One Stop
an Engineering Communicator's Guide to Inspiration and Brand Clarification
Project in conjunction with Maddie Willits
My first graphic design internship was in the Materials Sceince and Engineering Department at Iowa State University. I wasn't working with any other designers or mentors, so I found myself navigating a complex landscape, both in terms of the intricacies of design and the challenging intricacies of the University's branding guidelines. One of the first things I did was print all the branding information I could find, which ended up as an inches thick pile of paper on my desk and I could never find the right sheet with the answers I was looking for. The realization struck me that if I, as a somewhat trained graphic designer, encountered difficulties in deciphering the scattered information, how daunting must it be for the numerous University staff unversed in design intricacies that need to use the branding every day?
I soon discovered I had an aquaintance working higher up in Engineering Communications and brought the issue up to her. We identified an opportunity to streamline and simplify this intricate process. Our brainchild, "One Stop - an Engineering Communicator's Guide to Design Inspiration and Brand Clarification," is a testament to our commitment to enhancing accessibility and understanding within the University's design ecosystem.
This comprehensive guide is meticulously crafted to serve as the ultimate resource hub for all fundamental ISU design needs, encompassing various campaigns and initiatives. Recognizing the importance of consolidating information, we undertook extensive research, investing months in refining and reducing complexities. The result is a user-friendly guide that not only provides clarity for seasoned designers but also acts as a beacon for the University staff grappling with design intricacies. It is designed to be skimmable and logically navigable to find the exact information you need in a matter of seconds.
While this project has significantly bolstered my mastery of ISU branding, the guide still remains an indispensable tool in my own daily workflow. Constantly consulted, it has become an invaluable asset, ensuring consistency and adherence to branding standards.
The positive feedback received from users underscores the guide's impact, affirming its utility in demystifying the design process for a broader audience. "One Stop" is not just a guide; it's a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between design expertise and practical application, fostering a more cohesive and visually harmonious representation of Iowa State University.
I soon discovered I had an aquaintance working higher up in Engineering Communications and brought the issue up to her. We identified an opportunity to streamline and simplify this intricate process. Our brainchild, "One Stop - an Engineering Communicator's Guide to Design Inspiration and Brand Clarification," is a testament to our commitment to enhancing accessibility and understanding within the University's design ecosystem.
This comprehensive guide is meticulously crafted to serve as the ultimate resource hub for all fundamental ISU design needs, encompassing various campaigns and initiatives. Recognizing the importance of consolidating information, we undertook extensive research, investing months in refining and reducing complexities. The result is a user-friendly guide that not only provides clarity for seasoned designers but also acts as a beacon for the University staff grappling with design intricacies. It is designed to be skimmable and logically navigable to find the exact information you need in a matter of seconds.
While this project has significantly bolstered my mastery of ISU branding, the guide still remains an indispensable tool in my own daily workflow. Constantly consulted, it has become an invaluable asset, ensuring consistency and adherence to branding standards.
The positive feedback received from users underscores the guide's impact, affirming its utility in demystifying the design process for a broader audience. "One Stop" is not just a guide; it's a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between design expertise and practical application, fostering a more cohesive and visually harmonious representation of Iowa State University.
Process
Detailed Research Board of Iowa State Brand Guidelines
Research Pertaining to the Iowa State University Wordmark