Official Websites
Brand Guidelines
2012
Brand Summary
Mission
- Hyper Island’s mission is to design and facilitate individual and collective life-long learning and growth in a world where transformative technological development drives change. The brand aims to lead the change by creating a constructive social arena and believes in experiential learning, group dynamics, reflection, dialogue, and feedback as tools for change [^1].
Core Values
- Learn for Life
- Real World Ready
- Seize Your Potential
- Lead the Change
- Team is Everything
- Change the World
Target Audience
- Professionals, students, and organizations seeking growth and development in the digital and creative industries, with a focus on those who value experiential learning, collaboration, and innovation [^2].
Personality Traits
- Innovative
- Inspiring
- Human
- Confident
- Warm
- Friendly
- Inclusive
- Approachable
- Creative
- Original
- Groundbreaking
- State-of-the-art
Visual Identity Overview
- The visual identity is inspired by the post-it note, using a square format as a recurring element. The brand employs a minimalistic, bold, and expressive style, with a consistent use of grids, vibrant colors, and clear typography. The identity system includes the Hyper Island logotype and HI symbol, which are used in specific placements and color variations to ensure flexibility and recognition. Photography and imagery focus on people, energy, and authentic moments, supporting a lively and collaborative brand expression [^3].
Categories
Brand Voice
- Our personality guides how we talk and write for Hyper island. And it’s just as much about style of our writing as the content.
- Our tone of voice is our brand put in words, a help in communicating our brand in a consistent manner -what we say and how we say it. Our tone of voice will help us to use words and writing that is in line with Hyper island values and beliefs. The core of Hyper island is the core of our tone of voice. This is where we begin to build.
- INNOVATIVE INSPIRING HUMAN CONFIDENT
- Being innovative means that our ways of communication sometimes differ from others. It means that we’ll go the extra mile to think about what will get our message through, what hasn’t been done before? It doesn’t mean that we’re taking liberties with grammar, use masses of exclamation marks or smileys.
- As in: creative, original, groundbreaking, state-of-the-art Not: taking liberties with grammar, loving smileys and exclamation marks, using jargon
- In the industries we work in, it’s easy to get lost in technical detail and that is not who we are. So we add a human touch, focusing on personal growth and the people who make Hyper Island what we are. Equally important is that we don’t come across as elitist or cold, so we’re friendly and warm. We communicate as if we would to someone we know and care about.
- As in: warm, friendly, inclusive, approachable Not: error-prone, weak, frail
- Focusing on our strengths in a positive way. To focus on what we are, what we know and what we can do for other people. We want to SHOW what we do, paint pictures to get your message across (our products, our methods, and the entire Hyper Island journey), show how we can make a difference, in the world or in someone’s life.
- As in: encouraging, uplifting, heartening, motivating, stimulating Not: happy-go-lucky, non-grounded, fluffy
- We know that what you’re working with is state-of-the-art and we take pride in this. We enjoy telling others about our work and have faith in the fact that they will want what you can offer. We don’t need to brag, we just tell it like it is. We’re not afraid to show our joy when we succeed.
- As in: accomplished, assertive, at ease, positive Not: arrogant, self-important, cocky
- Here are a few tips that can make writing a little easier. Follow them religiously when you’re feeling shaky, or cast them a glance now and then to remind yourself of how Hyper Island is supposed to sound. Good luck!
- When writing about Hyper Island use the term we, as in We believe in collaboration. It tells people something about our culture and instantly creates that feeling of wanting to belong. If you’re talking directly to a person or a group of people, use the term you, as in We think you’d like it here. Never use a capital Y in You (no use to make people feel like you’re trying to sell them insurance).
- Avoid writing in the passive form, as in You will be contacted shortly, and go for the less formal We’ll get back to you as soon as we can instead. The passive instantly turns the tone from friendly stranger to stiff upper lip. Avoid, please.
- Hyper Island is Swedish by birth, but our mother tongue is English. We are international in many ways and our pronounciation varies, and when it comes to spelling we’re tweaking it for local markets, but will be decidedly American in our general communication. Meaning color and not colour, catalog and not catalogue, soccer and not football, pants and not trousers…
- Hyper Island designs learning experiences. When describing what we are, it might be helpful to use words like school, education or business for people to understand. We are all of those things, but we are also so much more. When using the word school, please try to emphasize that we are an “unusual school” or a “different kind of school” to distinguish us from every other old school. If you are feeling uncertain about what phrase to use when explaining our values and beliefs, take a look in the manifesto and copy paste all you like.
