HERTZ FOUNDATION
Empowering the Most Promising Innovators in Science & Technology to Pursue the Boldest Ideas
—John Ohab, Hertz Foundation
PROBLEM
Modernizing their Branding
The language and layout of the original Hertz Foundation website in no way matched the energy and brilliance of their audience. So the Foundation sought to modernize its branding to appeal both to long-standing fellows as well as to students born into a global economy with a high degree of online savvy. The copy-dense layouts and small, low-resolution images were not responsive—and staff members were unable to make anything more than minor updates the outdated, custom-coded website. Print collateral also had no unifying look and feel.
SOLUTION
Focused the Audience on Inspiring Stories
Project6 interviewed staff, board members and a wide range of fellows—some still working on their PhD, others with long and brilliant careers—to gain a deep understanding of the Foundation’s mission and people and craft new messaging in line with their values and vision. We pruned outdated content and, through beautiful, responsive layouts, focused the audience on inspiring stories that conveyed the full impact the Foundation’s investment in their fellows. The visual elements used online were then used as a toolkit for coordinated digital templates and print collateral pieces, making them ready-to-use and easy for any staff member to update.
RESULT
Empowering Limitless Progress
The Hertz Foundation now enjoys unified branding across online and offline touchpoints. All communications, from the website and annual report to email blasts, donor kits and thank you notes, now reflect The Hertz Foundation’s bold mantra of empowering limitless progress. The website—now a strong visual showcase for Foundation fellows, their work, and the impact that their work has had, both nationally and worldwide—engages and activates donors and partners. At the same time, the new tools are flexible and intuitive—site layouts are easily updated and managed by the Hertz team. The brand now fully represents the exception intergenerational community of fellows and the innovation they have brought to the rest of the world.
