Protecting democracy from danger
Protect Democracy
A new brand strategy, visual identity, website, and illustrations for an organization working to protect our country against a rise in authoritarianism.
Protecting our democracy from danger.
Overview
Protect Democracy is a cross-ideological non-profit organization dedicated to defeating the authoritarian threat, building more resilient democratic institutions, and protecting our freedom and liberal democracy. Their experts and advocates use litigation, legislative and communications strategies, technology, research, and analysis to stand up for free and fair elections, the rule of law, fact-based debate, and a better democracy for future generations.
The Challenge
As authoritarianism continues its rise across the United States following the 2020 election, Protect Democracy needed to clarify their vision, story, and how they delivered their work to a cross-ideological audience on Capitol Hill, in state legislative houses, and across corporate boardrooms.
Interactive Storytelling
To bring Protect Democracy’s story to life, we first had to understand what message resonated across the political spectrum. Through interviews and a series of user tests we revealed that those Americans who hold democracy sacred were the most compelled to engage when we compared American democracy to other democracies, especially invoking the idea of “preserving democracy for future generations.”
Throughout the site, we elevated these two points while tying in the organization’s work, desired outcomes, and actions, creating a compelling narrative to encourage more engagement.
Interactive Storytelling
To bring Protect Democracy’s story to life, we first had to understand what message resonated across the political spectrum. Through interviews and a series of user tests we revealed that those Americans who hold democracy sacred were the most compelled to engage when we compared American democracy to other democracies, especially invoking the idea of “preserving democracy for future generations.”
Throughout the site, we elevated these two points while tying in the organization’s work, desired outcomes, and actions, creating a compelling narrative to encourage more engagement.
Monitoring Authoritarianism
The Authoritarian Threat Index was initially an individual study focused on tracking the rise in authoritarianism during the Trump presidency. After seeing how much organic traffic it generated, we spotted an opportunity to connect it back to Protect Democracy’s mission at an organizational level. What resulted was a compelling data visualization that not only tells the story of the rise of authoritarianism, but connects the data discovery back to Protect Democracy’s work.
A Brand for the Modern Patriot
Alongside the site, we created a credible, expert brand that used editorial collages to provide a feeling of modern patriotism. The brand highlights a multi-racial, cross ideological organization that is devoted to democratic principles — and understands the urgency of the moment.
The Wide Eye team are wonderful creative partners who generate great ideas on their own and are also honest about the ideas that you have coming into a project. We would heartily recommend them as an ideal partner for any major website overhaul.
Ben Raderstorf, Policy Advocate