Thank you to the students, faculty, and staff who participated in the most recent round of focus groups as part of the UC Riverside Brand Visual Identity Initiative. Hundreds of members of the university community have participated in focus groups or attended presentations since the start of the initiative this summer.

The university’s design partners are currently exploring two design concepts, which would update the university’s logo, monogram, icons, typography, and design guidelines. The two concepts were the clear top choices among a much broader set of design ideas that were shared with focus group participants.

The next stage of the design process will explore how the identities could be applied across a variety of applications, including but not limited to websites, social media, apparel, printed materials, mobile devices, signage, video, and other channels.

UCR’s current brand visual identity has been in place since 2006, before the proliferation of mobile devices, social media, and online video – and is therefore ineffective in its application on contemporary digital platforms. The updated visual identity will retain core elements that have been in place at UCR for decades – including blue and gold colors, the Highlander nickname, university seal, and Scotty the bear mascot.

We anticipate a final design direction being selected during the winter quarter, followed by a deliberate implementation process that will extend well into the 20-21 academic year.

More detailed information on UCR’s current visual identity, design guidelines, and visual assets – including templates, photo/video assets, and downloadable logos – can be found on brand.ucr.edu.

Once the visual identity is updated, the Brand website will be revised with new guidelines and resources for the campus community.

For more information about the design process, contact Johnny Cruz at johnny.cruz@ucr.edu.