Northeastern University has realized tremendous growth and academic success since 1997 when their previous logotype was introduced. Korn Design was engaged to create a powerful new identity system and visual vocabulary to convey Northeastern’s rising stature as a national university with a focus on experiential learning, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to excellence, distinctiveness, and innovation.

Our process included interviewing a cross section of the Northeastern community, a broad study of hundreds of identities for universities and cultural institutions, and research on the history of Northeastern’s logotypes and progression of institutional seals. The work included a new logotype, an updated version of the original university seal, a proprietary typeface developed in collaboration with Boston-based Font Bureau, sub-identities for each school and department, a stationery system and a comprehensive identity style guide.