and “U” in the wordmark, we create a sparkle that relates directly to the dome concept, signifying the cautious entry of light.
Imagery
The photographic style of Cyberlume is designed to capture the essence of an easy-going, innovative company tool. Therefore, the images feature people between 25 and 45 years, depicted in their working environments, mainly company spaces. Technology is a key element, with subjects often using laptops, tablets, and other devices. The lighting is warm and natural, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Relating the imagery to the dome concept, glass windows are an important pillar of the photography and crucial to brand recognition, since they connect with the idea of the dome, a symbol of protection and transparency. Also, the light is reflected in the glass, adding a sense of depth and dimensionality to the images.
Illustration
The most prominent illustration of Cyberlume is its geodesic dome: it has its roots in the isotype, but is used across the brand as an easily identifiable shape, adding to brand recognition. The iconography of the Cybersecurity startup is designed for clarity, and simplicity, animated on the website to enhance the overall user experience. Motion Design was an important part of the web design. For the above-the-fold of the homepage, we created a 3D animation, showcasing in an abstract way part of the functionality of Cyberlume. The translucent casing, representing Cyberlume, protects the ball in the middle, the company from every type of threat. The ball moves according to the mouse movement, following the user's eye. Hence, Cyberlume protects the enterprise no matter where the threat is coming from. Also on the website, animated illustrations depict the features and benefits of Cyberlume: from Monitor and Detect, to Control and Prevent, and Protect and Succeed, each step is illustrated. Leveraging the casing and the ball of the 3D animation, we create consistent storytelling that establishes a coherent visual identity.
Website
When entering the web, users encounter the engaging 3D animation right in the above-the-fold. Across different sections, user experience and navigation are enhanced by subtle animations and interactions. The concept of light is visible across various elements of the web: a slightly transparent navbar with a glass effect creates the illusion of a light shining through. The CTA section is also given special attention: resembling a browser screen, it presents how the Cyberlume extension could fit into any enterprise browser, unobtrusive yet stable.
Verbal Identity
Based on Cyberlume's brand personality we developed a Tone of Voice and Verbal Identity that resonates with its target audience. It is guided by the following characteristics: approachable, professional, and pragmatic. Presenting the solution in an easy-to-understand way as well as providing a feeling of security and tranquility with the messaging was important. This also differentiates Cyberlume from the competition, who use to adopt a more aggressive tone of voice, focusing on threats instead of calmness in the cyberspace. For the Tone of Voice, we included guidelines on how to apply the brand voice on job openings, description of features, and company information. We also indicated writing mechanics such as the use of contractions, active and passive voice, and how Cyberlume should address its audience.
Related projects
