Visual Identity Guidelines - Jisc

Visual Identity Guidelines

Our visual identity 

…is important. It embodies everything we stand for 

and influences the look and feel of everything we do. 

By being consistent in its use we can reinforce the 

quality of our work, our commitment to clear and 

authoritative information and communication, and 

encapsulate our values. 

The following pages give us and our suppliers a greater 

insight into the elements that make up our visual identity.

Contents 

0.1 Introduction 2 

0.2 Proposition 3 

1 The visual identity elements 

1.0 The basic visual identity elements 5 

1.1 Logo 6 

1.2 Logo – correct colour application 7 

1.3 Logo – clearspace 8 

1.4 Logo – sizing 9 

1.5 Logo – incorrect application 10 

1.6 Logo – use with other logos 11 

1.7 Logo – funded by JISC/supported by JISC 12 

1.8 Colour – corporate colours 13 

1.9 Colour – secondary palette 14 

1.10 Colour – specifying colour 15 

1.11 Type – primary font 16 

1.12 Type – alternate font 17 

1.13 Images 18 

1.14 Images – examples 19 

1.15 Images – how not to use photography 20 

2 Making the visual identity work 

2.0 Making the visual identity work – 

introduction 22 


thirds/quarters 23 


page borders and ‘cutting’ line 24 

3 Examples 

3.0 Examples – front covers 26 

3.1 Examples – back covers 27 

3.2 Examples – spreads 1 28 

3.3 Examples – spreads 2 29 

3.4 Examples – spread variations 30 

3.5 Examples – diagrams/charts/tables 31 

3.6 Examples – PowerPoint presentations 32 

3.7 Examples – PowerPoint presentations 

(diagrams etc.) 33 

3.8 Examples – exhibition display stands 34 

3.9 Examples – events materials 35 

3.10 Examples – CD-ROM 36 

4 Visual identity ‘strands’ 

4.0 Visual identity ‘strands’ – introduction 38 

4.1 Visual identity ‘strands’ – colour palette 39 

4.2 Visual identity ‘strands’ – logos 40 

4.3 Visual identity ‘strands’ – 

using the elements 41 

4.4 Visual identity ‘strands’ – hierarchy 42 

1

0.1 Introduction 

This document aims to ensure that the basic elements of our visual identity are 

used clearly and consistently on all of our printed and electronic communications. 

Please read through the entire document before using any of these elements. 

If you have the slightest doubt concerning any of the principles presented in this 

document, please contact the communications and marketing department: 

Please note that these guidelines are for visual identity and design. For guidelines 

on writing style/tone of voice, please contact the communications and marketing 

department, or go to: www.jisc.ac.uk/styleguide 

JISC Executive 

University of Bristol 

2nd Floor, Beacon House 

Queens Road 

Bristol 

BS8 1QU 

Web: www.jisc.ac.uk 

Email: info@jisc.ac.uk 

Tel: 0117 954 5083 

Please note: 

These guidelines are intended to mainly cover JISC’s Level 1 ‘Corporate’ and 

‘Strand’ communications output (eg printed reports, events display stands and 

some electronic communications such as PowerPoint presentations or Word 

templates). 

For guidelines on implementation of the JISC visual identity to other formats 

(eg Websites and electronic media), please contact the communications and 

marketing department. 

2

0.2 Proposition 

Establishment with 

a contemporary edge 

3

1 

The visual identity elements 

4

1.0 The basic visual identity elements 

The essence of the JISC visual identity is expressed by using a combination of the 

following elements: 

n Logo 

n Colour 

n Type 

n Images 

Each of these elements has its own rule of application which are detailed in the 

following pages. These rules and the creative combination of the elements provide 

a distinctive style for our visual identity. 

The combination of the above should remain consistent, please consider the rules 

for each element. See Section 3, Examples for more information on the application 

of the visual identity elements. 

5

1.1 Logo 

This is the JISC corporate logo: 

The logo is available in the following file formats: 

.eps 

.tif 

for print – which is ‘vector-based’ and scalable. 

for print – which can be easily incorporated into documents, but are ‘pixelbased 

and are not scalable. 

.wmf (Windows metafile) are vector-based and a standard PC format that can be 

imported into most common PC software (eg Word and PowerPoint). 

The JISC logo is a unique and well-known reflection of our name and visual identity 

values. Care should be taken to ensure that its use is consistent at all times. 

.gif 

is strictly for use on the web only, they are designed for screen resolution 

and have a very small file size so that they load in a web page very quickly. 

This means that they are not appropriate for printed materials. 

