Defense One delivers news, breaking analysis and ideas on the topics and trends that will define the future of U.S. defense and national security. Design for the brand and the site was directed by the dictum of "radical simplicity" — not an easy task when you're talking about a media website.
Promotional Splash page
Teaser splash page, pre-launch.
Everything about the site is designed to arrest attention and instill confidence in fast-moving Pentagon officials, who may be called upon to make life-or-death decisions at any hour of the day or night. We chose yellow because it attracts the eye, and also because every branch uses gold in their decorations—and it was important that we not look as though we supported any one branch more than another.
Home page (Desktop)
In a normally-traditional company, getting approval on the massive header images took some convincing, some sweet-talking, and lots of proof that it could actually work... but in the end they believe in it, and the end result showcases the radically beautiful photography that comes out of the Defense Department every single day.
Channel page (Desktop)
Defense One isn't a static brand—it's constantly evolving. Within the past year, we have experimented with adding collapsed topic tags to the article subheader, as seen below. By improving the browsing experience, making more stories of interest even closer at hand, we hope to accomplish our starting mission... to serve those making the most important decisions possible, as quickly as possible.
Article page (Desktop)
The website was just the beginning. Defense One included an industry-rousing summit, which the Secretary of Defense attended in its inaugural year. We hope for even more attendees and engagement this year—it's hard to imagine since the first few years were so amazing, but one can always dream.
Defense One Summit ad
Ad for Defense One Summit, the annual event begun by the site, and attended by top Pentagon leaders.
