Iris lectures university on its international presence

Sheffield-based design consultancy Iris has created a refreshed identity for The University of Nottingham as it aims to establish a stronger brand presence both in the UK and abroad.

Iris has created stationery, livery, signage, marketing literature and brand guidelines, in addition to the refreshed marque. The work is the culmination of a 12-month project for the group.

The university, which already has an international presence including 1000 Chinese students, is hoping the work will help increase its profile internationally. Currently, it is moving to attract more international students and launch a second satellite campus in Malaysia.

‘The international market is vital,’ says University of Nottingham director of public affairs Philip Dalling. ‘Increasingly, universities are going to operate on a global stage and this clearly requires a tight identity.’

Iris creative director David Wood says the ‘fussiness’ of the old logo has been stripped away. The revamped identity is made up of two elements – a graphic ‘iconic’ representation of Nottingham Castle is set alongside ‘contemporary typography to reflect the future face of the university’, Wood explains.

‘It was a traditional organisation that needed a more contemporary future-facing approach,’ he says.

Implementing the refreshed identity across a people-based organisation of more than 6000 employees presented a significant challenge, Wood adds.

Iris was appointed to the identity project in June last year, following a three-way credentials-based pitch.

The group has also previously created the university’s postgraduate prospectus.