Logo in Action
The Logo
Across Touchpoints
How the PROTECT identity performs across its real-world contexts — from login screens to inter-county search interfaces.
Creating a trustworthy, scalable visual identity for PROTECT — Wisconsin's statewide prosecutor case management system used by District Attorneys across all counties.
As a Senior Web Designer at the State of Wisconsin, I was entrusted with creating a brand identity for PROTECT — an internal tool that stands for Prosecutor Technology for Case Tracking. This system is a custom-built case management platform developed by the District Attorney IT Program (DAIT) to support legal professionals, specifically District Attorneys, in managing, tracking, and organizing case files and workflows.
PROTECT is used across counties and jurisdictions statewide, making its branding highly visible and symbolically important. My challenge was to balance traditional legal aesthetics with a modern design sensibility that aligns with today's digital interfaces — while still maintaining a sense of official credibility and simplicity.
The brief provided clear expectations for the logo's symbolism and practical purpose across all touchpoints.
Before sketching, I conducted a structured research phase to understand the conventions, constraints, and expectations of this specific design context.
Based on research and the client brief, I defined three non-negotiable goals that guided every decision.
Four distinct conceptual elements were developed and refined to form the final logo system.
Integrating a visual silhouette of Wisconsin was not merely decorative — it was a strategic choice to instantly anchor the platform to its geographic and governmental context.
The shape is highly recognizable to its target audience of Wisconsin DAs and reinforces the system's role as a statewide tool operating at the state level. It grounds the brand in place before a single word is read.
Rather than using a complex outline, I chose a simplified, iconic form that remains legible at small sizes while still being unmistakably Wisconsin.
Wisconsin silhouette with state capital marker
The scales of law, placed within or overlapping the Wisconsin map, were designed in a minimal, clean style to modernize the look while preserving their meaning — fairness, equality, and impartiality.
Rather than using overly ornate or traditionally heavy imagery, I chose a balanced, simplified version. This keeps the logo from feeling dated while still reading as "legal" to any viewer.
The scales are rendered at a weight that works both as a standalone icon and as an integrated element within the full lockup.
Simplified balance motif
The program name — PROTECT — was carefully styled to emphasize both its meaning and the user group it serves. The split is intentional and semantic:
"PRO" connects to "Prosecutor" — the primary user group — rendered in a deep navy that signals professionalism and government authority.
"TECT" subtly suggests technology, protection, security, and coverage — reflecting the application's core purpose in safeguarding legal data. This portion uses golden yellow to create visual contrast and draw the eye.
The font is bold and sans-serif, chosen for clarity and accessibility, especially on digital screens where the logo appears in dashboard headers and application UI.
Color plays a significant role in how users perceive a government brand. The selected palette was developed to reflect authority, clarity, and trust — while remaining approachable and modern.
Each tool served a specific purpose across the design, production, and handoff pipeline.
How the PROTECT identity performs across its real-world contexts — from login screens to inter-county search interfaces.