Brand Imagery
- Our visual identity idea is inspired by a clear and simple item — The post-it note. This is an element that is used throughout the world of Hyper island. In workshops, brainstorms and when we give and receive feedback. Post-its are often visible in our premises, and remain a part of our surroundings.
- By creating a consistent and clear visual language that plays with this element, our identity extends out into our physical environment and corresponds with our other communication.
- The square format helps build a pattern, and it is a recurring visual element that together with our colors and typography creates a consistent visual expression.
Color Palette
- Our basic primary colors are black and white: Professional, solid and confident. Especially in corporate usage together with the Hyper Island logotype black allows us to focus on our message without distraction.
- Black C 0 /M 10 /Y 50 / K 100 R 0/G 0/B 0 Pantone Black #000000 White Co/M0/Y0/K0 R 255 / G 255 / B 255 Pantone White #FFFFFF
- Color is used to evoke emotion, express personality and stimulate brand association. At the same time, it also unifies an identity.
- Yellow R 255 / G 240 /B 70 #FFF046 Light Orange R 255 / G 106 /B 72 #FF6A48 Green R 68 / G 176 / B 32 #47B036 Blue R 0 / G 182 / B 255 #44A520
- When creating communication that needs an extra flavour or a larger color pallete you can use our extended palette.
- Do not mix all the colors at the same time! Keep in mind that too much color is like too many people talking at once in a conversation. We believe simpler is better, so please avoid rainbow colors schemes on your layouts.
- You can use colors also to emphasise specific text words or sentences, or as decoration to add some extra life and energy.
- We also use 4 complementary colors to express energy and innovation.
- Teal C 50 / M O / Y 26 / K 0 Pantone 3255 C R 4 / G 205 / B 174 #04C3A5 Orange CO IM 66 / Y 88 / K 0 R 254 / G 63 /B 0 Pantone 172 C #FE3F00 Pink C 5 / M 95 / Y 0 / K 0 Pantone 219 C R 236 / G 26 / B 109 #EC1A6D Purple C 77 / M 99 / Y 0 / K O R 86 / G 40 / B 148 Pantone 527 C #673D9F
- These colors hightlight specific sections:
- Teal About Hyper Island
- Orange Programs+ Executive
- Pink News + Events
- Purple Other
Typography
- Typography is one of the most important elements in our identity, and a powerful tool that helps us achieve a consistent expression in our communication. In order to create a uniform identity, we need to carefully adhere to our guidelines on how to use typography.
- Hyper Island’s primary font face is Univers, which is used for both headings and body text.
- Univers 55 Roman is the headline, title and body copy font. Univers 65 Bold can be used in small point sizes to emphasize a title of a body column.
- Arial Regular and Bold is the alternative font for digital usage (Website, Emails, Office documents,…)
- To hightlight a paragraph of text colorization is allowed. However black type should predominate the page.
- To hightlight single words in body copy for print, underline them. Use this feature very sparingly to put focus on a word in a paragraph.
- In addition to Univers, we use AW Conqueror in our communication, when we want to highlight a specific section or express something from our manifesto. This font face should be used very sparingly and only in white on colored background (4 primary colors)
- AW Conqueror Inline is used as header font for print and web. Use the font in larger point sizes and allow the words to use the space. Avoid long titles with this font, rather use it to introduce a section or highlight a specific message.
- When we state something from the Manifesto, the AW Conqueror font is aligned centered and used in all 3 weights in the same point size in this order: AW Conqueror Carved, Inline and Slab.
- For detailed examples, please visit part 4 of this brand book.
- Text is set in Univers 55 Roman. For the small subheading Univers 65 Bold is used. The image captures are set in color. The larger characters of the quote title form a striking contrast to the size of the letters in the text.
- The page title text is set in AW Conqueror lnline in white on colored background. The indented lead-in copy is set in Univers 55 Roman in big contrast to the copy text on the page. For the small subheadings Univers 65 Bold is used. The right rail text is set in color.
