Data-Driven Logotype Design

Abstract

This work explores the intersection of type design, visual identity, and information visualisation. We study how data can influence the logotype design, and how a logotype can convey information. To do this, we developed a data-driven logotype for each faculty of our institution, the University of Coimbra, in Portugal. The design of the glyphs, or letterforms, that compose the logotypes, is influenced by data on the current spectrum of students in each faculty. Overall, the created logotypes are able to provide a layer of information by visualising and comparing the number, gender, and nationality of the students in the different faculties. Plus, the generative process that designs the logotypes allows them to react to the input data in an automatically fashion and, this way, be alive and evolve over time.