OL SCIENCE & TECH FEST

Yura Bakay – Creative Director Solomiia Marchak – Art Director & Lead Designer Sasha Bobrytska – Designer

OL SCIENCE & TECH FEST was an all-Ukrainian science and technology festival that brought together young people, businesses, scientific communities, and government representatives to found solutions, foster networking, and drive innovation. The event showed Ukrainian scientific developments, startups, and technologies. The festival inspired young people to boldly shape the future, explored the world of science and technology, and leveraged its opportunities to make a difference. Brief The OL SCIENCE & TECH FEST team approached us to create an identity for the event that would reflect the modernity, dynamism, and innovation of the science and technology sector. Our task was to ensure that the design system conveyed not only the technological and scientific nature of the festival but also its emotional component and interactive environment — one that immersed participants in the world of innovation, demonstrating that science was a dynamic process full of movement, experimentation, and discovery. Therefore, the identity needed to visually emphasize dynamism, engagement, and the unique experience that festival participants would gain. Cultural context After years of insufficient attention to the scientific sector, Ukraine was currently changing, and interest in STEAM education was rising, the development of a startup ecosystem, greater integration of Ukrainian scientists into international research projects, and increased investment in the technology sector. The festival was more than just an event; it was part of a cultural movement gaining momentum in education, business, and security. It breaked stereotypes of science being boring or overly complex, instead offering a modern, interactive approach. The event brought together young people, scientists, businesses, and government representatives, created a space for dialogue, collaboration, and progress. Project execution & Media Within the project, the following were developed: brand and communication strategies, logo design, social media design, outdoor advertising, merchandise, and printed materials design. In promoting the project, the main communication channels included the event’s social media (Instagram), the website, outdoor advertising, targeted ads, and national media channels. Design Solutions The festival's identity was bold, expressive, and futuristic. Together with the organizing team, we aimed to expand the event’s target audience — from curious school students and ambitious university youth to renowned scientists, inventors, and tech entrepreneurs. In the design system, we intentionally moved away from conventional visual associations with science and technology, opting instead for bold and unconventional solutions: a unique mascot, dynamic typography, bright neon colors, contrasting backgrounds, soft gradients. This approach highlighted not only the technological aspects but also the festival atmosphere,making the event even more attractive and contemporary. Particular attention was given to detail, with visual elements representing the festival’s four key sections: a furry brain for hackathons, a 3D ear for the lecture program, VR glasses for exhibitions, a robotic hand for the experimental tent city. These elements were complemented by 3D glass flower models, metallic spirals, and bright ribbons, adding energy and movement to the overall composition. Through dynamic solutions and layering effects, we succeeded in creating an exciting and unique visual identity. Results OL SCIENCE & TECH FEST took place on May 25–26, gathering over 3,000 participants passionate about science, technology, and innovation. The festival featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including leading scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs such as Nick Knees, Yuki Ogawa, and Elvan Kuzutsu Hidir, who shared their expertise and insights. The event strengthened collaboration between Ukrainian universities, tech companies, and international organizations, paving the way for further resource mobilization and expert involvement in the festival’s side projects. It also fostered the launch of joint initiatives with key industry players, ensuring a lasting impact beyond the festival itself.