To maintain the integrity of the logo, the configuration of the JISC name must not 

deviate from that shown here. There is only one version of the logo, and it must be 

used as a single graphic unit. 

When using the logo, there is no requirement to spell out the ‘Joint Information 

Systems Committee’ in full. 

Our logo must appear on all JISC communications. If you do not have a copy of the 

corporate logo do not attempt to reproduce it. Electronic copies of the logo are 

available from: 

The following important rules govern the use of the corporate logo: 

n All publications must be immediately identifiable with JISC, therefore the logo 

should always appear on the front of any publication 

n The logo must never be modified 

n Repetition of the symbol to form decorative patterns is not allowed 

n The logo should always be used in its entirety; no element of the logo should be 

used separately 

www.jisc.ac.uk/logos 

6

1.2 Logo – correct colour application 

Colour version 

Reversed out of a 

colour 

Black version 

Please note: 

The JISC logo must always be 

reproduced in the colour version 

when used in corporate printed 

documents and electronic media. 

Pantone: Pantone 166C 

CMYK: c0 m64 y100 k0 

RGB: r217 g89 b0 

Web: #D95900 

The logo should ideally be reproduced 

by specifying Pantone 166C. Where 

this is not possible, please use one of 

the alternative colour models listed 

above. 

The logo should ideally appear in 

Pantone 166C, however if you are not 

printing with that colour ink, please 

use the white version of the JISC logo 

(‘JISC logo white’) and place it on the 

darkest available colour background. 

For use only in single colour printing, 

or for documents which are intended 

to be photocopied. 

When printing ‘corporate’ materials 

in colour, the logo must always be 

specified in this colour and not any 

other colour. 

7

1.3 Logo – clearspace 

Clearspace 

The ‘Clearspace‘ defines the minimum area that must be left clear around the 

logo, and ensures that the logo is never overshadowed by other text or visual 

elements. 

The clearspace helps to ensure clarity and improve impact. No text or graphics 

should appear within this boundary. 

Clearspace is scaled in proportion to the logo size. This diagram illustrates how 

the clearspace should be calculated. 

Cap height 

Minimum 7mm 

Baseline 

5X 

X 

5X 

Minimum size 

5X 

2X 

5X 

The logo should not be reproduced smaller than 7mm in height. 

8

1.4 Logo – sizing 

Preferred sizes 

The size of the logo differs according to the size of the media on which it is being 

used. The size is determined by measuring the distance from the baseline to the 

cap height. All of these standard size logos are available from: 


Please use the following guide to determine the correct logo size: 

Media size Application JISC logo size 

(mm) 

A2 Large posters 23mm+* 

Other size versions* 

In special circumstances the logo may need to be larger than 23mm 

(eg exhibition stands), or smaller than 7mm (eg pens). 

In these circumstances, please contact a member of the Communications and 

Marketing team, or email info@jisc.ac.uk 

Web/electronic media logos 

A range of sized logos suitable for use in web/electronic media are available from: 


A3 Posters 23mm 

A4 

A4 brochures, documents and other 

standard communications materials 

11mm/15mm 

A5 A5 leaflets, small documents 11mm 

A6 A6 booklets 7mm 

9

1.5 Logo – incorrect application 

Do not change the orientation of the logo 

Do not attempt to recreate the lettering of 

the logo with an incorrect typeface 

Do not distort the shape of the logo 

The logo must always appear in a specified 

colour (see 1.2 Logo – correct colour 

application) 

Background colour is too dark for the 

positive logo, the reversed-out (white) 

version should be used 

Do not attempt to incorporate the logo with 

any other logo 

Do not reproduce the logo over a 

photographic/illustrated background 

Do not enclose the logo within a 

shape 

10

1.6 Logo – use with other logos 

When using the JISC logo with other logos, special attention should be paid to the 

relationship between the JISC logo and the other logo(s). 

Clearspace 

The ‘Clearspace‘ defines the minimum gap that must be left between the JISC logo 

and other logos (i.e. when using the 15mm JISC logo, the clearspace should be 

7.5mm). 

X 

5X 

Other Logo 

Clearspace is scaled in proportion to the logo size. This diagram illustrates how 

the clearspace should be calculated. 

Scaling 

In addition to using clearspace between the JISC logo and other logos, if possible 

other logos should be scaled appropriately to suit the size of JISC logo being used. 

11

1.7 Logo – funded by JISC/supported by JISC 

There is a separate logo available for projects which are funded or supported by 

JISC. As with the JISC logo it is available in four standard sizes: 7mm, 11mm, 

15mm & 23mm. 

