Army Ignited

Role

Associate Creative Director

Contribution

Art Direction
UI Design
Design Systems creation, maintenance, and management

Client

United States Army

The Challenge

In a rapidly changing world, the skills our soldiers need to protect national security and transition into civilian careers are constantly evolving. Given the scale and impact of the Army, investment in skill development is critical for both military preparedness and workforce readiness.

The Army partnered with Deloitte to develop ArmyIgnitED, an agency-wide program launched in 2019 by ACCESS, ArmyU, and the Sergeant Major of the Army. This initiative aimed to replace an outdated system with a more flexible, mobile-first platform tailored to the needs of soldiers. The solution enabled soldiers to acquire marketable skills efficiently, whether through credentialing assistance, tuition support, or traditional higher education pathways.

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Branding

“The U.S. Army is an institution founded on values and a bedrock of trust between it and the American people it serves. The U.S. Army Soldier is professional, trained, disciplined, and reflects the best of the country he or she serves.”
This statement is part of the official U.S. Army brand identity and serves as a guiding principle for Army messaging.

The Modern ArmyIgnitED visual identity embodies these principles, presenting a structured, official, and contemporary aesthetic while staying rooted in Army heritage. It is clean, simple, and vibrant, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience.

The branding system was crafted to support the program’s mission—enabling soldiers to effectively utilize Tuition and Credentialing Assistance. Every visual element was intentionally designed to balance modernity with the Army’s established identity, fostering trust and engagement.

Design System

As the project evolved, so did our team, necessitating a systematic approach to design collaboration. To enhance efficiency, innovation, and consistency, we built an extensive, sharable component library within a co-design environment.

The design system incorporated Brad Frost’s Atomic Design methodology, establishing a structured, logical foundation for UI development. By breaking down interfaces into reusable components—from atoms to templates—our system facilitated seamless scalability and rapid iteration.

In addition to UI assets, we developed comprehensive standards and documentation, ensuring team members understood not just the what, but also the why and how behind design decisions. This approach empowered designers and developers to work cohesively, accelerating the production of user-centric experiences.

Impact

Through strategic branding, thoughtful UX/UI, and a well-documented design system, ArmyIgnitED transformed how soldiers access educational resources. The modernized platform enables them to build skills efficiently, opening doors to both military and civilian career opportunities. Our work not only streamlined Army-wide educational processes but also reinforced the Army’s commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.