"We need to examine what Kusama is here for. It is an experimentalist network.
It is here to try new things, and it’s here to support people trying new things…
The bet is that experimentation in and of itself is valuable." - Gavin Wood
Note: This (wip/example) RFP will be implemented if the Wish For Change (WFC) passes and is aimed at obtaining a signal from holders as to the viability of this direction and to give a chance for feedback on the contents, structure and process.
All ideas and improvements encouraged. Nothing is sacred.
All changes to the RFP can be tracked on this post.
Introduction
Kusama invites a global network of designers, brand strategists and creative talent to submit proposals for the development of a new brand identity and ingredient mark for Kusama.
This initiative seeks to encapsulate the spirit of Kusama—experimental, avant-garde, and transformative—into a distinctive visual mark akin to the iconic Intel Inside badge, but reimagined for our dynamic network.
Background
Kusama is Polkadot’s experimental canary network born to embody fearless innovation and creative risk-taking.
The original branding, which emerged from the collaborative efforts of members of Parity and the Web3 Foundation (w3f), has served the community well. However, as the network continues to evolve, we have an opportunity to refresh this branding and to hand over the reins to a truly distributed community.
This RFP is your chance to contribute to that future by redefining the visual identity of Kusama.
Scope of Work
Objectives
- Develop a visual identity: Create a compelling design element (e.g. a watermark or logo) that can be integrated into application interfaces, websites, and other digital touchpoints.
- Refresh the brand: Reimagine the existing branding that originated from Parity/W3F members, infusing it with the vibrant, experimental spirit of the Kusama community.
- Reflect the brand’s ethos: The design should embody the experimental and boundary-pushing nature of the Kusama network.
- Unify diverse applications: The proposed branding should act as a unifying symbol across the Kusama ecosystem, reinforcing the network’s role as a hub of decentralised innovation.
Deliverables
Proposals may range from a single, impactful graphic to a comprehensive brand book.
Submissions should include, but are not limited to:
- A primary graphic or logo concept.
- Visual examples/mock-ups illustrating the mark in various contexts (e.g. within application UIs or on web platforms).
- A written presentation outlining:
- The design rationale and key considerations.
- How the proposed design refreshes and builds upon the original branding.
- Brand values and their alignment with the ethos of Kusama.
- Proposed brand colours, typography, and any other relevant visual elements.
- Optional: Additional materials such as guidelines, case studies, or alternative concepts that further explain your approach.
Proposal Submission Process
Timeline
Proposals must be submitted within 3 weeks from the date of the final RFP.
- Livestream sessions: Held to provide progress updates, gather feedback, and discuss the design journey.
- Livestream 1: Announcement [date TBC]
- Livestream 2: Submissions review [+ 3 weeks]
- Final selection: The finalists will each present their work.
- Livestream 3: Finalists selected and interviewed [+ 3 weeks]
- Progress: The finalists will each share their process.
- Livestream 4 & 5: Progress [+ 4 weeks x 2]
- Delivery: The finalists will present their final work.
- Livestream 6: Brand identity [+ 4 weeks]
- Voting and Winner: The Kusama community will vote on the winner.
- Livestream 7: Winner + Minting [+ 4 weeks]
On-chain IP
The winning identity will be minted on Asset Hub as a fully on-chain generative design framework.
This artifact will be sent to Kusama’s treasury where it will be governed by KSM holders and managed as an asset on the network’s balance sheet.
All future iterations, moderations and evolutions will trace their lineage back to this original artifact.
Emerging Tools & Community Organisation
For this RFP, we will be utilising a Krievo organisation to organise the submission process and facilitate voting on proposals in a fully on-chain process.
KSM Collective members representing the broader ecosystem will oversee the filtering of submissions to a small number of finalists, ensuring that the final decision reflects the diverse and distributed nature of our community.
The final winner will be decided by a vote of all Kusama holders.
All contributors and voters will receive the new identity as an NFT artifact airdropped to their accounts.
Submission Requirements (may be a destination site)
- Proposal Form: An initial form will register your intent to participate and provide initial details of your proposal.
- Format: Proposals should be submitted in PDF format and include all relevant design assets and supporting documentation.
- Eligibility: This RFP is open to all interested parties—whether you are a professional designer or a keen amateur with a vision for the future of decentralised technology.
Funding & Incentives
From the submissions, several design directions (3-5) will be selected for further development.
Each chosen direction will receive a three-month development stipend $15,000 that is paid monthly.
The winner will also receive their design as a 1 of 1 Kusama identity artifact alongside the Kusama treasury which represents the broader communities ownership of the asset.
Applicants may enter as an individual or as a team – the funding amount remains the same regardless of the entry format.
The winner will also receive a 1 of 1 original artifact alongside the Kusama community.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Creativity and Originality: Does the design concept capture the innovative and experimental nature of Kusama.
- Relevance: How well does the proposed branding align with the values and mythos of the Kusama network?
- Versatility: Can the design be effectively integrated across various applications and digital environments?
- Presentation: Is the rationale behind the design clear, well-articulated, and supported by visual examples?
Further Information
For any queries or additional information regarding this RFP, please contact the organising team (TBC).
Prior art
We ran a lo-fi version of this process in Edgeware.
A single spark can light many fires.
Kusama aims to inspire fearless experimentation - these are baby steps towards recapturing that vitality.
This RFP is an opportunity to contribute to a legacy that merges technology with avant-garde creativity—a chance to refresh the established branding and to empower a distributed community.
We look forward to your proposals and to witnessing the power of a united, innovative community.