Since we’ve been working with tbi bank for quite some time —and have helped build many of their most critical presentations over the years (and we do mean critical)— we already knew the kind of material they were presenting. Still, we reviewed some of their latest presentations and asked them what else they wished they could do. Once we gathered all that information, we kicked off the project.

When the new brand was launched, we knew we needed to adapt everything we are designing to it and potentially further develop it to the presentation needs we knew about. This was a bit of a challenge because we really wanted to make the template extremely functional. However, there was a moment when we realised the final result people could achieve might become slightly playful — something we absolutely didn’t want, as that wasn’t the goal of the rebrand. So we had to experiment a lot to make sure the layouts (and later the examples we provided), would help teams build presentations that truly stay on brand.

Once we were done with the experiments, we moved on to create the template itself. Even so, together with all the layouts, grid systems and more, we also had to create some additional elements like icons and chart templates to help support the teams at tbi.

A template isn’t truly a template unless it inspires its users to actually use it. That’s why we created dozens of example slides based on the newly developed PowerPoint template for everyone in the bank to explore and learn from. Under each beautifully-designed slide, we also placed instructions on how they can achieve the same, removing the need for anyone on the team to be a professional designer to achieve great results.

Along with the example slides, we also created a manual. A template isn’t complete without clear guidance on what’s allowed and what isn’t. What's more, once the package with all the files was sent to the customer, we always do an introductory call where our team does a demo on how to utilise this new presentation system to its fullest. And of course, we also record this one so that it can be shared within the organization as a training material.

Every employee at the bank now has everything they need to create professionally-looking slides faster and with no previous design experience. That's what a true PowerPoint template allows for. Companies out there need to realize that a proper template is not just an opening and closing slide (and potentially a transition one + one for agenda). Until then, they will continue to be OK with what most branding agencies provide them with. That "template" actually prevents its users from building beautiful slides faster. And that tells you a lot.