Monogram Research- MIT Media Lab

What is the MIT Media Lab?

I have decided to research The MIT Media Lab as part of my monogram project. The MIT Media Lab are a research laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and within the company they have a range of designers, engineers, artists, and scientists who strive to create technologies and experiences that enable people to understand and transform their lives, communities, and environments.

The project

This project in particular is the redesign of the MIT Media Lab and Pentagram has designed the new visual identity. The design began with designer Richard The’s 25th anniversary logo for the Media Lab, which was based on a seven-by-seven grid. Using that same grid, the Pentagram team designed a simple M L monogram for the Media Lab logo. Using the same underlying grid, the designers extended that identity to each of the 23 research groups within the MIT lab. So basically this monogram can morph into over 20 different monograms for the different research groups.

The video

I watched the above video that presents this project as a whole and it shows how the MIT monogram can morph into the 23 other research group monograms and logos. It is very impressive how Pentagram have adapted their initial monogram design and the use of the grid to suit the the other labs and their names, this shows the power of line work and how simplicity is an important part to the design of monograms. The video is well made and it was actually entertaining and satisfying to watch the monogram change and morph into different shapes. This concept celebrates the diversity of activity of the MIT Lab.

Extended use

The images below highlight how this monogram has been adapted and manipulated for extended use around the MIT building. I think that this is a great use of the monogram and shows how versatile the design is, the usage ranges from signage around the building to business cards.

My thoughts on the monogram

Personally I love the design of this monogram, the M and L are easily recognisable and I can clearly make out the letters. I feel like the versatility of this monogram is outstanding, the extended use of the line work and the initial geometric shape of the M and the L can really fit into any touch point idea and it makes sense to the audience. This solidifies the consistency of the brand itself and strengthens its image, with the public seeing its wide range and repeated line work throughout multiple outlets and physical touchpoints this creates a consistent and strong tone of voice and overall image. However when it comes to the over 23 monograms that are made using the same grid I found it harder to make out the letters/ initials on some of them, this shows me that the original ML monogram is more successful with its design and more recognisable.

The lack of colour here shows how strong this monogram actually is, the design team at pentagram didn’t need to bombard the user with large amounts of colour to distract them, they left the monogram in black and white and it shows the audience it doesn’t need colour to improve the design in and way and that it is still a strong, well designed monogram that can stand on its own.  This particular lack of colour definitely portrays a clean, intelligent and sophisticated image.

Animation possibilities

From looking at this research and watching this video I have got some inspiration for some future brand design possibilities. Perhaps I could use this animation influence for my own brand, within the video it shows the how each shape is made but in an interesting and simple animation, it is as if someone is drawing it on, this further highlights the geometric style and as the animation flows in vertical and horizontal motions. I think that this could be an effective animation technique that I could consider in the near future for my brand.

What have I learned?

• Simplicity is key
• My monogram needs to be strong without colour
• I should think about and consider animation when I am designing my monogram as this is an element I would like to include and I need to design a monogram that will allow for this to be possible
• I should consider the power of line work when it come to my monogram, especially geometric lines and shapes which use grids and numbers when in the process of designing it, this will result in a stronger and more consist shape and will therefore look more professional!

What’s next?

This work has inspired me to take a look into more geometric style work with my monogram and look at how numbers and can inspire design, I want to look at a monogram design that is possibly influenced by a grid and numbers, one that is proportionally correct and geometrically based. I think that this type of monogram will give my brand the certain look that I want as I want it to look modern and professional. Moving forward I will read blogs and research more on the importance of geometry when it comes to the design of logos.