Online design manual strengthens visual identity

Online design manual

Most design manuals, however, are still developed in an offline world – either in printed form or as a simple PDF. An online design manual offers numerous advantages over the traditional solution. We will explore these advantages in this blog post based on a specific case that we recently delivered using Umbraco CMS. The solution was developed in collaboration with IDna Group, which created the design, and the client was NKT.

Always current and easy to access - no matter where you are

When the final period is placed in a traditional design manual and it is delivered for print or as a PDF, it tends to be outdated already. In most companies or organizations, the visual identity undergoes constant adjustments, with new elements being added or existing ones expanded. This trend has accelerated significantly with the rise of digital communication. As a result, the design manual today needs to be updated more frequently than before. Subsequently, it must be distributed within the company via email or uploaded to a server. This is a cumbersome and challenging process, especially when distributed by email, as continuity depends on employees remembering to save and update their manual. This often leads to employees working with different versions of the design manual. By using an online manual solution, it is easy to ensure that it always contains the latest version as well as all relevant work files. The online design manual is accessed in the same way by all users, whether they are at the company, on the go, or at home. There is no longer a need to search for the latest version in the inbox or on the company’s server.

Embraces both offline and online elements

Traditional design manuals are primarily focused on offline identity elements – how a logo should be displayed or not displayed, how colors should be used, what the letterhead should look like, etc. However, it is difficult to properly showcase online elements and, above all, provide the ability to always download the elements. Whether it’s logos in different formats, various templates, presentations, images, films, etc. Here, an online solution offers entirely different possibilities. There are excellent opportunities to present all elements in their proper context – and at the same time, the solution can include a download center where any user can quickly download exactly what they need. This solution also emphasizes user-friendliness in the back-end to ensure that the design manual is maintained and updated. The entire online design manual in our solution is logically built in modules and can be easily updated, adjusted, expanded, and rearranged as needed.

Communication with users

After logging in, users are greeted with an overview of the latest updates and announcements before entering the manual itself. An email module also allows for automatic newsletters with the latest news, provided the user has opted in. This can be supplemented with a chat solution where users can directly ask questions to the brand or identity managers. Overall, there are excellent opportunities to communicate with all users quickly and effectively.

Increased security with an online solution

An online design manual ensures the solution is secure with login – in this case, a .NET solution hosted on Amazon. There are minimal risks of the design manual and all its elements falling into the wrong hands.

Not just a tool for large companies and organizations

An online design manual, as described in this case, encourages employees to more readily use identity elements and company templates. It also ensures that the visual line is kept much sharper. This is particularly beneficial for larger companies and organizations, such as institutions with many employees. However, Propellos also delivers solutions tailored for smaller businesses.

Share on Social Media