Visual identities can be constructed from a number of elements which together can be described as the Visual Identity System (VIS). Typography is one of the VIS’s central elements. Typically, the VIS elements have been considered as static and associated with prescribable visual mandates; however, the hypermodernity paradigm boosted the notion of mobility in everything – and brands are no exception. Brand logos now change in shape, colour, wear different textures and sit on top of a variety of backgrounds. All this incredible flexibility has implications for their typographical elements too. In the empirical part of this research, 50 dynamic logos were selected, grouped according to Van Nes’ categories in Dynamic Identities: How to Create a Living Brand (2012) and the changes in their typographic components were analysed under the Multilingual Typeface Anatomy Terminology framework (Amado, 2012), firstly by the researchers, and then by a group of independent coders. It was verified that dynamic logos present a consistent pattern regarding typography since they preserve consistency through type’s structural axes. This result led to a set of recommendations for both designers working with type in the context of the (re)design of dynamic logos, and academics preparing the next generation of brand designers. This research aimed at identifying the typographical inroads in brands with dynamic logos and is a relevant contribution to the perception of how the anatomy of type can define visual consistency.

Abstract

PurposeThe main objective for this paper was to identify the chromatic approaches in dynamic brand identities, describing and analysing new trends, patterns or shared strategies which seem to be taking place, renunciating the consistent use of corporate colours in some brands. Design/methodology/approach The research consisted of a qualitative visual content analysis, based on the comparison and scrutiny of 50 dynamic visual identities, verifying the changes that their colours would undergo in their numerous forms of representation and the symbolic associations these would carry. This analysis was performed using three different studies. FindingsThe results show that colour in dynamic brands does not follow any consistent pattern regarding its application and none of the most common colour harmonies seem to be an obvious strategic preference. Practical implicationsThis research provides insights for 1) brand managers to look at how this dynamic positioning can be successfully implemented without affecting recognition whilst establishing or maintaining customer loyalty, and 2) brand for designers and marketers to clarify how brand guidelines will explain the usage of such colourful approaches. Originality/value This paper is a contribution to the knowledge of how a traditional visual element such as colour is being combined, deconstructed and reassembled in the context of modern visual identities. Three patterns are identified, and two of them draw attention to the apparent unnecessity of colour consistency and the way this may affect the relevance of colour in transmitting certain meanings.

When adapting an environment toward making it smarter than it is, every user is expected to develop a certain degree of design literacy to effectively contribute with and make use of relevant data. Little research has been done regarding both the expected level of users’ design literacy in smart environments and the developmental tactics for these essential skills to be acquired. Simultaneously, there is little acknowledgement of the relevance of these environments’ brands as important assets in supporting design literacy. This paper speculates on the relevance of investing in “smart visual identities”, which configure as a meaningful and holistic branding resource. Hermeneutics informed the qualitative analysis of content in this research. Two essential dimensions of smart visual identities were identified, and a definition of “smart brand” is proposed, suggesting that highly relatable brand identities allow individuals develop their design literacy while users of a smart learning environment.

No abstract