Next Group
Great Things Happen When People Find Their People
Launching a visually distinctive and people-focused identity for Australian recruitment consultancies, through playful graphics that convey connection and progression—steering clear of corporate jargon and expected imagery.
The Next Step (and its sister offering, The Safe Step), represent a new direction for Australian recruitment and search consultancies. To reflect its brave strategy, The Next Step required a brand that differentiated visually as much as it did operationally from competitors.
The task was to move away from abstract and impersonal design—to demonstrate a commitment to connecting with real people. The new identity would need to be harmonious with The Safe Step, and flexible enough to carry future event branding.
The central concept is ‘great things happen when people find their people’. The identity is a tremendous departure for the sector—crowded with corporate language and stock imagery.
Through directional arrows and illustration, the language reinforces what it means to be better, together. Playful and organic graphics depict progression and human personality. The identity is simple, avoiding over-stylisation, and approachable to all walks of life.
Thousands engaged with online launch activities and hundreds attended physical events.
2023 has seen increases of:
—25% LinkedIn traffic and 11% engagement
—30% website views and 25% time-on-page (with bounce rate decreasing 24%).
Collaborators
Brand Strategy
Richie Meldrum
Selected Clients
Google
Nike
Woolworths
Macro
QV Melbourne
Burwood One
Mirvac
Westside India
Zudio India
Eva
Art of Soule
Play-ground Coffee
Total Fusion Platinum
Tourism Victoria
JCDecaux
Open House Melbourne
Linda Boronkay
Genius Childcare
Mayfield Childcare
The Next Step
Hale Gym & Spa
Accor Hotels
Little National Hotel
Osborn House
DOMA Hotels
Hotel Realm
Louis Restaurant
Med Restaurant
The Alby
Leyla Bar
The Motley Hotel
Evra Restaurant
Dexus
GPT
ISPT
Cbus Property
Charter Hall
Stockland
Colliers
Grollo Group
DOMA Group
Cavcorp
Hesperia
Amber Property Group