- Text is set in Univers 55 Roman. For the small subheading Univers 65 Bold is used. The large characters of the lead-in copy form a striking contrast to the size of the letters in the text.
- The cover title is set in AW Conqueror In line. The small additional info text is set in Univers 55 Roman.
- The poster message is set in Univers 55 Roman in large characters to form a striking contrast to the size of the letters in the text. Choose images which allow a good readability for the text.
- The cover title is set in AW Conqueror In line. The message is set in Univers 55 Roman in black. Depending on the image the message font can be set in black or white.
Logo Usage
- Master art files are provided for both print and digital use in the Brand Library.
- Print assets include vector files, and digital assets include a set created specifically for screen usage — displaying perfectly on the pixel grid and maintain their proper shape and crispness.
- Logotype -The Hyper Island logo is our unique signature. Our signet. Our logotype sets us apart from others and clarifies who the sender is. Our logotype is developed to ensure it will work, independent of the specific context and environment.
- The Hyper Island logotype is used on all brand items, either in a primary position for corporate usage or together with the HI symbol in a secondary position for a messaging and social usage.
- To allow flexibility, the logotype is available in two basic versions: positive and negative. Based on the prerequisites, the most suitable logotype should be used.
- To ensure legibility and to prevent any obstruction of the Hyper Island logo, always maintain a minimum space around it.
- The logotype should be placed in either top left or bottom right corner.
- DO NOT distort all or part of the logotype.
- DO NOT change the color of all or part of the logotype.
- DO NOT use a gradient on the logotype. Colors need to be solid
- DO NOT apply effects on the logotype.
- DO NOT change the proportion of all or part of the logotype.
- The lockup logo is available in two basic versions: positive and negative. Based on the prerequisites, the most suitable logotype should be used.
- To ensure legibility and to prevent any obstruction of the Hyper Island lockup, always maintain a minimum space around it.
Tone And Messaging
- Our personality guides how we talk and write for Hyper island. And it’s just as much about style of our writing as the content.
- Our tone of voice is our brand put in words, a help in communicating our brand in a consistent manner -what we say and how we say it. Our tone of voice will help us to use words and writing that is in line with Hyper island values and beliefs. The core of Hyper island is the core of our tone of voice. This is where we begin to build.
- INNOVATIVE INSPIRING HUMAN CONFIDENT
- Being innovative means that our ways of communication sometimes differ from others. It means that we’ll go the extra mile to think about what will get our message through, what hasn’t been done before? It doesn’t mean that we’re taking liberties with grammar, use masses of exclamation marks or smileys.
- As in: creative, original, groundbreaking, state-of-the-art Not: taking liberties with grammar, loving smileys and exclamation marks, using jargon
- In the industries we work in, it’s easy to get lost in technical detail and that is not who we are. So we add a human touch, focusing on personal growth and the people who make Hyper Island what we are. Equally important is that we don’t come across as elitist or cold, so we’re friendly and warm. We communicate as if we would to someone we know and care about.
- As in: warm, friendly, inclusive, approachable Not: error-prone, weak, frail
- Focusing on our strengths in a positive way. To focus on what we are, what we know and what we can do for other people. We want to SHOW what we do, paint pictures to get your message across (our products, our methods, and the entire Hyper Island journey), show how we can make a difference, in the world or in someone’s life.
- As in: encouraging, uplifting, heartening, motivating, stimulating Not: happy-go-lucky, non-grounded, fluffy
- We know that what you’re working with is state-of-the-art and we take pride in this. We enjoy telling others about our work and have faith in the fact that they will want what you can offer. We don’t need to brag, we just tell it like it is. We’re not afraid to show our joy when we succeed.
- As in: accomplished, assertive, at ease, positive Not: arrogant, self-important, cocky
- Here are a few tips that can make writing a little easier. Follow them religiously when you’re feeling shaky, or cast them a glance now and then to remind yourself of how Hyper Island is supposed to sound. Good luck!
- When writing about Hyper Island use the term we, as in We believe in collaboration. It tells people something about our culture and instantly creates that feeling of wanting to belong. If you’re talking directly to a person or a group of people, use the term you, as in We think you’d like it here. Never use a capital Y in You (no use to make people feel like you’re trying to sell them insurance).
