Decorative Elements | ITS Commons

Decorative elements: abstract shapes and icons

Icons and abstract shapes can be incorporated into a design to represent ITS’ value proposition and to enhance ITS’ brand. The goal of including icons, shapes or textures in our communications is to reinforce the ITS brand by repeating a familiar style of graphics in our communications. All ITS divisions should use our official UNC ITS logo or their division logo (if provided by UNC Creative) as the primary mark in branded materials. Icons and shapes should be used as secondary design elements to reinforce our brand identity and may only be used if the formal department or division logo appears elsewhere. When choosing icons, look for flat, simple styles that utilize lines and circles to express connectivity and collaboration, similar to the examples below. Incorporating shapes into a design enhances the visual interest. Use shapes to draw the eye to featured content, as a decorative element in the background or to balance the layout.

Two linked square shapes, one is Web Carolina Blue and one is Tile Teal

Two curved lines leading into another. One is Web Carolina Blue and the other is Tile Teal.

A Web Carolina Blue hexagon surrounded by six Web Carolina Blue circles.

A four-pronged shape with circles at each point. The circle colors are Tech Teal, Tile Teal, Navy and Web Carolina Blue

Shapes and textures

The shapes and textures below inspire thoughts of technology, connectivity and data. These shapes are examples of elements that utilize circles and lines to reinforce ITS’ value proposition: Connect, Collaborate, Educate. Other elements, such as diamond shapes or abstract references to diamonds tie into UNC branding while also creating energy and movement in a design, reflecting ITS’ tone words. It is always acceptable to incorporate UNC branding elements into ITS communications. The UNC brand focuses on University cultural themes of stone, water, wood and architecture such as the Old Well. When a technology-focused graphic is needed for messaging, however, ITS styled elements may replace those from the UNC brand. Look for textures and shapes with thin, structured lines and sharp edges which convey a professional, formal tone. Adding color to the graphic or overall design can help soften the quality for a less formal tone.

A circular shape made from lines with circles on the end of them and lines jutting out from the center circle, suggesting data or circuits.

A circle made from a repeating group of varying dots suggesting data

A circle made from a repeating group of varying squares suggesting data

Adding color

Adding color to the graphic or overall design can help soften the quality for a less formal tone, as shown here.