We Are Colony

Designing a streaming platform with a difference

We Are Colony was a start-up with an ambitious idea: create a streaming platform for film lovers that went beyond the film itself, pairing independent cinema with exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

I joined at the beginning to shape the product from the ground up, leading UX and visual design across the platform. From early concepts and prototyping to the identity and final experience, I helped turn the founders’ vision into an award-winning product used by film fans around the world.

Shaping the product from the ground up

With no established patterns or product to build from, I worked closely with the founders to turn their vision into a tangible experience, rapidly exploring concepts, journeys and interactions before moving into digital prototypes.

An array of hand-drawn wireframe sketches and notes for a website, with some sticky notes attached, placed on a metallic surface. There are also two red cards with white text and a black marker.
Collection of hand-drawn website design sketches and notes, including wireframes, annotations, and two illustrations of camera icons.
Screenshot of a streaming platform webpage displaying a film titled "Little Favour," starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Salmon, and Nick Moran. The page features a promotional banner with an image of Benedict Cumberbatch and options to watch the film trailer or buy the bundle for £2.99.

Creating a visual identity that stands out

The product needed an identity that could stand alongside the films without competing with them. I created a bold visual language that balanced the richness of cinematic content with a clear, intuitive interface.

The result was an experience designed to feel distinctive and editorial rather than like another generic streaming service.

Why orange?

Orange was a deliberate choice. It gave Colony a recognisable presence against the darker world of film imagery and helped key interactions stand out without competing with the content.

It became an important part of the brand's personality and gave the platform an identity of its own.

Logo for The Drum Design Awards with red and black text and a red graphic element on the left.

I was honoured when The Drum Awards for Digital Industries awarded Colony’s website Best Website (Use of Visual Design).

Homepage of 'We Are Colony' website featuring a header with logo, menu options, a search bar, and a background image of a woman in a studio or workshop setting. Main headline states 'We Are Colony' with subtext about streaming films and behind-the-scenes extras. There are buttons for 'Join Us' and 'Find Out More'. The page also displays featured content including a film called 'Time Out of Mind', a video about Richard Gere, and quotes from a director.

From start-up idea to global platform

Beyond design, I partnered with the founders to shape the platform strategy; this was critical in securing funding and ensuring the platform’s longevity and success. Sarah, the CEO, had this to say about our collaboration:

"Vix is a highly creative and passionate UX and visual designer who led the UX design on the development of the We Are Colony platform from the early idea stages through to public beta and beyond. Her ability to empathise with the user is what makes her stand out - she puts them at the heart of everything she does. She simplifies complex problems into easy-to-understand solutions and is dedicated, enthusiastic, and collaborative. I give her my highest recommendation."

Black and white portrait of a woman with long blonde hair, smiling gently, wearing a patterned top, against a plain background.

Key outcomes

75+

Distributed IP from over 75 licensors

130+

Scaled to registered users in 130+ countries

100+

Purchasers in 100+ countries.

Colony was venture backed by Archer Gray, Firestartr and Seedcamp.

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