Brand strategist Ken Steele sums up the results of his global survey of 105 higher ed brand identity redesigns completed over the past 24 months, from May 2015 until May 2017. Examples from the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia -- and ultimately, there are 10 clear trends.
We identify the most popular recent colours, shapes, and imagery for universities, community colleges, religious colleges, and arts institutes, and we look more closely at several examples:
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
University of Georgia
Oregon State University
University of Nebraska
SUNY Buffalo
University of Kentucky
University of New Mexico
Bradley University
University of Detroit Mercy
Tennessee Tech
Upper Iowa University
Michigan Technological University
Maricopa Community College System
Tel Aviv University
University of Findlay
Winston-Salem State University
Augusta University
Otis College of Art and Design
Manor College
Emmanuel College
Wycliffe College
The King's University
Calvin College
Whitworth University
Emmaus Bible College
Dominican College
College of Saint Elizabeth
Feather River College
College of the Rockies
East Stroudsburg University
Sierra College
Northern Michigan University
Allegany College of Maryland
University of Greenwich
We also look at several logo approaches that seem to be falling OUT of favour, from circular seals and blocks of colour to explicitly religious imagery. And self-confessed "typography geek" Ken also spends a few minutes discussing trends in typeface selection among the four different categories of institution.
Videos excerpted:
uFindlay - https://youtu.be/ax_cUVMhMnI
Winston Salem State U - https://youtu.be/fu0K1_VfKHs
Otis College - https://youtu.be/3e5taaIV028
Coming up: we'll develop 4 "committee-proof" logos, look in depth at the top ten rebrands of the past 2 years, and look at 12 branding misfires that caused campus outrage.
