Summary
This case study outlines how the Design and Art Work Group (DAWG) successfully:
- Identified a Critical Need: Recognized the necessity for unified branding and design consistency across the Jupiter ecosystem.
- Built Strong Foundations: Established Jupiverse Design Labs during the grant phase, creating standardized designs and supporting multiple work groups and regional initiatives.
- Evolved into a Trial Work Group: Formalized as a Trial Work Group after demonstrating clear value and developing a significant portfolio within the Jupiverse.
Problem Statement
DAWG addressed a set of pressing challenges in the Jupiverse:
- Inconsistent Branding: Design assets across work groups and other community initiatives lacked visual cohesion, making it difficult to maintain a unified brand identity. Each work group and regional initiative was producing its own logos and materials, often with conflicting styles that diluted Jupiter’s core branding.
- Scattered Design Resources: Teams struggled with creating high-quality visuals aligned with Jupiter’s identity, impacting their ability to execute on their primary goals.
- Growing Design Demands: As Jupiter expanded globally, the need for professional design support across events, content, and regional initiatives became critical.
Getting Started
Before applying for Trial Work Group funding, DAWG members spent months building and iterating on their solutions:
- Community Building: Adedamola organized a 4-week online design bootcamp that attracted thousands of attendees, onboarding new designers and expanding the creative community within Jupiter.
- Cross-Team Collaboration: DAWG worked across multiple teams, supporting other work groups (Catdets Work Group, JUP&Juice, Uplink), and regional initiatives like JUP French and JUP Japan, while openly sharing their process and prototypes on Discord and X.
- Initial Projects: Adedamolajoke began by volunteering to help redesign jup.eco (Jupiter DAO community website), as well as reimagining some of the community materials. Later she applied for grants to support specific, targeted design projects.
Jupiverse Design Labs Grant 1
ASK
5,500USDC
APPLICATION DATE
21 Nov 2024
Project Title
Jupiverse Design Labs
One-Liner Description
Designing impactful solutions for the Jupiverse.
Project Details
JUPDAO currently faces challenges with inconsistent branding and user experience, making it harder for people to connect and engage effectively.
To address this, I am developing distinct yet cohesive brand identities and design systems for the DAO, working groups, regional and other initiatives within the Jupiverse. This ensures a unified and engaging experience for users across all platforms.
Twitter
https://x.com/adedamolajoke
Deadline
20 December 2024
Proof of Work
CAWG Branding - Google Drive
Goals and Milestones
- Design systems for JUP & JUICE
- Created landing page designs for JUP & JUICE.
- Developed landing page in Webflow for JUP & JUICE.
- Host four workshops (one per week)
Primary Key Performance Indicator
- Adoption of the branding kit for JUP & JUICE
- Landing page for JUP & JUICE
- Successfully hosted four workshops.
What are you currently working on in the Jupiverse?
I am currently designing the brand guidelines for the Catdets Working Group.
What does your grant aim to achieve in the DAO, and how does it intend to scale over time once it reaches the WG stage?
This grant aims to strengthen the JUPDAO identity and provide accessible resources to all members looking to create graphic content. In the next four weeks, I’ll focus on the JUP & JUICE design systems and landing page.
In terms of scaling once it reaches the WG stage, the funding will also support workshops and bounty programs to activate and engage more designers within the community. This will help to identify and nurture talents to tackle design problems for members building community projects.
Executing these plans will foster an active design ecosystem within the DAO and long-term sustainability as the community expands, in my opinion.
How will these funds help you scale up what you’ve been working on and the Jupiverse?
These funds will be instrumental in scaling up both my work within the community and the growth of the Jupiverse initiatives. I will be able to expand on the foundational work by upgrading my professional design tools like Figma, Midjourney, etc. to make my workflow easier.
The funding will also be used for workshops, outreach, and engagement efforts to onboard and involve more community members on X.
Jupiverse Design Labs Grant 2
ASK
8,500USDC
APPLICATION DATE
10 Jan 2025
Project Title
Jupiverse Design Labs
One-Liner Description
Designing impactful solutions for the Jupiverse.
Project Details
Jupiverse Design Labs seeks to identify design gaps within the Jupiverse and develop solutions to address them.
