Safecast is an international, volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that collects and publishes open environmental data, primarily radiation measurements, in the public domain under a CC0 designation. It was formed in response to the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, when accurate radiation information was not publicly available. The organization grew out of a collaboration involving Uncorked Studios, a Portland-based product design firm, and its co-founders, who helped shape Safecast’s early identity and design approach.
Design and History
Safecast’s visual identity was developed in the organization’s earliest months. David Ewald, Chief Creative Officer at Uncorked Studios, provided branding expertise to Safecast, which was co-founded by Uncorked Studios following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Ewald’s work for Safecast is documented in his professional biography, which notes that he “provided his branding expertise to Safecast.” [1]
The logo was in use by late 2011. In September of that year, Safecast posted about applying decals with the organization’s URL and logo to its measurement car, with help from David Ewald of Uncorked Studios. [2] Later that year, Safecast announced its first merchandise offering, describing it as a “2 color logo” printed on black, blue, or grey shirts. [3]
The organization’s identity has remained closely tied to its mission of open, citizen-driven environmental monitoring. Safecast’s own description of its work emphasizes that its success stems from “social movement design” and an “accessible, open and playful” approach, values that have informed the project’s broader design culture. [4]
Meaning and Symbolism
The Safecast logo is a two-color mark, consistent with the organization’s early merchandise and vehicle decals. The mark’s design incorporates the organization’s name in a wordmark format. The logo’s simplicity and two-color construction reflect the practical, grassroots nature of the organization, which was built rapidly by volunteers in the aftermath of a disaster. Safecast is a registered trademark and cannot be used without permission. [5]
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