Claris

Power to the problem solvers

FileMaker is reborn as Claris

Challenge

FileMaker, a subsidiary of Apple, had been known for its rich history—The company created and defined the Workplace Innovation Platform and had grown to over 50,000 customers and more than one million end-users. However, with its component names of “File” and “Maker,” the name was too specific to span the customer experiences that the brand sought to create. With a new CEO and a new acquisition, FileMaker looked to reevaluate its brand positioning and identity. We only had one restriction—have everything ready in 120 days for the annual Developers Conference.

Insight

To expand the brand beyond the FileMaker product, it would need a new name, and we saw a unique opportunity to honor its legacy—in 1986, Claris began as an Apple subsidiary; in 1998, the company was renamed FileMaker, Inc. A return to the original name also underscores a commitment to the company’s mission of bringing “power to the problem solvers.” Claris is a powerful word on many levels, deriving from the Latin word ‘Clarus.’ It means clear, bright and shining, with an origin that gives it instant global relevance to customers around the world.

Answer

At its 24th annual DevCon, FileMaker unveiled a new chapter in the company’s history as Claris. We transformed the original brand into an accurate representation of its business offerings, its customers and its values. We refined and clarified a new category position, “Workplace Innovation Platform.” We then developed a unifying purpose and values that blend seamlessly as a North Star to rally teams worldwide. The new brand story is contemporary while remaining true to its heritage. The Claris rebrand is not only a homage to its roots but represents its technology today and in the future.

The logo complements the Claris name and speaks to the idea of shining a light on what users are capable of achieving with the Claris platform. It is supported through a robust visual system that includes graphical elements, colors, photography, typography, and computer-generated artwork.
The composition of the shapes creates an interplay of positive and negative space, which serves as a visual metaphor for innovation and for applying one’s ingenuity to solve problems surprisingly and unexpectedly. From the combination of positive and negative space, arrows emerge to suggest forward movement and agility.

Results

The team at Siegel+Gale took on this project with as much enthusiasm and clarity as our team brings to our platform and mission. It was a fantastic partnership and the resulting brand identity is perfectly in line with our vision for the company.

Ann Monroe, VP of Worldwide Marketing & Customer Success, Claris

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