The ‘funded by JISC’ and ‘supported by JISC’ logos are available from the JISC 

website at: 


Please follow the guidelines on Clearspace (1.3) and Sizing (1.4) when using these 

logos. 

12

1.8 Colour – corporate colours 

Colour plays a vital role in JISC’s visual identity. The two corporate colours are 

designed to reinforce our core visual identity values. 

JISC orange (Pantone 166C) 

This colour has historically been used as the main corporate colour for JISC. It 

embodies the ‘contemporary twist’ in the visual identity proposition. 

Its use should be limited to the JISC logo and in small areas to provide emphasis. 


CMYK: c0 m64 y100 k0 

RGB: r217 g89 b0 

Web: #D95900 


CMYK: c100 m83 y46 k13 

RGB: r41 g51 b82 

Web: #293352 

JISC blue (Pantone 533C) 

This colour evokes the ‘establishment’ element of the visual identity proposition, 

and in this way it complements JISC orange. 

JISC blue should be used as the colour for body text in ‘corporate’ level 

documents. It is less stark than black, and evokes confidence and professionalism. 

Black can be used as the colour for body text in documents at ‘programme’ level 

and below. 

Colours should be reproduced exactly as specified here. 

For examples of how to apply these colours, see Section 3, Examples. 

10% 20% 30% 

40% 50% 60% 

70% 80% 90% 

10% 20% 30% 

40% 50% 60% 

70% 80% 90% 

Do not use tints of these colours. 

13

1.9 Colour – secondary palette 

Complementary colour 

pairs 

Pantone 166C 

c0 m64 y100 k0 

r217 g89 b0 

#D95900 

Pantone 533C 

c100 m83 y46 k13 

r41 g51 b82 

#293352 

Pantone 255C 

c51 m100 y0 k25 

r115 g36 b102 

#732466 

Pantone 308C 

c100 m5 y0 k47 

r0 g94 b125 

#005E7D 

Pantone VioletC 

c98 m100 y0 k0 

r102 g0 b161 

#6600A1 

These colours work in pairs, a dark tone 

and a complementary lighter tone. They 

can be used either way round but must 

not be mixed with other colours from 

the palette. 

Pantone 143C 

c0 m35 y85 k0 

r235 g173 b20 

#EBAD14 

Pantone 535C 

c42 m27 y7 k0 

r156 g161 b189 

#9CA1BD 

Pantone 2375C 

c10 m57 y0 k0 

r230 g107 b194 

#E66BC2 

Pantone 306C 

c75 m0 y7 k0 

r0 g184 b224 

#00B8E0 

Pantone 2645C 

c40 m36 y0 k0 

r181 g145 b214 

#B591D6 

Some of the colours are confident and 

vibrant, some are more serious. Use as 

appropriate to your message and/or to 

compliment colours in images. 

Pantone 133C 

c0 m20 y100 k56 

r112 g89 b15 

#70590F 

Pantone 341C 

c100 m0 y67 k29 

r0 g122 b94 

#007A5E 

Pantone 541C 

c100 m57 y0 k38 

r0 g64 b122 

#00407A 

Pantone 7532C 

c0 m17 y50 k65 

r102 g82 b61 

#66523D 

Pantone 2738C 

c100 m87 y0 k2 

r46 g0 b153 

#2E0099 

Pantone 7546C 

c33 m4 y0 k72 

r61 g77 b89 

#3D4D59 

60% Black 

Pantone 123C 

c0 m24 y94 k0 

r252 g201 b23 

#FCC917 

Pantone 339C 

c84 m0 y56 k0 

r0 g179 b143 

#00B38F 

Pantone 543C 

c41 m11 y0 k0 

r156 g186 b214 

#9CBAD6 

Pantone 7530C 

c0 m8 y21 k32 

r168 g150 b130 

#A89682 

Pantone 2717C 

c29 m12 y0 k0 

r171 g189 b227 

#ABBDE3 

Pantone 5425C 

c30 m4 y0 k31 

r133 g153 b168 

#8599A8 

30% Black 

14

1.10 Colour – specifying colour 

Corporate colours 

The two JISC corporate colours should mainly be used to identify the outside 

covers of a document as a JISC level 1 ‘corporate’ document. Avoid using large 

areas of the two JISC corporate colours inside documents, use a secondary palette 

colour pair instead. However, remember to use ‘JISC blue’ as a body text colour in 

‘corporate’ level documents. The other JISC corporate colours can also be applied 

to page items such as page numbers, bullet points URLs text headings etc. 

