Khalijia Invest (KI) was a full service investment firm chaired by HRH Prince Sultan Bin Mohammad bin Saud Al Kabeer and operated under the supervision of the Saudi Arabian Capital Markets Authority (CMA). It offered an array of Islamic and conventional investment products and wealth management services under the management of industry experts and business leaders which made it the firm of choice for serious investors.
In 2008, we were thrilled to be approached by a Khalijia Invest. This was a startup company and thus entrusted upon us a comprehensive digital business solution. Starting with the design of a new corporate identity, we moved on to graphic designing, branding, copywriting and eventually to the design and development of a new website.
The very first stage of any corporate identity design or web design/development project is the discovery and strategic planning. The requirements of the project were gathered – the design of a comprehensive digital solution comprised of new corporate identity and branding and the design and development of a new corporate website based on Khalijia Invest website Request for Proposal (RFP) along with copywriting for Khalijia Invest material. A project plan of the project was created to be followed throughout the project.
The first step of any branding project is to come up with a design concept that would go with the business background of the company. This was a challenging task and several brainstorming sessions were needed. Knowing that Khalijia offered an array of Islamic and conventional investment products and wealth management services, it was evident that an Islamic design concept was also needed. Therefore, Arabic calligraphy was used to add an Islamic touch.
Since “Khalijia” is the Arabic term for “gulf”, waves were added to symbolize the waves of the ocean. Blue color was chosen to represent the water of the Gulf.
Once the design concept provided by the art director was approved, designers were assigned to start working on the theme creation.
We started by designing the logo based on the concept approved by the client. An Arabic calligraphy font was used for the type, with styles chosen to give the logo power of history, stability and modernism to make it unique. An artistic touch was given with waves to indicate the water of the Gulf and a sword to show leadership. The blue color was also used to reflect the water of the Gulf.
Stationary was designed based on the new logo. The letterhead, the envelope and business cards were designed.
A corporate brochure was designed to give an overview of the client as well as the services provided. Colors from the newly created color palette were used. Several graphics were included, some of which had text in calligraphy inscribed on them. The brochure was printed on gloss-coated sheets.
Several other marketing materials were also designed. Two designs of roll-ups were designed. An Accounts Opening Form was designed based on two samples provided by the client. A folder, invoices, Account Opening Agreement, PowerPoint templates and Business Profile were designed. Maps were designed in both English and Arabic for two different office locations. An Eid card was designed in three different designs for the inside and one for the outside. Billboards of two different sizes and stands of three different sizes were designed. Customer cards and a Monthly Research template were designed.
This Agreement (as varied, amended or supplemented from time to time) sets out the terms and conditions on which the Company will operate and maintain a relationship with the Client on a contractual basis by which the Company will provide its investment products and services through an Investment Account (as defined below) to the Client.
Once all items were designed, they were presented to the client for approval. A corporate identity manual was written which contained typography, corporate colors and design guidelines for all designed items.
A photo session was conducted to capture high-quality photos of the staff for use in the brochure, PowerPoint Presentation and the website.
A PowerPoint presentation was created which covered the topics “Company Overview”, “Board of Directors”, “Management Letter”, “Organizational Structure”, “Management”, “Investment Services” and “What Makes Us Different”.
Several flash animations were created from the images captured, of which four were approved. An animation about the company profile was later included on the website.
As information is to be presented differently on each type of digital and print media, the content provided by the client was re-written for use on the brochure, business profile and website. The content was written in both English and Arabic languages.
Data about the company was collected and analysed and a site structure planned for approval from the client.
The structure of the site was created for approval from the client and our UX Strategy was used to design the pages of the new site.
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Once the designs were approved, we proceeded to the development of the site where functionality was added for optimal user experience. The pages were mainly developed in DHTML while ASP components were used for Services, Careers, Job Search, Media Center, Feedback form, Management, Gulf market and news which could be easily managed from the admin control panel.
The website was tested to ensure that there were no problems in the functionality, before approval from the client.
We are extremely grateful to Khalijia Invest for the opportunity to design such a comprehensive digital solution and add a new string to our portfolio. EBOX® was proud to see their own designs on all Khalijia’s items. The newly developed website lasted for four years. It was an enjoyable experience, worth all effort!
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