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The Circle’s first series was Channel 4’s most popular new factual entertainment series for
young viewers in 2018. Its success with audiences and critics alike ensured the groundbreaking gameshow was re-commissioned for a second series in 2019.

Produced by Studio Lambert and Motion Content Group, The Circle is the first reality show
where players communicate via a social network. A popularity game where anyone can be
anyone, players can choose to be whomever they think will make them most popular with
other players.
Turquoise was approached by Studio Lambert, once the gameshow had been
recommissioned, to look at refreshing the visual identity for Series 2. Central to this refresh
was the UI design of the The Circle’s social media platform, ensuring it functioned well for
the contestants as well as working well when viewed through a TV Screen. “We are thrilled
with Turquoise’ brilliant, collaborative work on The Circle this year. The refreshed look and
the improved interface will have a huge impact on this year’s series. Their strategic and
creative approach was very impressive, and they’ve been a joy to work with.” says Studio
Lambert Creative Director, Tim Harcourt.
Turquoise based the visual identity on the vocal interaction of the contestants with The
Circle. Using a circular form, we created a variety of sound-responsive rings that
represented the different types of human interactions the show would contain. These rings
were used as moving backgrounds for the interface, programme stings, and the title
sequence. The show’s logo was also refined as was the accompanying off-air visual
language. “The UI design was an interesting challenge for us. We had to create something
that looked and acted like a real social platform but was optimised for use on large format
screens within the contestants’ living environment. I’m really pleased with the final result,
it’s a dynamic and expressive visual identity that adds a human personality to The Circle
brand.” says Gareth Mapp, Creative Director, Turquoise Branding.
The Circle Series 2 was hosted by Emma Willis and is shown on Channel 4.