Secondary palette 

The secondary palette consists of 14 colour ‘pairs’ including colour pairs for 

the two corporate colours. The two corporate colour pairs should not be used 

generally and are intended for use only on corporate items such as letterheads 

and business cards only. The main use of the secondary palette is to add additional 

colour, where needed, to the inside pages of a ‘corporate’ or ‘strand’ document. 

Do not use tints of any of the colours; add a second colour ‘pair’ if needed. 

For examples of how to apply these colours, see Section 3, Examples on the 

following pages. 

The use of ‘white’ space is also an important ingredient for clarity and a 

contemporary feel. 

Checklist for specifying colour 

n Whenever possible, use Pantone spot colours. 

n When creating a level 1 ‘corporate’ document, body text should be printed as 

a spot colour – JISC blue (Pantone 533C). This will mean printing in CMYK with 

JISC blue as a fifth spot colour. 

n Always refer to Pantone colour swatches. 

n If Pantone colours are not available, use the four colour process (CMYK). 

n The CMYK breakdowns given should be used as a guide only, as the actual 

breakdowns can vary according to the reproduction process and materials. 

The colours will change slightly, but please check against Pantone swatches to 

make sure they are produced as accurately as possible. 

n The colours must always be reproduced to conform with one of the 

specifications indicated: 

– Pantone for direct tone printing 

– CMYK for four colour printing 

– RGB for on-screen applications (PowerPoint, video etc.) 

– Web for the Internet 

Important note: When designing with colour pairs, please try to achieve 

maximum contrast (eg if using a low contrast colour pair, do not use text out of 

the lighter colour over a solid background of the darker colour, reverse the text 

out in white instead). 

15

1.11 Type – primary font 

‘JISC’ is the JISC corporate font, for use on ‘corporate’ level documents or 

publications. It is a variation of the DIN family – with some bespoke characters. We 

have chosen this typeface for its versatility and contemporary feel. No other typefaces 

should be used in conjunction with ‘JISC’, as this will weaken our visual identity. 

When applying the typeface, there are no hard and fast rules, but following the 

guidelines below will help to maintain a level of consistency: 

n Avoid the use of CAPITALS; typeset in sentence case, except where referring to 

a name or date etc. (i.e. Joint Information Systems Committee, June) 

JISC 

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 

1234567890@£$%&* 

n Titles and headings can be set in any weight, but only use JISC light when its 

font size is significantly larger than the rest of the text on the page, or where 

it is placed in a colour block. Ensure that titles/headings are hierarchically 

superior to other text on the page by increasing point size/weight 

n Body copy is set in JISC regular, or JISC light where appropriate (and 

avoiding legibility issues). It is usually ranged left, but can be ranged right in 

circumstances where this looks better. When necessary JISC medium or bold 

can be used to create emphasis 

n Minimum point sizes, These are minimum sizes not recommended sizes, the 

type should be sized appropriately to the individual situation: 

– minimum body text Size = 8.5pt (recommended size 10pt) 

– minimum legal text Size = 5.5pt (recommended size 8pt) 

For examples of how to apply these typographic guidelines, see Section 3, Examples 

on the following pages. 

16 

JISC Light 

JISC Regular 

JISC Medium 

JISC Bold 

JISC Black 

JISC Light Italic 

JISC Italic 

JISC Medium Italic 

JISC Bold Italic 

JISC Black Italic

1.12 Type – alternate font 

‘JISC’ should be used on ‘corporate’ 

level documents or publications. When 

creating in-house and electronic 

documents, or where the JISC primary 

font is not available, please use Arial. 

For example, use Arial for word 

processed documents (eg business 

letters, committee papers), and 

PowerPoint presentations. 

Arial 



1234567890@£$%&* 

Arial Italic 



1234567890@£$%&* 

Arial Bold 



1234567890@£$%&* 

Arial Bold Italic 



1234567890@£$%&* 

17

1.13 Images 

Introduction 

A core element of the JISC visual identity is imagery. Whether commissioning 

shots or selecting images from photo libraries, it is essential that the photography 

reflects the JISC visual identity values. In particular, the following keywords should 

apply to all JISC images: 

n Educational environment 

n Technology 

n ‘Human’ element with ethnic cross-cultural mix 

n Clarity of image 

For consistency of visual style, images to be included in JISC corporate materials 

should follow these important rules: 

Image libraries 

When we are not fortunate enough to be able to commission a photo shoot for a 

particular job, we will have to use stock photography. The following is a guide to 

the kind of images we should select to maintain a look through all of the work 

produced for JISC: 

n ‘Reportage’ style of images 

n Educational environment – mix of ages (but not school-age) 

n Technology (environment with computers etc. eg library) 

n Close-up (particularly focused in on technical objects, eg lights on router) 

n ‘Human’ element with ethnic cross-cultural mix 

n Clarity of image (at least one element in the image should be in sharp focus). 

n The image must be photographic and not illustrated 

n The image should be relevant to the subject and content of the surrounding text 

A library of images is due to be available from the Communications and Marketing 

team. 

