Featured Project: Quaise Energy
- Services
- Strategy & Positioning
- Identity & Visual Systems
- Website Design
Deep geothermal energy lies at the core of an energy-independent future. Quaise Energy aims to unlock this inexhaustible, renewable clean energy source, providing economical access to everyone, anywhere, around the planet.
One Design collaborated with Quaise co-founder and CEO Carlos Araque and his team to brand the tough tech startup, born from the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center and incubated within The Engine. Our positioning, messaging strategy, and identity program became an integral part of the company’s emergence from stealth.
Energy independence, right below our feet
Geothermal energy represents a truly equitable clean energy source—one with power densities consistent with fossil fuels, abundantly available near every population center on the planet at depths of 10–20 kilometers.
Quaise Energy is developing revolutionary millimeter wave drilling systems that will allow them to go deeper, faster, than ever before—essential to the economical access of this omnipresent energy source. Leveraging this technological innovation, any existing fossil fuel power plant can be converted to harness clean, geothermal energy in a matter of weeks.
It’s a compelling proposition. One Design was tasked with helping articulate this vision to a world focused on other sustainable energy solutions—from wind to solar and beyond—that come with significant trade-offs in regards to power density, land use, infrastructure requirements, and more.
A breakthrough brand for breakthrough technology
Our communication and design program sets Quaise apart from other players in the geothermal space, avoiding common visual and editorial tropes to signal the revolutionary promise of their millimeter wave innovation.
The custom letterforms of the Quaise logotype nod to millimeter wave technology, as well as the physical infrastructure of power plants and energy delivery systems. The mark is a symbol of Quaise’s unique approach to engineering, technology, and delivery: next-generation engineering innovation harnessed to repurpose the established infrastructure, supply chain, and expertise of the oil and gas industry for a cleaner, sustainable energy future.
A graphic language rooted in technical illustration, geologic data, and mapping supports the company’s focus on engineering excellence. Leveraged across communication channels, a system of illustrations clearly articulates foundational concepts underlying the Quaise approach. Textural imagery of rural and urban landscapes nods to the universality of geothermal energy, while reinforcing the company’s reverence for the environment and a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The brand color palette intentionally diverges from those familiar in the geothermal space. A rich system of greens and electric blues—combined with ample white space—avoids overused visual reference to “heat” to connote the optimism of a more sustainable, energy independent future.
Bringing the Quaise story to life
One Design brought the company’s narrative to life through a new website that communicates to and inspires a wide variety of audiences, from talent to investors to the general public. Photography, illustration, and interactive animation support clear and compelling messaging.
Ensuring an accessible interactive experience was critical for the project team. Every aspect of the site achieves WCAG AA compliance, ensuring a powerfully rich experience for every visitor.
Making (millimeter) waves
The team at Quaise has been gathering significant attention from the press as the world grapples with climate change and the growing need for energy independence. To learn more about the company’s technology, vision, and commitment, take a listen to CEO and co-founder Carlos Araque on a recent episode of NPR’s How I Built This. Or read more about the science behind their innovation via the Engine’s feature on the energy innovator.
And stay up to date with everything Quaise is up to by visiting the site we built to support their audacious mission to sustainably power civilization and save the planet.
