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Forging Innovation

Designing the Allora Forge Experience

Published

Dec 16, 2024

Author

Austin Barto

When Allora came to us with their vision for a model-making competition, they had one goal: to build a platform that inspired creativity while rewarding the talent fueling their network. What began as an initiative to engage model makers quickly evolved into a comprehensive branding system we’re proud to call Allora Forge.

Allora Forge wasn’t just about running a competition; it was about creating a community of innovators and celebrating their achievements. Model makers needed to feel not just incentivized but celebrated. For Allora, that meant providing more than cash prizes—building prestige, visibility, and a sense of accomplishment for contributors.

The idea of a forge—a place where raw materials are transformed into something extraordinary—was rich with visual and sensory potential. We leaned into imagery that evoked molten metal, glowing embers, and the artistry of blacksmithing.

The Allora Forge logo became a centerpiece, designed to feel like it had been forged from metal itself. We explored textures and materials, landing on using the iconic hammer and anvil along with the Allora Squid to make an almost tangible badge.

Each competition was given its own unique visuals, crafted to resemble molten materials in the process of transformation. These designs captured the raw, dynamic energy of creation while reinforcing the competition’s identity.

Each competition came with it's own generated forge imagery.

Creating a visually engaging brand was only half the battle. The real challenge was designing a system that celebrated participants’ achievements. Recognition wasn’t just a feature—it was the heart of the program.

level system and badges
Trophy case for contestants to show off their awards and achievements.

Badges and Accolades: Inspired by the prestige associated with forging masterpieces, we developed a badge system to reward participants for their contributions. These badges acted as digital trophies, showcasing their skills and achievements within the Forge ecosystem.

To track success in the competition, we introduced the concept of hammers—an interactive element that gamified the experience while reinforcing the forge metaphor.

Allora Forge isn’t just a program; it’s a platform for growth, creativity , and community. Through every element—the branding, the badges, the sounds—we worked to create an experience that captures the essence of forging something extraordinary.