For examples of how to apply these typographic guidelines, see Section 3, Examples 

on the following pages. 

18

1.14 Images – examples 

Bespoke (commissioned 

photo shoot) examples 

Stock (image library) 

examples 

19

1.15 Images – how not to use photography 

Things to avoid 

All shots should convey the impression 

that we are looking at real life events 

and situations. Choose images which 

feature ordinary looking people who 

look as though they have been shot in 

natural light. 

n Avoid the look adopted by many 

image libraries which often appears 

false. Do not use forced poses and 

shots where people are looking 

straight at the camera 

n Images should always be full 

colour. Don’t use black and white 

or duotone shots 

n Concept/montage/character 

photography 

n Distorted shots (i.e.: fish-eye 

lenses, etc) 

n Images which have been obviously 

colour enhanced/altered 

20

2 

Making the visual identity work 

21

2.0 Making the visual identity work – introduction 

In addition to the basic visual identity 

elements described in Section 2, the 

final constituent element of the JISC 

visual identity as a whole is page 

layout/grid design. 

This element has been developed to be 

both simple to interpret and use, while 

also being visually distinctive. It has 

been designed to be flexible so it can 

appeal to a wide range of audiences 

and deliver a wide range of different 

messages. The following Section shows 

how the elements are combined to 

form the JISC visual identity. 

The page layout/grid elements are: 

n ‘Thirds’ or ‘quarters’ 

n Page borders and ‘cutting’ line 

Thirds/quarters 

In most circumstances, layouts are 

divided vertically by 3, creating a 

‘thirds’ layout. Where more page space 

is required for copy etc. layout can 

be divided vertically by 4, creating a 

‘quarters’ layout. 

Page borders and 

‘cutting’ line 

All layouts should have a white border 

around all sides of the page. No page 

items should bleed and the integrity of 

this border should be maintained. The 

border represents the boundaries and 

‘establishment’ nature of JISC. 

White space 

The use of white space as a design tool 

helps to give a clean and fresh look, 

and together with the framework for 

positioning type, the logo and imagery, 

provides a level consistency across 

varied communications while allowing 

for visual diversity through colour and 

imagery style. White space can also be 

vital as an aid to usability. 

Simple, clean layouts 

The philosophy here is simple – always 

create layouts that are simple and 

clean – because JISC is complicated 

enough already. 

Document formats 

To contrast the many individual 

design elements which mark out and 

differentiate the JISC visual identity, 

standard document formats should 

be used where possible, rather than 

custom page sizes (eg A4 for reports, 

A6 for pocket-sized brochures). 

Please consider all of the above page 

layout/grid elements when planning 

and designing your materials. 

Guidelines on how to design the ‘thirds/ 

quarters’ and ‘page borders/cutting 

line’ elements are given on the next 

two pages. 

n White space 

n Simple, clean layouts 

n 1 or 2 column grids 

n Document formats 

22 

The ‘cutting’ line is a white line which 

bisects through the layout separating 

the top third (or quarter) of the page 

from the remaining area. The ‘cutting’ 

line represents both the ‘contemporary 

twist’ and the flow of information. 

1 or 2 column grids 

Again, to keep things looking as 

uncluttered as possible, layouts should 

be restricted to 1 or 2 columns per page.

2.1 Making the visual identity work – thirds/quarters 

Thirds/quarters 

The preferred layout for the JISC visual identity is to divide the page vertically into 

thirds. 

Thirds 

Quarters 

The top third should be used for the colour block containing the document title 

on front pages, and is the area for containing page headings on inside pages. 

On document spreads, the top third can also contain other page items such as 

pictures or quotes. 

The remaining two-thirds of the layout should only contain an image on front 

covers, and is the main text area on inside spreads. 

Height ÷ 3 

Height ÷ 4 

For small format (eg A6) or text-heavy documents, or where more page space 

is required for text (eg PowerPoint slides) layout can be divided vertically into 

quarters. Follow the same rules as for a ‘thirds’ layout. 

