DSTM — Stories, Traces, Matter.

“Davar. Stories, traces and matter” is a cultural project promoted by the Municipality of Ovaro, in collaboration with the University of Udine. The project aims to rediscover and valorize historical memory and local traditions and promote museum sites in the area. It also aims to create an active dialogue between past and present, encouraging the community to become an integral part of this cultural recovery process.

We were tasked with developing a modern and engaging visual identity that was capable of re-specifying the soul of the project and stimulating the active participation of the population. The identity had to be able to inspire, engage and make tangible the importance of the community’s contribution to the success of the initiative.

We designed a modular and versatile visual identity system that could adapt to different communication and promotional needs. At the core of our proposal, we chose to enhance the initials of the project title, “DSTM” (Davar. Stories, Tracks and Matter), turning them into a distinctive and easily recognizable acronym. This acronym became the symbol of the initiative, appearing on all communication materials, from digital channels to print media.

We also chose a bright and eye-catching color palette to convey energy, positivity and a sense of freshness. This color choice was intended to make the initiative instantly recognizable, attract attention and convey a sense of vitality.

The visual identity had to not only tell the story of the project, but also motivate the community to actively participate and feel part of something bigger. The dynamism of the graphic system reflects the idea of an evolving project, where each contribution enriches the collective narrative.

For offline communication, we developed a full range of informational and promotional materials, including posters, brochures, and gadgets such as shoppers and t-shirts. These elements were designed to convey the visual identity of the project in a consistent and appealing way, making the audience familiar with the chosen graphic language. The goal was not only to inform but also to stimulate curiosity and interest. Each design element was designed to create a strong and immediate visual connection, facilitating recognition of the project in all its forms.

Collateral gadgets, such as shoppers and t-shirts, not only amplify brand awareness, but also become communication tools themselves, bringing the visual identity of the project to the streets and among the people, creating a link between the community and the initiative.

At a time when social media is one of the main tools for communication and engagement, the visual identity had to find an effective declination on these channels as well. We designed a consistent, dynamic Instagram feed in line with the project’s visual identity. Each post was curated to maintain stylistic consistency, with recognizable graphics that respected the principles of the visual system. The goal was to create a digital environment that not only informs but also inspires and engages users, stimulating interaction and strengthening a sense of community.

Through an appealing and recognizable visual language, the “Davar. Storie, Tracce e Materia” project was also able to stand out in the digital landscape, increasing its presence and reaching a wider and more diverse audience.