Concept-first

At Hervé, we are concerned about consistency, so we first conceptualize our creations. For a good character design mission, we need to think of a pertinent persona, with his specific attributes and a distinctive personality.

All these details drive our choices to logical physical shapes that reflect their traits. So, we create a panel of 3 or 4 characters, consistent with the client’s need, to allow them to choose what fits them the most. Finally, we deepen the favorite, enjoying our own discovery.

3 strong personae

For Course Hero, we found five potential concepts, and we chose to present three consolidated of them: Uncle Bob, Lil Genius, and Bro’. They all were very different from each other, and that’s what was so interesting in them, to collect a first strong direction from our client. One was big, wrapping, and comforting, the second was dynamic, small, and buzzy, and the last one was the mate, the confident, quite cheeky.

The chosen one

And the winner is Buddy Bear! We all know that clients often like to mix solutions, to have the best of two worlds, and we can easily understand them. Finally, that’s what happened with our character. He’s the mix of the two first concepts, melting the confidence and solidity of Uncle Bob, with the small size and student age of the second one. He’s calm but can be dynamic, short but strong, young but wise, discrete, but always here.

A lively buddy

We were given two lists, one of 9 animations and one of 12 poses, dedicated to specific spaces in the app or precise situations. This moment was one of the most enjoyable, the little buddy took life with a smooth, bouncy gesture, well-balanced, matching his personality. Not too much, just catchy, spreading a comforting feeling, and warm vibe.

Ever follows, never troubles.

The little buddy becomes a visual reference for the students through the platform and even the marketing. He has to comfort, reassure, and spread serenity, sometimes he guides and helps, sometimes he’s just here for the student to not be alone. He is a good reliable companion, everywhere, but never in your way. .