MOD introduces terrorism research centre identity

The Ministry of Defence’s Counter Terrorism Science and Technology Centre has unveiled a visual identity by Roundel, as it seeks to raise its profile among other Government departments.

Set up to focus on the technological and technical responses to terrorist threats, the CT Centre will act as a hub for the MOD’s technical research in counter-terrorism, and will work with all areas of the UK Government, as well as overseas partners.

Despite the confidential nature of the CT Centre’s research, it needs to promote itself to other departments, according to its director Ken Brigden. ‘This is a new venture for the MOD, which has always been very reluctant to publicise its counter-terrorism role. But the world has moved on and we need to be more front-of-house now, with a separate, strong brand. Before, even the people within the MOD didn’t always know where to go.’

According to Roundel director Mike Denny, the secret nature of the centre’s work places restrictions on a visual identity solution. ‘They need to make themselves more highly visible, but this is very difficult as you can’t be specific with the imagery you use,’ says Denny.

To solve this problem, the consultancy appointed photographer Harriet Logan to create a portfolio of ‘abstract or semi-abstract’ images, which will provide an identity for the centre’s print publications, including stationery, brochures and reports.

‘There are still security issues and problems, but people like to use photographs, so my view is that we needed abstract images and colours,’ says Brigden.

A typographic solution is used for the primary logo, with a black-and-red colour palette. The letters CT are highlighted inside the word ‘Centre’, suggesting ‘the enemy within’, according to Denny. Roundel is now working on design guidelines that will allow the CT Centre to ‘discipline’ the way it looks.

COUNTER-TERRORISM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE:

• Formation formally announced in April 2006 by then Defence Secretary John Reid
• Director Ken Brigden wanted front-of-house visual identity to attract key staff and national and international partners
• Co-ordinates all MOD technical responses to terrorist threats