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Information about the new corporate design at the University of Freiburg

The new corporate design of the University of Freiburg bridges the gap between the University’ tradition and its forward-looking approach, expresses its social location and responsibility, can be used for all forms of media, and is designed to be continuously developed further.

More information and the possibility to download templates (also in English) can be found on the following website: https://cd.uni-freiburg.de/
An English translation of this website is in preparation.

The University of Freiburg’s new graphic identity includes the word mark, typography, color and imagery, and design elements. It will also be used for the new University Website, whose relaunch is also currently underway.

The corporate design was developed by the agency Moniteurs, based on workshops in which University members from various levels were involved.

Information about the new corporate design at the University of Freiburg

The new corporate design of the University of Freiburg was introduced in January 2023. It bridges the gap between the University’ tradition and its forward-looking approach, expresses its social location and responsibility, can be used for all forms of media, and is designed to be continuously developed further.

The University of Freiburg’s new graphic identity includes the word mark, typography, color and imagery, and design elements. It will also be used for the new University Website, whose relaunch is also currently underway.

The corporate design was developed by the agency Moniteurs, based on workshops in which University members from various levels were involved.

Background

The media world has become increasingly dynamic in recent years. Digital media formats in particular are constantly evolving. As a university, we needed to respond to this development, especially in corporate design when, for instance, Websites evolve or we want to communicate via new channels. With the new corporate design, we now have the best prerequisites for this along with a successor to the previous corporate design, which was developed more than ten years ago and could no longer withstand current communications requirements.

The logo

Modern, approachable and communicative, minimalist, lively and agile: these characteristics in particular are reflected in the new logo. They emerged from the workshops with the members of the university. The new logo also brings out the University of Freiburg’s societal connection through a graphic link between the terms “University” and “Freiburg.”

The new word mark (logo) for the University  

The color palette

The primary colors blue and white continue to characterize the color palette at the University of Freiburg – but the new corporate design gives them fresher tones. The secondary colors allow design flexibility for different digital and analog requirements. They can also be continuously developed to meet new requirements.

Basic colors
Basic colors for word mark and typographic applications
Secondary colors for communications purposes

Typography

Flexibility and modernity are also the guiding principles for the University’s new typeface. The new typeface is called “Social” and is characterized by clarity, good legibility and elegance. It is available in particular for users with design expertise. In addition, the Arial font can also be used.

typography
Typography (example)

The design elements

The University of Freiburg seal continues to play a central role in various areas in which the new corporate design will be used while still expressing the University’s commitment to tradition. It has also inspired the new design elements, which thus stand for the focus on the future while stemming from the University’s tradition-bound self-image.

Design elements, without a filler
Design elements, blue
Design elements, blue (example)

Examples of design options

Instagram stories (examples)
Social media icon (example)
Example of the use of a social media icon on Twitter
Example of flyer design. The flexible corporate design will provide a variety of options here.
Examples of poster design
Greeting card (example)

Development process lasting several months

During the three workshops in which the basic principles for the corporate design were developed, the focus was on user requirements and best practices, as well as corporate design-relevant aspects such as the nature and values of the University. As far as user requirements are concerned, it was important to many employees that the corporate design leaves them enough space for content and at the same time is simple and versatile to use. That will now also be the case.

Implementation of the corporate design

The templates can be used in various ways in the digital and print ways such as:

  • Business stationery such as letterheads and business cards
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Posters, flyers and notices
  • Templates for various social media channels
  • Magazines and reports
  • University building signage

On March 1, 2023, the online shop started with a new product range and a new concept. At https://www.shop.uni-freiburg.de, you can order the new products from sustainable production. The two branches of the Rombach bookstore in Freiburg continue to partner with the University for local stationary retail needs.

Managing existing products and uses

The guidelines of the new corporate design apply as of 1 March 2023. Existing digital templates should be replaced swiftly and successively by the new templates. A transitional period lasting until 1 October 2023 has been granted for this purpose. In the interests of sustainability, this also applies to existing haptic products in the old corporate design.

Managing the old Websites

A web design is also being developed for the new website for the University of Freiburg, which is currently being created through a comprehensive relaunch, based on the new corporate design. Until then, only the new logo will be added to the existing web pages.

For questions relating to the new corporate design:

Please send your requests and suggestions concerning the corporate design to the following email address: cd@zv.uni-freiburg.de

Also use this email address for any questions you may have, for example on the following topics:

  • Services in the area of design
  • Questions about the corporate design: application and implementation
  • Questions on the use of the logo
  • Feedback on templates and offerings
  • General questions about the corporate design

If you have any questions or requests on the topic of social media, please contact the Office of University and Science Communications: kommunikation@zv.uni-freiburg.de.