Just like Hollywood, we enjoy a great makeover challenge. When Debricked invited us to help them explore a new look, we were excited. We’re long-time fans of this startup and we knew it had a lot of hidden beauty waiting to be uncovered.
Debricked creates tools that make it easy for teams to use, maintain, and find open source components for their products. But how can their passion for open source be communicated in a way that customers enjoy and remember?
DEBRICKED’S EPIC JOURNEY
Early on, the Debricked team told us that they view open source as a journey. Exploring and testing new open source projects should feel like an adventure, where you discover treasures to incorporate into your projects.
Since their existing web design site didn’t reflect this yet, we started exploring different types of metaphors that could become the backbone of their story. Could we find inspiration in computer games or RPGs? What type of environments might best capture a feeling of adventure and exploration? Should the idea of an open source journey be based on realism, fantasy or sci fi?
CRITICAL COMPONENTS
Finally, we arrived at a wonderful space travel theme that perfectly matches the story Debricked wants to tell. Using this metaphor, teams that use Debricked’s tools are reminded of classic space operas, where heroes often need to upgrade or repair the spaceships that they trust with their lives. Space adventurers are always ready to incorporate new components as they face new challenges or opportunities for discovery.
Once we established this principal metaphor, we collaborated with the Debricked team on prototype illustrations, color combinations and language that brought the story and style together.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Like open source, a website is never 100% done. It’s a living document that changes over time and we’re excited to see how Debricked will continue to evolve their epic new style.
All in all, we think this is an excellent makeover that can easily compete with the classics in The Princess Diaries, Clueless, and The Breakfast Club.