- Avoid writing in the passive form, as in You will be contacted shortly, and go for the less formal We’ll get back to you as soon as we can instead. The passive instantly turns the tone from friendly stranger to stiff upper lip. Avoid, please.
- Hyper Island is Swedish by birth, but our mother tongue is English. We are international in many ways and our pronounciation varies, and when it comes to spelling we’re tweaking it for local markets, but will be decidedly American in our general communication. Meaning color and not colour, catalog and not catalogue, soccer and not football, pants and not trousers…
- Hyper Island designs learning experiences. When describing what we are, it might be helpful to use words like school, education or business for people to understand. We are all of those things, but we are also so much more. When using the word school, please try to emphasize that we are an “unusual school” or a “different kind of school” to distinguish us from every other old school. If you are feeling uncertain about what phrase to use when explaining our values and beliefs, take a look in the manifesto and copy paste all you like.
Brand Values
- This book is the visual and textual identity of who we are. By supporting it you will help communicate the Hyper Island way in a constant manner, making it easier to quickly recognize us and what we stand for. We hope these guidelines will help all of us working with Hyper Island to understand it’s core values and the best ways of getting the message across, both externally and internally (what is the difference, really?).
- Hyper Island believes that challenging people to solve real-world problems creates new, innovative ways of thinking. We are fueled by the philosophy of experiential learning: to approach problems in multiple ways, to reflect deeply, and to draw conclusions with an open, collaborative spirit.
- At Hyper Island, we support you to: Trust your ability to develop and grow as organizations and individuals Trust your ability to seize responsibility for your own learning
- Design and facilitate individual and collective life-long learning and growth in a world where transformative technological development drives change.
- We create a constructive social arena.
- We believe in experiential Learning.
- Group dynamics.
- Reflection as a tool for change.
- Dialogue and feedback.
- Below are six key guiding principals that unite, define, and guide the Hyper Island experience.
- LEARN FOR LIFE Three little words, one big idea. At Hyper Island learning isn’t contained in a classroom. Learning is a way of life: being constantly engaged, passionate, trusting, and curious about the changing world. This is called learning by doing.
- REAL WORLD READY The digital world changes at the click of a mouse. Be ready for it. Hyper Island primes people to anticipate future needs, driven by new insight into industry trends and transformative technology.
- SEIZE YOUR POTENTIAL Hyper Island empowers passionate participation by challenging people to set ambitious goals and giving them authority over their own learning, and power over their own potential.
- LEAD THE CHANGE Curiosity is the seed of all innovation. Tomorrow’s leaders will be those who embrace change, adapt swiftly to new paradigms, and lead by action, not rhetoric.
- TEAM IS EVERYTHING Collaboration, inclusion, and transparency are crucial to growth. Through constant feedback and deep reflection, individuals can gain deeper self-awareness, enabling them to be more effective team members and leaders.
- CHANGE THE WORLD We haven’t met a status quo we didn’t challenge. We want to be active participants in the great tides of technological innovation. We will change the world by igniting a passion for learning.
Visual Style
- Our visual identity idea is inspired by a clear and simple item — The post-it note. This is an element that is used throughout the world of Hyper island. In workshops, brainstorms and when we give and receive feedback. Post-its are often visible in our premises, and remain a part of our surroundings.
- By creating a consistent and clear visual language that plays with this element, our identity extends out into our physical environment and corresponds with our other communication.
- The square format helps build a pattern, and it is a recurring visual element that together with our colors and typography creates a consistent visual expression.
Iconography
- The square format helps build a pattern, and it is a recurring visual element that together with our colors and typography creates a consistent visual expression.
- By creating a consistent and clear visual language that plays with this element, our identity extends out into our physical environment and corresponds with our other communication.
- Our visual identity idea is inspired by a clear and simple item — The post-it note. This is an element that is used throughout the world of Hyper island. In workshops, brainstorms and when we give and receive feedback. Post-its are often visible in our premises, and remain a part of our surroundings.