Please note: It may not always be possible/economical to leave a third or even a 

quarter of each page in a text spread as white space where there are no headings/ 

quotes/images to place, or in a short document such as a briefing paper or 2-page 

flyer. In this case it is acceptable to use as much of the space in the spread as text 

area as is necessary. 

23

2.2 Making the visual identity work – page borders and ‘cutting’ line 

All layouts should have a white border 

(B) around all edges of the page. No 

page items should bleed into this area. 

Front cover 

B 

Document spread 

B 

B 

Additionally, the ‘cutting’ line (L) 

should bisect the page horizontally 

across the point where the page is 

divided into the first ‘third’ or ‘quarter’. 

COLOUR BLOCK/ 

DOCUMENT TITLE AREA 

PAGE HEADING/ 

IMAGE/QUOTE AREA 

PAGE HEADING/ 

IMAGE/QUOTE AREA 

The relationship of line (L) to border 

(B) should be 70%, with a minimum 

thickness of 5mm for line (L). Below 

are some examples of document 

formats and border/line dimensions: 

PICTURE AREA 

L 

L 

TEXT AREA 

TEXT AREA 

L 

Media size ‘B’ ‘L’ 

A3 15mm 10.5mm 

A4 10mm 7mm 

A5 7mm 5mm 

(min. size) 

B 

B 

B 

B B 

B 

A6 5mm 5mm 

(min. size) 

24

3Examples 

25

3.0 Examples – front covers 

Report covers are where the visual 

identity elements are most strongly 

applied, establishing the layout for the 

rest of the document. 

On larger format covers, the title can be 

set in a lighter weight of the corporate 

font. On smaller covers, the title 

should be set in a heavier weight to aid 

readability and impact. 

Collections Catalogue 

of Online Resources 2005 

FURTHER EDUCATION 

JISC Integrated Information 

Environment committee 

Annual Review 2004 

26

3.1 Examples – back covers 

All back covers should be standardised 

to look like the first example shown. 

The bottom colour block should be JISC 

corporate blue (PMS 533C). The top colour 

block should be JISC corporate orange 

(PMS 166C) with text white-out. If the 

document is available in other formats, 

please include the following line on the 

back cover in bold: ‘This document is 

available in alternative formats, please 

contact info@jisc.ac.uk’. If funders’ or 

other logos need to be shown, remove 

the bottom colour block and ‘hang’ the 

logos from the cutting line as shown in the 

second example. 

Document Title 

Further information: 



Tel: 0117 954 5083 

This document is available in alternative formats, please contact info@jisc.ac.uk 





Tel: 0117 954 5083 

All documents with a distinct back 

cover should include version and date 

information; version being shown in the 

format X.Y, where X is the version of the 

document, and Y is the print run. 

For example, the first print run of the first 

version of a document would be Version 

1.1; the second revision, third print run 

would be Version 2.3 etc. 

Version X.Y, Month Year 

27

3.2 Examples – spreads 1 

Layout is kept clean and uncluttered 

with plenty of white space. Body text 

appears in JISC corporate blue (if the 

document is level 1 ‘corporate’) or black. 

Spread title and quote appear in each 

colour from a given ‘colour pair’. 

Learning and teaching 

Type specs used in this example: 

Spread title set in 30pt JISC Medium. 

Body text set in 9.5/14pt JISC light. 

Headings set in 11/14pt JISC medium. 

Quote set in 28/34pt JISC light. 

JISC Committee for Learning and Teaching (JCLT) 

JCLT aims to advise on the use of ICT to enhance learning 

and teaching. 

A lifetime of eLearning 

JISC continues to explore the challenges presented by 

eLearning and remains at the forefront of investigation 

into exploiting ICT to support the learning experience. The 

year 2002-2003 saw the completion of JISC’s Managed 

Learning Environment (MLE) programmes: ‘Building MLEs’, 

‘Interoperability in FE England’ and finally ‘Scotland, Wales 

and Northern Ireland Interoperability (SWANI)’ brought 

together the whole range of information systems and 

processes of an institution that contribute to learning and 

the management of learning into MLEs. 

Programmes successfully continue to explore a range of 

issues from interoperability, the technological developments 

for deploying MLEs to issues relating to support as learners 

move between institutions and education sectors. The ‘MLE 

for lifelong learning’ programme will demonstrate the links 

developing between institutions and explore the practical 

issues involved with MLE development. 

