The system is based on 21 points with 7 different sizes, where the size changes according to the date. This dates can be everyting from important milestones in the schools history or personal references for the users.

(all images by Tangram Design)

It is developed an online interface for generating custom or predefined symbols, visit: biogram.umb.no. (norwegian)

In 2008 the identity won The Award for Design Excellence in Norway.

Download the design guidelines for more information (pdf – norwegian)

Design: Tangram Design

Of course we will continue publishing extended reviews here, but in the meantime, follow us @rulesbased

Inspired by the work of Max Bill, Jean-Pierre Hérbert made his version, “One hundred views of a single theme”, and in that relation he also collected his predecessors work. Here’s an extraction:

Max Bill produced his series “Fifteen variations on a single theme” from mind, rule, compass, and traditional drawing instruments.

The theme:

Variations:

Images from http://hebert.kitp.ucsb.edu/

“as there exist within these narrow and clearly defined limits such a large number of variations, the fact that a single theme – that is to say a single fundamental idea – leads to fifteen very different developments can be considered the proof that concrete art holds an infinite number of possibilities. such constructions are developed only on the basis of their given conditions and without any arbitrary attempt to modify them for reasons of proportion. with this method once the basic theme has been chosen – whether it be simple or complex – an infinite number of very different developments can be evolved according to individual inclination and temperament.”
Max Bill, Zurich November 1938

More info and descriptions.

The original works are lithographs 30.5 x 32 cm, made between 1935 – 1938, if you by any chance get over them, hold them or please tell us:)

Another inspiring talk at the Walker Art Center.

Eddie Opara is a former designer of Art Technology Group, Imaginary Forces and New York based 2×4. He is a founder partner of the Map Office, defined in their own words as:

A contemporary design agency striving to build compelling visual brands through strategy, design and technology.

Talking about books, Dynamic Identities in Cultural and Public Contexts is a book by Ulrike Felsing, published by Lars Müller this year.

The book explores and showcases different approaches to dynamic identities, and simultaneously introduces us to related topics and concepts in a larger context.

One of it’s aims is to show and describe the general principles of variation processes. This is done through 24 case studies, everything from typographic systems like A typeface for the Twin Cities by Letterror, to visual identities for The Cinémathèque française by Ruedi Baur et Associés or Rotterdam 2001 by Armand Mevis and Linda van Deursen. Even many of the examples seems quite old today and the works could have been more varieted from more nations, (the netherlands highly represented), the book in total fulfills it’s aim and deliver an inspiring and promising introduction on the subject of dynamic identities.

This publication studies methods for creating flexible looks for public and cultural institutions. The classic logos normally used by companies are the result of a unique process of compression and abstraction. By contrast, flexible looks do not conceal their diverse components of identity in a logo, forming instead a complex family of symbols from them. In the combination of a basic logo and a family of symbols, the look is in a position to represent the fundamentals (the philosophy of the institution, its program) and the specifics (e.g., temporary exhibitions and events). The author describes the effect and potential of looks and offers the criteria that distinguish fully developed, dynamic looks. Case studies of famous designers such as Karl Gerstner and Ruedi Baur enhance the analysis.

With an essay by Clemens Bellut

16.5 × 24 cm, 6½ x 9½ in, 256 pages, 200 illustrations, softcover (2010)

Images and quote from Lars Müller Publishers where you also can buy it.

Reading old posts of Serial Consign, a blog about digital culture and information design, I came across this interesting generative layouts project.

The author is Benedikt Groß, at his website you get more information about generative strategies applied to graphic design and also find some InDesign scripting to play with.

He is also author, with Hartmut Bohnacker, Julia Laub and Claudius Lazzeroni, of Generative Gestaltung, a book published just in German at the moment. My German level is very very basic so I can’t wait for the English version.

Until now, designers used the tools developed for them by programmers, meaning that the persons doing the designing adapted themselves to the system. Generative design transforms design-schooled users of digital tools into programmers of their own individual digital toolbox. This opens up new visual vistas and fundamentally alters the design process.

Quoted from the publisher website (Verlag Hermann Schmidt), where you can sign in for the English version.

We have already published their work for AOL a few months ago.

All their work is truly generative with really engaging outcomes. Among their updates since last time we visit their website, Dokfest Lounge project catch my attention especially. Check their website.

They are giving a talk in London at the Glug BBQ at Cargo next Thursday, 22 May. Line up also includes Moving Brands, Mickey Stretton and Maverick Media. More info and tickets here.

Via Swiss Legacy, I found out that some chapters from the 8vo on the outside book are available at Google Books. Unfortunately, those showcasing their flexible identities are not. The book is published by Lars Müller.

Recommended reading with interesting inputs about the importance of the design of the system, as opposed to the design of the outcome.

Image from the Hamish Muir website.

Mind Design in collaboration with Swiss designer Simon Egli developed this modular identity for Tess Management.

The logo system developed from simple outlines letter shapes overlaid with various ornaments and Art Deco inspired shapes. It would be possible to create endless logo combination’s using this principle but we decided on a set of six colour and six black- and -white versions for a general use.

Read More »

Grafik Magazine n.181, p 28

Hannu Oksa is glad to share some comments about this interesting identity I came across last week

Sun Effects is a Finnish lighting design company with over ten years of experience in the field. They work with a broad array of fields from exhibitions and public spaces to festivals and stage arts.

The identity builds from the basic idea of how audiovisual design (and light and sound in general) has the ability to shape and control space and environment: they can create new perspectives or change the nature of a space completely. In other words, light, sound and space are permanent parts of an equation that has limitless outcomes based on how you use them.

Light and sound as elements and audiovisual design as a field of art are constantly changing and evolving. By giving the identity the possibility to experimentation and evolution in itself, it reflects the field of work in a powerful way.

The identity uses a quasi periodic eight fold grid as a basis. The grid is used much like a raster to form a set of building blocks. By using the blocks with a general set of rules the identity allows for the symbol to have endless variations and still retain a conjunctive form.

more images after the jump