OUGD405 - Study Task 02 - Symbols

Using Otl Aicher's 45° pictogram grid we were asked to redesign one of the iconic pictograms for the olympics events, considering audience, scale, contrast, impact and clarity. Looking at past examples, the olympic symbols vary greatly, with some very simplified  literal icons to more realistic figures.

 

However, in my own designs I wanted to move away from the more standardised use of human figures and try something more conceptual. I selected a range of sports and attempted to simplify them down to only one or two lines. Anticlockwise: swimming, synchronised swimming, diving, weight lifting, triathlon, pentathlon, fencing and archery. 

   

I mocked up these symbols on coloured backgrounds depending on the categories - blue for water sports, red for strength sports, green for outdoor sports, brown for martial arts, and purple for multi-sports.

swimming, synchronised swimming, diving

weightlifting, archery, fencing 

triathlon, pentathlon

Feedback from the critique indicated that the simplified design was more innovative and futuristic than the standard figures, and the more muted shades of the colours worked contrasted well and created impact. However the point was raised that these symbols might not translate well to an older audience and so would need an additional title indicating the sport.