JISC infoNet 

In early 2003, JISC infoNet was launched as a new JISCfunded 

service to provide expertise in the planning and 

implementation of information systems. Funded by JCALT, 

JISC infoNet introduced a series of infoKits, providing 

practical advice and support. One of the first infoKits to 

be launched is entitled ‘Creating a Managed Learning 

Environment’. 

Setting the standards 

The JISC-funded CETIS (Centre for Educational Technology 

Interoperability Standards) is providing support for the next 

phase of MLE development, by promoting the significance 

of adopting the common standards approach to achieve 

universal compatibility. The long-term strategic aim is for 

student-centred information systems, which will empower 

and allow true flexibility for the lifelong learner. 

CETIS engages with international educational standards 

initiatives and has become recognised as a well-respected 

global arbiter. A key strength of CETIS is that it is impartial 

to commercial interests and so has the ability to consider 

issues from the user-community’s perspective. The award 

winning CETIS website (www.cetis.ac.uk) is a primary 

news source recognised by the international community 

for consistently being the first to post breaking news with 

in-depth analysis. 

Plagiarism 

In its first year of operation the Plagiarism Advisory Service 

website (www.jiscpas.ac.uk) has become a valuable 

resource for the academic community. The response has 

been extremely positive, to the extent that the website is 

now positioned as an internationally respected resource 

on plagiarism. 

The future of learning and teaching 

In February 2003, JCLT proposed a new work programme, 

to meet the challenges brought by eLearning. In the coming 

years the Committee will address pedagogic effectiveness, 

eLearning frameworks and innovative technologies. 

JISC continues to explore the challenges 

presented by eLearning and remains at the 

forefront of investigation into exploiting ICT 

to support the learning experience. 

In a rapidly evolving area, JISC’s research into pedagogic 

effectiveness will provide accurate, up-to-date and research 

based information about effective practice in the use of 

eLearning applications. 

JISC is adopting a collaborative approach in the development 

of eLearning frameworks. Informed by existing development 

activities, such as the Information Environment and the 

Grid, JISC will investigate a common technical framework to 

support the delivery of eLearning. 

Capitalising on its unique position within education, JISC 

plans to involve schools and the FE and HE communities to 

ensure that the goal of lifelong learning is attainable. JISC 

will work with a number of UK agencies and organisations to 

develop an effective UK learning model. JCLT plans to keep 

apace with the latest cutting edge developments, identifying 

the potential of emerging technologies, whilst retaining a 

creative and innovative approach to eLearning. 

Partnership activities 

Throughout 2002 - 2003 JCLT continued to work with a 

number of partner organisations, seeking to promote 

understanding in ICT, share knowledge and avoid 

duplication. 

12 13 

28

HEAnet 

AbMAN Aberdeen MAN 

C&NL MAN Cumbria and North Lancashire 

Area Network 

Clydenet Clyde Area Network 

EaStMAN Edinburgh and Stirling MAN 

EastNet East of England Regional Network 

EMMAN East Midlands MAN 

FaTMAN Fife and Tayside MAN 

LeNSE Learning Network South East 

LMN 

London Metropolitan Network 

MidMAN Midlands MAN 

NNW 

Net North West 

NorMAN North East MAN 

SWERN South West England Regional 

Network 

TVN 

Thames Valley Network 

UHIMI Network University of the Highlands and 

Islands Millennium Institute Network 

YHMAN Yorkshire and Humberside MAN 

MAN 

Metropolitan Area Network or 

Regional Network 

Core Point of Presence 

Regional network entry point 

Backbone link 

Access link 

3.3 Examples – spreads 2 

Quotes and pullouts look effective when 

placed on a solid-background whole 

page, using a ‘colour pair’ (Top). 

On a small-format document such as an 

A6 brochure (bottom left), restrict the 

body text to 1 column only. 

Columns can be balanced, when 

appropriate, to improve the appearance 

of a spread (bottom right). 

2. Create 

and maintain 

sustainable 

procurement and 

delivery services 

for online content. 

Vision 

A user of electronic information is simultaneously a member 

of several communities: researcher, student, administrator, 

teacher and also employee, citizen and consumer. Users are 

increasingly mobile, needs are immediate, and they exploit an 

increasing variety and quantity of resources. Users will require 

the same, seamless and secure delivery interfaces to provide 

access to different applications. 

Such expectations demand a coherent underlying 

infrastructure operating in a genuinely pervasive way, 

accessible when and where required. Responsive mechanisms 

for storage and retrieval of information, will need to be 

underpinned by a next generation, high performance network. 

Intelligent machine-to-machine dialogue will replace many 

routine processes, leaving the user free to use and benefit 

from information in the ways that they choose. 

