For BSides Cheltenham 2025, I brought the theme “Year of Quantum” to life through a visual identity that mixed quantum technology with the unmistakable nostalgia of Windows 95. Inspired by retro computing and cybersecurity culture, the concept balanced technical ideas with playful, familiar visuals. I carried this creative direction from digital branding and social media templates into the physical event, with graphics, print materials and custom merchandise designed to feel part of the same world. The result was a bold, characterful identity that celebrated both the future of technology and the culture that shaped it.
Merchandise
I designed the 2025 Challenge Coins to celebrate the International Year of Quantum with famous quantum physics equations on the back, but keep the conference’s logo and doughnut theme front and centre.
The 2025 attendee T-Shirts were in keeping with the quantum theme – reminiscent of a professor’s blackboard filled with equations and diagrams. The tees were designed as a piece of merchandise that attendees could rewear, rather than the typical conference t-shirts often donated immediately after the day.
Social media
The social media posts carry on the doughnut theme – making social posts easily identifiable as BSides Cheltenham content. Keynote speakers and key information is easily identified, whilst ticket drops and call for papers are highlighted in a retro Windows 95 theme
Programmes and physical media
The programmes, speaker and sponsor thank-yous and on the day signage was designed in keeping with the year’s retro computer theme to keep attendees thinking of how far cyber security has come, and where it will go next with the advent of quantum computing.
