Keim Identity brings a breath of fresh air from OST

The OST - Ostschweizer Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland) will be established on September 1, 2020 from the merger of the FHS St.Gallen, University of Applied Sciences, the HSR University of Applied Sciences Rapperswil and the NTB Interstate University of Applied Sciences Buchs. The sponsors of OST are the cantons of St.Gallen, Schwyz, Glarus, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden and Thurgau as well as the Principality of Liechtenstein.

From 2018 to 2019, Keim Identity worked with the CI/CD working group of the designated sponsoring conference - representatives of the cantons involved - to develop the name, the brand positioning, the brand logo and the framework concept for the brand identity. Keim Identity developed these basic principles in a multi-stage process with various workshops and with the involvement of sounding boards with representatives of the cantons and the three current universities.

Simple, concise name

The new university is simply called OST. In line with the strategy "One university - one brand", all three locations will appear uniformly with the name OST. The name will be supplemented with the addition of Ostschweizer Fachhochschule. With the name OST, the new University of Applied Sciences chose a concise, memorable name that expresses its roots in the region. It appears fresh and contemporary.

The trademark consists of a figurative sign and a lettering. The figurative sign is derived from an O and symbolizes the pulsating life in eastern Switzerland.

Keim Identity prepared the realization of the new brand identity with the three communication managers of the current universities of applied sciences. The measures include the new joint website, the building identification, detailed concepts for print media, business papers, advertisements, posters, online presences and many other applications up to give-aways. The new website went live shortly before the official launch on Monday.