Opening of the Academic Year – Turning a Moment into a Message

What does a strong event identity look like when everything hinges on first impressions?
This was the guiding question for the Opening of the Academic Year at TU Delft—a high-profile, university-wide event that marks the start of the academic calendar and sets the tone for the year ahead. For the first time, the Graphics team at the New Media Centre (NMC) played a central role in crafting the full visual experience of the event, from conceptual design to final execution.

The design process began with a single, evocative image—selected to represent the overarching theme of the event. Rather than treat this image as a static element, we used it as a visual anchor to guide all creative decisions. Every output was designed around it to ensure a coherent and immersive visual identity.

Deliverables included:

• Website banners that introduced the event to digital visitors
• Email invitations that communicated the tone and theme directly to attendees
• Intro animations for speakers, adding a dynamic layer to the live program
• Printed materials such as name tags, posters, and stickers for physical presence
• Flags and gobo projections that transformed the event space
• Social media assets designed to generate engagement and anticipation
• Intro and outro sequences combining motion graphics and sound design

The goal was not only to inform but to emotionally connect the audience to the event’s purpose. The visual language—color palette, rhythm, animation pacing, and graphic motifs—was carefully designed to maintain attention throughout the event.

This level of cohesion was made possible by the dedicated effort of one graphic designer who worked full-time over several months. The design process required not just creativity but also coordination, as the graphics had to align with multiple teams and outputs. Sound design was added to heighten the emotional impact of the animated segments, creating a multimedia experience that felt polished and memorable.