Twitter
https://x.com/jupdesignlabs
Deadline
18 February 2025
Proof of Work
CATSTANBUL Design Assets - Badges I designed
CATSTANBUL ASSETS - Google Drive
JUP’s Welcome Page Redesign
https://www.figma.com/proto/kpApzJnGCfFlYNO2rFO9Mq/Welcome.jup.ag-REVAMP?page-id=254%3A2662&node-id=254-2670&viewport=3600%2C1059%2C0.15&t=NFoZ1Ub7vxSjzqxU-1&scaling=min-zoom&content-scaling=fixed&starting-point-node-id=254%3A2670
JUPANDJUICE Brand Guideline
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SkIHvSAtyXj_-K-yJW3yhlLZCwU2BfQN/view?usp=drivesdk
Goals and Milestones
- Design badges, lanyards, signage, and slide templates for use at Catstanbul.
- Create a user-friendly web and mobile version of the welcome.jup.ag page.
- Onboard two design professionals to join the team.
Primary Key Performance Indicator
- Usage of the designed badges, lanyards, signage, and slide templates at Catstanbul.
- Successful handoff of the web and mobile versions of the welcome.jup.ag page for development.
- Integration of the new design talents into the DAO workflow and community.
What are you currently working on in the Jupiverse?
To date, I have provided design solutions to all work groups and am currently supporting the Jupiter core team with design assets for Catstanbul.
What does your grant aim to achieve in the DAO, and how does it intend to scale over time once it reaches the WG stage?
This grant aims to;
- Provide high-quality design assets for Catstanbul, including badges, lanyards, signage, and slide templates.
- Trial two additional team members (a UX/Content Writer and an Illustrator) in preparation for the Design (Trial) Work Group.
- Incorporate feedback from the team after Catstanbul to enhance the overall experience, and adapt the screens for mobile use post Catstanbul.
How will these funds help you scale up what you’ve been working on and the Jupiverse?
These funds will help scale design efforts by allowing me to onboard additional talent and create higher-quality assets. This will improve user experience, address design gaps, and enhance the Jupiverse’s visual appeal, supporting its growth and accessibility.
Work Group Phase
Following the successful completion of their grants, DAWG became a Trial Work Group with a clear mandate and three-month budget:
- Design System Development: Create and implement a comprehensive design system, ensuring consistent branding across the Jupiter ecosystem.
- Work Group Support: Provide dedicated design assistance to Work Groups, Regional Initiatives, and Grantees to maintain brand consistency while allowing for unique identities.
- Skill Development: Host practical design workshops to empower community members with the skills needed to contribute effectively to the Jupiverse.
Outcomes
Since April, DAWG’s impact has been widely recognized throughout the Jupiter ecosystem:
- Unified Visual Identity: DAWG created a cohesive design system that now forms the foundation of all major Jupiter initiatives. The system features standardized designs implemented across 20 regional Jupiter communities, along with 30 flyers and banners, over 10 merchandise items, more than 20 mascots and emojis, and a suite of presentation templates. This approach has eliminated design inconsistencies and strengthened Jupiter’s global brand presence.
-
Efficient Resource Utilization: By standardizing workflows and design systems, DAWG enabled work groups and grantees to focus on their core objectives, and significantly reduce time spent on design logistics.
-
Enhanced Community Engagement: Design Bootcamps draw hundreds of attendees to sessions on typography, color theory, illustration, animation, and hands-on design practice every week.
Advice for Future Applicants
DAWG’s journey offers several best practices for those seeking to become a contributor in the Jupiter DAO:
- Prove Value Before Seeking Status: Build your reputation step by step - volunteer for community projects and apply your skills to help others before seeking funding. Demonstrated results and community support are essential.
- Start Small, Scale Gradually: Begin with manageable projects that allow you to demonstrate competence before taking on larger initiatives. Success in smaller tasks builds credibility.
- Build Strong Partnerships: Work across teams and initiatives to show your impact is broad and meaningful. Collaboration increases your visibility and the likelihood of community support.
- Focus on Community Needs: Address real, ecosystem-wide challenges. Listen to feedback and be willing to adapt.
- Maintain Professional Standards: Ensure all deliverables meet quality standards, and are aligned with Jupiter’s vision and values.
- Engage Openly: Share your process, solicit feedback, and involve the community in your work. Transparency builds trust and engagement.
Following these principles will increase your chances of success as an applicant. DAWG’s story demonstrates how proactive engagement, strong community building, and consistent quality delivery can transform a small project into an ecosystem-wide venture. Feel free to use their journey as inspiration to create your own success story in the Jupiverse!
