BlueCat Networks

Helping BlueCat redefine network visibility and control
An isometric graphic showcasing the stylised UI of one of the products on a dark background

Lead Designer (Freelance)

Velocity Partners

Through their enterprise DNS platform, BlueCat Networks enables shared network visibility and control at some of the world’s largest and most successful businesses. After several acquisitions, BlueCat needed to incorporate the new technology offerings under a simplified and integrated brand.

I worked on the brand refresh and guidelines and laid the foundations for a new website.

Mock up of someone interacting with the mobile version of the homepage

Moving beyond refresh

What began as a brand refresh initiative quickly evolved into a more comprehensive revamp. Through an immersive workshop with stakeholders, it became evident that BlueCat’s identity required a significant overhaul to resonate with its evolving audience: technical decision-makers with little patience for marketing fluff. 

Core identity elements

While undergoing a substantial transformation, certain core identity elements remained consistent with the previous iteration, serving as pillars of continuity and familiarity.

Withe BlueCat logo on a blue background

BlueCat’s iconic logo remained untouched

An animated gif, flipping between images of the old palette (more muted) and the new one (brighter)

The colour palette was finessed and evolved to incorporate the acquired brand’s colours as accents while retaining its equity and relationship with the brand name.

An animated gif, flipping between images of the old font (Museo Sans) and the new one (Inter)

While the client considered retaining the previous Museo Sans typeface, it was ultimately replaced with a less elaborate font that better resonates with the brand’s technical audience.

An isometric graphic showcasing the stylised UI of multiple products

Placing the product centre stage

The most significant shift occurred in BlueCat’s visual language, with a product-centric approach. This led to the creation of the “BlueCat World,” an isometric representation of the environment in which BlueCat operates. Within this world, products emerge as heroes and the colourful “connectors” symbolise the seamless flow of connectivity facilitated by BlueCat’s solutions.

Mock up of someone interacting with the mobile version of a product page
Animated gif flipping between five abstract solution illustrations
Mock up of a billboard reading "Do you manage your DNS? Or does your DNS manage you?" and featuring a product graphic

A visual language that places the product centre stage to complement a conversion-centric strategy

Product page from the website, showing a headline and the product graphic
Close up of a sticker on a laptop featuring the Cloud illustration in the brand style
A mobile page showing some solution cards comprising of text and illustrations
Mockup of a conference room with a screen showcasing some key figures laid out in the BlueCat style
Brand imagery style example featuring a Woman holding an Ipad, with a stack of containers in the background
Graphic showing some of the components that make up the abstracted product UIs
An isometric graphic showcasing the stylised UI of one of the products on a light background
Graphic showing some isometric tiles with integration logos on the BlueCat Network grid
Graphic showing a header like website module which features a headline and a solution illustration

Website design

The design principle guiding BlueCat’s website redesign was simplicity. Designed for an audience allergic to marketing fluff, the website excludes all unnecessary embellishments in favour of a clean, documentation-style approach that highlights the features and benefits of the products.

Homepage from the website, showing a headline social proof and CTA and a product graphic
Mock up of someone interacting with the desktop version of the product on a laptop
Mobile visualisations showcasing a product page header and a contact page header and form
A few UI elements from the website design system, like cards and cards modules and an accordion

Special to:

Andrea Dona, for pushing the website over the finish line. Whilst I worked on the concept, design system and initial page designs, Andrea took over once my consultancy ended to finalise the site before its launch. 

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