Layout And Composition
- Our visual identity idea is inspired by a clear and simple item — The post-it note. This is an element that is used throughout the world of Hyper island. In workshops, brainstorms and when we give and receive feedback. Post-its are often visible in our premises, and remain a part of our surroundings.
- By creating a consistent and clear visual language that plays with this element, our identity extends out into our physical environment and corresponds with our other communication.
- The square format helps build a pattern, and it is a recurring visual element that together with our colors and typography creates a consistent visual expression.
- We keep a minimalistic approach and leave room for the creative minds and work in our network to express ourselves through our brand. Structured, clear and organized.
- We have strong beliefs and a clear vision which we want to express by being colorful, bold and playful. By basing our work on a simple and structured layout we will be perceived as professional and organized. This allows us to work with another visual pace as well, where we can express our energy and personality.
- Our design idea is based on a square format inspired by the post-it note. The square shape is also used as a base for the grid we use when we design our material.
- The grid system is there to help us achieve a consistent and organised look. The grid allows us great flexibility in the way we work, based on our different requirements. Use the grid creatively to develop the solutions that best meet your objectives. Please keep in mind that it is the square shape that helps keep our visual identity consistent.
- Each project is different and the grid will need to be adjusted accordingly. Details include margins, gutter widths, vertical grid, and baseline grid.
- Depending on the complexity of the project we choose either a 4 column grid or a 6 column grid as a basis.
- Left spread page based on a 6 column grid.
- The brochure is designed with a grid comprising 54 square fields. This grid calls for a high degree of flexibility on the part of the designer.
- The Manifesto text is centered and set in negative color in the 3 different weights of the AW Conqueror font, Carved-lnline-Slab.
- AII other text is set in negative color in Univers 55 Roman. For the small subheading Univers 65 Bold is used. Negative texts should, as in our example, be short and set with relatively spacious leading.
- Right spread page based on a 4 column grid.
- The brochure is designed with a grid comprising 24 square fields. There are pictures of different sizes arranged so that there is a lively contrast between large and small formats.
- Text is set in Univers 55 Roman. For the small subheading Univers 65 Bold is used. The image captures are set in color. The larger characters of the quote title form a striking contrast to the size of the letters in the text.
- Left spread page based on a 4 column grid.
- The brochure is designed with a grid comprising 24 square fields. There are texts of different sizes arranged so that there is a lively contrast between large and small formats.
- The top of the page including the section title is on colored background.
- The page title text is set in AW Conqueror lnline in white on colored background. The indented lead-in copy is set in Univers 55 Roman in big contrast to the copy text on the page. For the small subheadings Univers 65 Bold is used. The right rail text is set in color.
- For great flexibility this page is designed with a grid comprising 54 square fields.
- Text is set in Univers 55 Roman. For the small subheading Univers 65 Bold is used. The large characters of the lead-in copy form a striking contrast to the size of the letters in the text.
- The brochure example is designed with a grid comprising 24 square fields. The image is set to extend over the edges on the left and bottom of the page, but follows the padding of the grid on the top and inside. This creates a so playful layered effect.
- Text is set in Univers 55 Roman in big contrast to the copy text on the page.
- Images can be also be used full bleed, so that they extend over the edges of the whole page.
- Corporate Manifesto cover example based on a squared 3 column grid.
- The cover is designed so that the top part with the Manifesto slogan takes up a squared size. The alignement of the Manifesto text is centered and set in negative color in the 3 different weights of the AW Conqueror font, Carved-lnline-Slab.
- The bottom part includes the Hyper Island logotype and is set in black to balance out the color of the top part. Additional info text is set in small point sizes in Univers 55 Roman.
- Corporate cover example based on a squared 3 column grid.
- The cover is designed so that the full bleed image takes up a squared size. The top pa rt of the cover is on a colored background to ensure a good contrast for the title and to create a layered effect together with the image.
- The cover title is set in AW Conqueror In line. The small additional info text is set in Univers 55 Roman.
- The Hyper Island logotype sits directly on the image in the bottom right corner. The image can be darkened slightly in this area if the contrast between image and logotype is not strong enough.
- HI poster example based on a squared 3 column grid.
- The poster is designed so that the full bleed image takes up a squared size. The bottom part of the cover is on a colored background to ensure a good contrast for logotype and text infos.
