Brand Design of OLB
transformed by Strichpunkt
The design and branding agency created a new image for OLB that optimally positions the traditional brand for the digital future of the banking business. With the help of the design elements created by Strichpunkt, all touchpoints and services can be designed flexibly and in line with the brand. A particular focus was placed on applicability in digital banking - for example, a customized user interface kit ensures a high level of user-friendliness.
Stuttgart, November 27, 2024 (Press Release) Tradition meets modernity: Stuttgart-based agency Strichpunkt Design has completely redesigned the brand identity of OLB (Oldenburgische Landesbank AG). The traditional brand, which was founded in 1869, now appears with a corporate design that includes a contemporary logo, a fresh color scheme and a new graphic style. The rebranding took place on the occasion of the takeover of Degussa Bank by OLB and the associated significant strengthening of the bank's market presence throughout Germany.
The new logo stands out with its clear “O” in two shades of green, which visualizes a dynamic, positive upswing. Thanks to its compact presentation, it works in many application sizes - especially in the digital space - and appears smart and uncomplicated. The strength of the letters is both bold and solid, while the round design language makes the brand appear accessible and friendly. At the same time, the rounded shapes are also the central core of the layout principle for all OLB media. They are reminiscent of rounded credit and debit cards as well as digital “cards” in interfaces. The flexible use of rounded shapes brings freshness and dynamism to the design.
With regard to the color scheme, Strichpunkt has slightly modified the existing brand color green, which already clearly distinguishes OLB from the competition, and supplemented it with additional nuances that can be used for various purposes in a color palette ranging from bright to bold. The different weighting of the colors allows OLB to communicate in the media either in a restrained and objective manner or loudly and expressively. Another defining element of the corporate design is the Galano Neue font family. As a clearly drawn geometric grotesque font, it is extremely legible on screen and paper. Thanks to its friendly proportions and details, the font makes the brand appear accessible and fresh.
The new graphic style impresses with its precise lines and high-contrast surfaces. Strong characters from real life were staged in a modern way for the visual language. They emphasize both the accessibility and the coolness of the new OLB.
In line with Strichpunkt's unique modular design approach, all visual elements were created in such a way that OLB can play out the designs consistently and flexibly across all touchpoints. The new user interface kit enables OLB to design its website, app and other digital touchpoints in a brand-oriented and user-friendly way.
The efficiency of the modular design approach has already been demonstrated in practice: Strichpunkt worked in partnership with other agencies to redesign the website, develop the campaign and design the branches, among other things.
“With a slight wink, we act as a challenger in the German banking market. We can be self-confident because we combine digital know-how with the expertise that has characterized OLB for more than 150 years: Our customers can rely on honest, scandal-free and successful banking at OLB,” says Stefan Barth, CEO of OLB. “Strichpunkt has mastered the balancing act between tradition and modernity and created an image for OLB that we strongly identify with.”
“It's a dream job for us as a design agency to completely rethink a traditional brand, transform it digitally and work with the client in such an appreciative way. With its new image, OLB offers the customer experience of a modern, smart bank,” says Fabian Hammans, Creative Director at Strichpunkt.