The Companion Logo
The Companion Logo

The Companion

Elevating the Science-Fiction Experience

The Narrative, a digital production company, collaborated with designlaboratory* to launch The Companion, an online platform designed for science-fiction fans. The platform offers exclusive content including articles, podcasts, and artwork from creators across the genre. From brand strategy and identity to web design, we worked closely with The Narrative to develop the concept and bring it to life. We conducted workshops to define the vision, purpose, and tone of voice for the brand, which we shaped into a cinematic, premium identity. The "Glitch" concept was central to the branding, reflecting both editorial transition and a sense of anticipation, drawing on the world of sci-fi storytelling.

Discipline

Sector

Deliverables

Logo design

Team

Boris Thuery

Jack Frost

Pierre-Félix So

Ilaria Basso

Ed Kirwan

Abbie Lysaght-Mason

Date

2020

For the visual identity, we designed simple yet functional icons with clean lines and a "glitch effect" that used the brand’s secondary colours. This effect was integrated into the user interface to enhance engagement. We applied this identity across both the website and app, ensuring consistency while providing an immersive experience. The platform also offered exclusive membership perks, including Companion Coins designed for different backer tiers. Additionally, we introduced a customisation feature that allowed members to personalise their app icon. Launched on Kickstarter, The Companion is now a dynamic hub where fans can access premium, exclusive content and connect with the sci-fi community.

Working with Yann, Boris and the team at The Design Laboratory has been a great experience for us at The Narrative. From the passion and enthusiasm to get involved beyond surface level design, to the dedicated professionalism and high spec delivery, we always felt like we were in great hands. On three occasions now we have come to The Design Laboratory with unique asks that go beyond a simple design brief. The fact they took the time to understand our product, culture and business meant it became a very collaborative process. Their process was clear and thorough, not to mention competitively priced especially when you consider the level of experienced design talent (CSM fellows & lecturers) - you don’t get much more experienced than that! They felt like extension of our team, offering support over and above expectations with quick responses and leaning in to new design related issues. A huge part of our business especially at launch when the design vision is so important.

Working with Yann, Boris and the team at The Design Laboratory has been a great experience for us at The Narrative. From the passion and enthusiasm to get involved beyond surface level design, to the dedicated professionalism and high spec delivery, we always felt like we were in great hands. On three occasions now we have come to The Design Laboratory with unique asks that go beyond a simple design brief. The fact they took the time to understand our product, culture and business meant it became a very collaborative process. Their process was clear and thorough, not to mention competitively priced especially when you consider the level of experienced design talent (CSM fellows & lecturers) - you don’t get much more experienced than that! They felt like extension of our team, offering support over and above expectations with quick responses and leaning in to new design related issues. A huge part of our business especially at launch when the design vision is so important.

Nick Hayward - CEO

While our studio is located in Kings Cross, our team spans the globe, currently based in London, Florence, and Perth.

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While our studio is located in Kings Cross, our team spans the globe, currently based in London, Florence, and Perth.

©

While our studio is located in Kings Cross, our team spans the globe, currently based in London, Florence, and Perth.

©