- The poster message is set in Univers 55 Roman in large characters to form a striking contrast to the size of the letters in the text. Choose images which allow a good readability for the text.
- HI cover example based on a squared 3 column grid.
- The cover title is set in AW Conqueror In line. The message is set in Univers 55 Roman in black. Depending on the image the message font can be set in black or white.
Print Guidelines
- Master art files are provided for both print and digital use in the Brand Library.
- Print assets include vector files, and digital assets include a set created specifically for screen usage — displaying perfectly on the pixel grid and maintain their proper shape and crispness.
- Hyper Island’s primary font face is Univers, which is used for both headings and body text.
- Univers 55 Roman is the headline, title and body copy font. Univers 65 Bold can be used in small point sizes to emphasize a title of a body column.
- To hightlight a paragraph of text colorization is allowed. However black type should predominate the page.
- To hightlight single words in body copy for print, underline them. Use this feature very sparingly to put focus on a word in a paragraph.
- AW Conqueror Inline is used as header font for print and web. Use the font in larger point sizes and allow the words to use the space. Avoid long titles with this font, rather use it to introduce a section or highlight a specific message.
- When we state something from the Manifesto, the AW Conqueror font is aligned centered and used in all 3 weights in the same point size in this order: AW Conqueror Carved, Inline and Slab.
- The lockup logo is available in two basic versions: positive and negative. Based on the prerequisites, the most suitable logotype should be used.
- To ensure legibility and to prevent any obstruction of the Hyper Island lockup, always maintain a minimum space around it.
- DO NOT distort all or part of the logotype.
- DO NOT change the color of all or part of the logotype.
- DO NOT use a gradient on the logotype. Colors need to be solid
- DO NOT apply effects on the logotype.
- DO NOT change the proportion of all or part of the logotype.
- Our basic primary colors are black and white: Professional, solid and confident. Especially in corporate usage together with the Hyper Island logotype black allows us to focus on our message without distraction.
- Yellow R 255 / G 240 /B 70 #FFF046 Light Orange R 255 / G 106 /B 72 #FF6A48 Green R 68 / G 176 / B 32 #47B036 Blue R 0 / G 182 / B 255 #44A520
- Teal C 50 / M O / Y 26 / K 0 Pantone 3255 C R 4 / G 205 / B 174 #04C3A5 Orange CO IM 66 / Y 88 / K 0 R 254 / G 63 /B 0 Pantone 172 C #FE3F00 Pink C 5 / M 95 / Y 0 / K 0 Pantone 219 C R 236 / G 26 / B 109 #EC1A6D Purple C 77 / M 99 / Y 0 / K O R 86 / G 40 / B 148 Pantone 527 C #673D9F
- Do not mix all the colors at the same time! Keep in mind that too much color is like too many people talking at once in a conversation. We believe simpler is better, so please avoid rainbow colors schemes on your layouts.
- You can use colors also to emphasise specific text words or sentences, or as decoration to add some extra life and energy.
- We also use 4 complementary colors to express energy and innovation.
- The grid system is there to help us achieve a consistent and organised look. The grid allows us great flexibility in the way we work, based on our different requirements. Use the grid creatively to develop the solutions that best meet your objectives. Please keep in mind that it is the square shape that helps keep our visual identity consistent.
- Each project is different and the grid will need to be adjusted accordingly. Details include margins, gutter widths, vertical grid, and baseline grid.
- Depending on the complexity of the project we choose either a 4 column grid or a 6 column grid as a basis.
- Images can be also be used full bleed, so that they extend over the edges of the whole page.
Digital Guidelines
- Master art files are provided for both print and digital use in the Brand Library.
- Print assets include vector files, and digital assets include a set created specifically for screen usage — displaying perfectly on the pixel grid and maintain their proper shape and crispness.
- Arial Regular and Bold is the alternative font for digital usage (Website, Emails, Office documents,…)
Motion Graphics
- The 40-week Motion Graphics program is an unique Hyper Island learning experience that takes you on a tour through motion graphic design, editing and…
Additional Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Foundation Date | 1996 |
| Country | Sweden |
| Inception | 1996 |
| Quora Topic Id | Hyper-Island |
| Freebase Id | /m/070myz |