Embracing the Absurd with Silicon Halli
Silicon Halli, held in Bangalore, reimagined the hackathon experience by embracing the idiosyncrasies of startup culture with humor and irreverence. This was not just an event but a satirical commentary on the relentless drive for innovation in the startup ecosystem.
We were tasked with crafting a brand identity and experience that captured this spirit, resonating with participants while subverting the conventions of traditional hackathons. By translating the narrative into a cohesive visual and experiential system, we created a space where attendees could engage with the absurd, find creative liberation, and rethink what it means to “innovate.”
The logo was crafted with duality in mind, seamlessly transitioning between English and Kannada. This dynamic motion became a hallmark of the identity, symbolising Bangalore’s bilingual reality and its role as a bridge between local and global cultures.
Letterforms were meticulously designed to ensure harmony between the scripts, creating a visual language that was not only cohesive but also resonant with the diverse audience it aimed to reach.
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Initial logo concepts explored during the brand development phase.
How to build a brand that is scalable for a global level hackathon
At its core, the identity revolved around the contrast between innovation and imperfection. Pixels, scribbles, and strikethroughs became the brand’s visual language, representing both the messy process of ideation and the humour inherent in big, lofty dreams.
The brand’s colour palette evolved to reflect the spirit of Karnataka — embracing the earthy vibrancy of red, yellow, and pink. These colours spoke to both the local roots and the energetic chaos of a city constantly in flux, making them the perfect vehicle for storytelling.
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Pixel by Pixel: The Engine Behind SiliconHalli’s Graphics
At the core of SiliconHalli’s identity is a pixelation tool we built to transform raw visuals into cohesive brand imagery. The tool generates pixelated outputs in both PNG and SVG formats, with options to adjust the level of pixelation. A key feature is its ability to remap images into SiliconHalli’s signature brand palette, allowing each pixel to align with the closest brand color. Additionally, sliders enable precise control over how much each color contributes to the final image. The result is a flexible system that shapes a unified aesthetic, anchoring the brand’s distinct visual presence across touchpoints
Driving meme culture through digital collaterals
Bengaluru’s unmistakable spirit found its virtual home in SiliconHalli’s digital experience. Anchored by a vibrant key visual—a playful nod to the iconic Silicon Valley intro, reimagined for Bengaluru’s startup ecosystem—the identity extended across every touchpoint. Teaser videos brought the energy to life, while a website seamlessly blended form and function, placing the heart of the event on a digital pedestal.
Social media became a dynamic space for collaboration and storytelling. Instagram grids mapped out the narrative, stories teased the hype, and an interactive sticker version of the SiliconHalli logo encouraged attendees to share their own “peak Bengaluru” moments—whether hacking away on laptops from the back of a Rapido or celebrating the city’s quirks in real time. This digital-first approach captured both the innovation and irreverence of a city that thrives at the intersection of tech and culture.
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Siliconhalli 24: The Event
Collateral design carried forward the playful yet polished identity. SiliconHalli extended beyond screens and into tangible moments, building a physical identity as unique as the event itself. The custom tote bag, adorned with a pixelated Bengaluru cherry blossom design, became both a memento and a vessel for curated goodies: witty slambooks brimming with personality, and sticker packs that celebrated the city’s humor.
Throughout the venue, the brand’s personality shone through buntings, directional signages, wristbands, and standees—each an extension of the cohesive visual system. Every detail was intentional: from labels and signage that guided attendees to different spaces in a venue to wristbands that marked entry into Bengaluru’s tech haven. These physical touchpoints didn’t just complement the experience—they embodied it, creating moments that attendees could see, touch, and take home.
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Sqeezing craft into a bottle with LocalFermentCo
We joined hands with Local Ferment Co to bring out an exciting new look for their signature sodas, specially crafted for this event. Inspired by the bold flavours of their ginger ale, Ale-In Energy, and raspberry blast soda, Berry Lean, the designs reflect a fusion of creativity and innovation. This collaboration celebrates the shared passion for fresh ideas and bold expressions, adding a unique touch to the event experience.
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An evolving stage for India's tech future
SiliconHalli embodies a new era of innovation, where local culture and global vision converge. This identity isn’t static—it evolves with the city’s growing tech ecosystem, reflecting the energy and resilience of the community it represents. From its bold visual language to its adaptable applications, the SiliconHalli brand is designed to grow alongside the groundbreaking ideas it hosts.
As Bengaluru shapes the next chapter of India’s technology story, SiliconHalli stands as a testament to what’s possible when creativity meets purpose—a brand built for today, but with its sights set on tomorrow.
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