RESEARCH

Introduction​

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The research utilized for the development of this project were mainly journal articles, informational websites, and surveys from teenage students within a classroom. The shape and overall design was expected to also incorporate the circular aspect as presented in the name as well i.e., (The Support Circle). During this process there was a total of two middle school classes with ages ranging 11-14 years old interviewed. Out of the presented designs students chose designs as well that they were interested in which resulted in designs four and five being the most popular. However, under great consideration from an Educator it was proposed that design number six may be beneficial due to its simplicity if refined to express that personality. Thus, considering this critique it was decided to adapt elements from designs four and five into design number six. The design process from initial thumbnails sketches evolving into the final logo is expressed below as well:

 

 

                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The design decision to create a logo that was circular was also provoked by shape psychology that infers that circles have the overall effect of conveying wholeness and unity. Researchers have implied for years that the “circle [is] a symbol of unity, healing and power, with a strong cultural history … including North American Indians and Anglo-Saxon Monks” (Grahamslaw & Henson, 2015, 112). This connotation is likely derived from the idea that every individual is equal and that there is no separation between individuals or organizations. It furthermore invites the idea that everyone is invited, accepted, and is an integral part of the shape being completed. Thus, suggesting that the shape heavily incorporates that element and can express the brand vision/mission of providing inclusivity and positive impact within community. ​​​

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The purpose of including circles also relates to adolescents' need for belongingness that is thought to be extremely prevalent during this time. Authors claim that teens are “embarking on their own personal self-discovery concerning the nature of belonging; first-hand, in high school and middle school” (Allen et al., 2021). Thus, expressing the need to convey the idea that they will find community and belongingness within the design. 

 

In addition to the circular shapes there was also the addition of triangles that were utilized in place of the sun rays. Many researchers have found that “triangles can also be used to symbolize stability, while simultaneously being used to convey movement and progress” (InSegment, 2011). Therefore, the shape of a triangle would be the perfect shape to represent the notion of teens moving forward in their community in a positive and impactful way. Furthermore, the imagery of the sun also has the potential of being seen as “a potent symbol of life, power, glory, and energy. The sun’s image’s heat and intensity communicate [creation of a] lasting impression of warmth, endurance, and limitless power” (Amanda Bowman, 2019). Thus, the sun would be a powerful symbol of the mission of the organization helping teens to “rise up” and become better versions of themselves and to “shine” a positive light within society. Additionally, the color palette was inspired by teen arcades due to those environments serving as an attraction for teens as expressed in the examples below: ​​

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A speculation for their interests is due to the presence of games which may in turn foster a sense of competition and teamwork in order to achieve a goal (Why Teens Like Gambling, 2024). Although the organization's intent is to not promote gambling. The understanding of the core motivation behind this activity can help others to witness the power that engaging with games can bring for teenagers. Thus, imagery with teens playing games could connect with their desire to work together to achieve goals and community. The colors that were chosen are also bright, bold, and vibrant to relate to the personality of the brand being youthful and targeted towards teens. Each ray expressing different colors to furthermore display the intent of spreading diversity within the community as well. Other places where teens gather as mentioned in interviews such as adventure parks like Urban Air have also a similar aesthetic of bright and bold colors as well shown here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                                                                                                          (Chavez, 2023)​​

                                                                                                         

In terms of typography the font utilized within the logo was mainly Minion Pro due to its ability to provide a clear text that did not compete the overall complexity of the design. Minion Pro Bold is best known for being a standard font within publication due to its clarity and simplicity (Preferred typefaces, 2024). This source has as a result been chosen by companies that seek to make their logo and designs comprehensive for print and digital assets. For instance, The Support Circle has swag wear where print elements being clear would be essential and imperative.In addition to Minion Pro Bold (a serif typeface), PF Reminder and Markerfelt Wide were also expressed throughout the Brand Playbook.  Both texts add an element of causality and youthfulness as well. Moreover, PF Reminder “add[s] a homey and personal touch to your notes and messages” (PF Reminder | Adobe Fonts, n.d.). This text also reflects the essence of the brand being personal yet communal. Meaning, that it is a safe space for others to express their uniqueness. Thus, this text would communicate said sense of being personal and open to differences. Marker Felt Wide is also described by many as “elegant handwritten font family with legible bold fonts and numbers” (Dafont, 2022). The sense of a type appearing handwritten yet bold is integrated within this text. This is derived from it creating the sense of being personal and handwritten with intention. All fonts furthermore exhibit an element of causality as displayed below:

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                                           (Health, 2024) 

 

 

The visuals within this project were both image and text based. Meaning that the intention was to not only capture the attention of the audience with text but also with imagery (Halimi, 2023). From this knowledge, one can also gain the understanding that audiences expressing integration of imagery is essential for teen audience engagement in order to help captivate their attention. Thus, the imagery used throughout this process consisted of pictures of teenagers interacting with common activities such as texting, playing games, or posing with bright and bold colors. Most of the imagery is of teens engaging in games as well. Studies have found that “a whopping 97% of teens ages 12 to 17 play video games” (NW et al., 2008). Thus, images of teens performing activities alongside games with their peers was presented as previously illustrated. 

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Application & Validation

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The material and findings were applied to the design development by incorporating the bright/bold colors and imagery that spoke to the personality of being unique, young, and inclusive. For instance, teens who were interviewed presented places that were common for them to visit such as trampoline parks, theme parks (such as Adventure Landing), fairs, bowling alleys, and escape rooms. With this knowledge came the ability to better capture the essence of the design needing to be fun and exciting. Resources as previously stated were interviews from students concerning designs, colors selection, and events that they would likely engage in. Also, educational websites and journal articles were utilized to acquire material as well.​

 

References

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Allen, K.-A., Gray, D. L., Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (2021). The need to belong: A deep dive into the origins, implications, and future of a foundational construct. Educational Psychology Review, 34(2). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8405711/

 

Amanda Bowman. (2019, April 25). 16 Design Symbols Your Business Can Use to Improve Its Brand Identity. Crowdspring Blog.

https://www.crowdspring.com/blog/brand-identity-symbols-symbolism/

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Dafont. (2022, January 24). Marker Felt Font. Dafont Free.https://www.dafontfree.co/marker-felt-font/#google_vignette

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Grahamslaw, L., & Henson, L. H. (2015). Solving problems through circles. Educational Psychology in Practice, 31(2), 111–126. https://doi-org.oclc.fullsail.edu/10.1080/02667363.2014.981251

 

Halimi, N. (2023). Text and Image. Philosophica (1857-9272), 19/20, 130–136.

 

InSegment. (2011, July 22). Shapes in Advertising. Digital Marketing Blog.https://www.insegment.com/blog/shapes-in-advertising/

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NW, 1615 L. S., Suite 800Washington, & Inquiries, D. 20036USA202-419-4300 | M.-8.-8. | F.-4.-4. | M. (2008, September 16). Teens, Video Games and Civics. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2008/09/16/teens-video-games-and-civics/#:~:text=Almost%20all%20teens%20play%20games.&text=Fully%2097%25%20of%20teens%20ages

 

PF Reminder | Adobe Fonts. (n.d.). Fonts.adobe.com. Retrieved July 4, 2024, from https://fonts.adobe.com/fonts/pf-reminder#about-section

 

Preferred typefaces. (2024). Sites.rowan.edu.https://sites.rowan.edu/publications/graphic-              standards/preferred_typefaces.html#:~:text=Minion%20Pro%20is%20the%20recommended​

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Why Teens Like Gambling. (2024, July 2). Victorian Responsible Gambling Association.