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THIS IS OUR NEWSLETTER
FACTS DON’T ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH
In a data-driven world, facts and truth can start to look like the same thing. They aren’t. People act on what feels true, not just on what the data shows. It’s important to know the difference. Facts alone can lead to assumptions about people. Seeing the human spirit behind them is what separates us from AI. While AI can bring the facts to our screens in seconds, it’s the time a person takes to review those facts and synthesize them into the true story of a person, company, or organization that brings value to a project. Always invest in humans. They bring the true spirit to your work.
Read more for a look at our human stories.
BRAND IDENTITY PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | 10.10.26
HANG-TEN THERAPEUTICS BRAND
Can a monkey surf? Let’s carry that question even further. Can a surfing monkey attract families who are seeking therapy for their kids? That thought sparked our vision when we created this new brand identity for a California client who utilizes her credentials as a therapist to support healthy family goals. Whether it’s through surf lessons with a child or coaching a parent, Naomi and her team utilize innovative methods to improve the lives of hundreds of people.
We were honored to develop a new brand identity for the company through in-depth research, extensive ideation, and careful development of the final files for use across all platforms. We’re now in the process of integrating the brand in a manner that attracts her target audience and grows her business. With a new website and marketing materials ahead, we’re excited to expand Hang-Ten’s brand!
If you need a brand refresh, let us help! We’ll bring a fresh, human-centered approach!
DESIGN THINKING PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | 10.01.26
AHC DESIGN THINKING SESSION
Doing good doesn’t always mean people understand the good you do. Affordable Housing & Community Development Corporation (AHC) has served Grant County for more than 30 years. After attending a Design Therapy Workshop, their leadership team recognized the confusion clients feel about their brand story when they walk through the office doors. What services does AHC offer? They’re listed on the website and in every brochure, and yet people were still confused.
We were tasked with shaping their organizational strategy so it brings clarity to potential clients. We began with a full morning of Design Thinking activities to learn what their volunteers, staff, and board believed their brand story to be. After presenting our findings, we’ve been working closely with their leadership to clarify their brand voice and strategic marketing direction. We’re excited for the future of AHC and the people they serve. Believing that “clear is kind,” we want every person who interacts with AHC to know exactly what they offer and how they can help with housing.
IN THE STUDIO | 10.02.26
URBAN ENCOUNTER MINI MASTERCLASS
Every semester, a group of IWU Psychology students visits our studio. This semester have two groups joining us led by Dr. Keith Puffer and Dr. Jason Runyan. Over lunch, we talk with them about how design shapes their future careers and lead them through a design thinking activity.
According to the Design Value Index, companies that integrate design thinking into their corporate strategy outpace industry peers by 228 percent. Yet when we ask students if they’ve heard of design thinking, most don’t raise their hands. It’s one of the easiest ways a new applicant can bring value to a potential employer, so we give them an introduction and one method to spark their interest in learning more.
This year, they learned the Mini Masterclass, a custom method we developed that builds on skills participants already have. It’s a high-energy warm-up we often use in our sessions, and it helps people get to know each other in ways they might not outside the workplace.
Curious how design thinking could strengthen your workplace culture? Reach out. We’d love to come alongside your team.
A GREAT BRAND | 10.20.26
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A GREAT BRAND?
Many companies and organizations have great brands but don’t know how to put them to work. When they’re handed brand guidelines, it can feel like a visual rulebook. That’s why we like to sit down with each client, walk them through their guidelines, and suggest ways to clarify their message and equip their marketing team to use the brand well.
That’s what the Design Therapy Mastermind is designed to do: help you get the most out of your brand.
Join us online on November 11th. If your brand looks good on paper but isn’t working as hard as it could, our November Design Therapy session is for you. Bring your questions and your brand guidelines, and leave with clear next steps.
Register below to receive a link to join us!
GOT AN IDEA? CONNECT WITH US!
If you’ve been carrying around an idea—big or small—and you’re wondering what it might look like brought to life through design, we’d love to hear about it. We believe design is about bringing the soul of your vision to the surface and shaping it into something that moves people.
Whether you’re at the spark stage or halfway there, our process is built to listen deeply, uncover what matters most, and accelerate your idea into something tangible, meaningful, and ready to make an impact. Let’s start the conversation. Contact us at hello@mariondesign.co!