18 

19 

The JANET backbone 

Accessing online information 

JANET – connecting excellence 

JANET is the UK’s education and research network. The name 

JANET is given both to an electronic communications network and 

to a collection of networking services and facilities that support the 

education and research communities in the UK. 

JANET 

n Over 16 million users 

Key 

JISC Committee for Information Environment (JCIE) 

JCIE is responsible for ensuring the continued development 

of an online information environment to provide secure and 

convenient access to a comprehensive collection of scholarly 

and educational material, building on existing partnerships 

and forging new ones to contribute to a vision of a single, 

world-wide information environment. 

One of the major benefits of the online education environment 

is the opportunity it brings for sharing resources and allowing 

genuine collaboration. In 2002 and 2003, much of the work 

of JCIE focused upon enabling opportunities for access to 

quality resources across FE and HE. 

Developing shared services 

Shared services are the ‘glue’ between portals and content, 

which enable portals and other online services to deliver 

diverse digital resources and machine-readable information 

about services, content, rights and users. By providing this 

supporting mechanism, shared services enable the user 

to interact with relevant resources according to subject, 

institutional and personal profiles. Work has begun on 

a range of services, tools and mechanisms, including 

authorisation, security, profiling, collections and service 

descriptions, that will in time enable each user within FE and 

HE to tailor the web for his or her own use. 

Preserving our digital assets 

JISC has played a central role in the DPC, ensuring that 

the question of the preservation of digital assets remains 

high on the political agenda. JISC published its ‘Continuing 

Access and Digital Preservation Strategy 2002-2005’, 

outlining a programme of work to support the sustainability 

of digital content. This includes the creation of the Digital 

Curation Centre, which is now being taken forward with 

the eScience Core programme. A feasibility study was 

completed with the Wellcome Trust on web archiving and 

plans were laid with the Wellcome Trust and other partners 

for creating a Web Archiving Consortium. JISC has funded 

a number of initiatives aimed at promoting and developing 

n Scalable for ever-widening demand 

n 99.9% reliable 

n High bandwidth 

n Internationally respected 

n Delivering leading-edge technologies and services 

n Enabling present and next-generation applications in education and 

research 

Connecting your institution 

Regional Networks are the delivery points of JANET to the institutions. 

Exchange for Learning 

How do we develop online learning materials in a relatively 

easy and sustainable way that will be popular with teachers 

and will overcome challenges such as copyright, accessibility 

and usability? How do we empower teachers to repurpose 

questions and others by developing a learning materials 

repository, prototype tools and some exemplar learning 

objects and case studies to highlight and explore the issues 

around repurposing content. 

Creating and sharing community resources 

Together with X4L, the FAIR (Focus on Access to Institutional 

Resources) programme is creating repositories (or pools) of 

content to which institutional resources can be submitted. 

This content is taking many forms, such as eTheses, ePrints 

(pre-publication articles), museum and archive content and 

models of publishing and accessing of research outputs. 

Accessing online resources through portals 

Work has continued on developing a range of portals that 

will enable cross-searching across otherwise distinct 

and discrete resources. Up until now, users have had to 

access different resources separately, using different 

search interfaces. This has proven itself to be a barrier to 

the take-up of key resources. Subject portals are being 

developed at Resource Discovery Network (RDN) hubs, 

which will enable easy access to a range of resources 

within specific subjects. Image and moving picture and 

sound portals, have been explored and a learning and 

teaching portal has been co-funded in conjunction with the 

Learning and Teaching Support Network (LTSN). Crucially, 

work has begun to enable these portals to be integrated 

into institutional learning environments and local portals 

developments, ensuring that national content development 

can be appropriately married to important work currently 

being undertaken within colleges and universities. 

records management. 

Work has continued on 

developing a range of 

portals that will enable 

cross-searching across 

otherwise distinct and 

discrete resources 

More details may be found on the JISC web site: 

www.jisc.ac.uk/about_network.html 

8 9 

29

3.4 Examples – spread variations 

Spread titles can be set in a colour block 

– reverse the text out of the block where 

necessary for maximum clarity. To add 

impact to a spread, full-page photos can 

be used (top left). 

Photos can also be used in multiples on 

a whole page (top right). 

Partnership 

JISC works in partnership with a range of organisations, both in the UK 

and internationally. JISC has formal partnerships with organisations 

for a number of reasons including policy collaboration, development 

programmes and the delivery of production and advisory services. 

In the UK, the expertise of committee members, JISC Executive 

and JISC Services is shared throughout the education and research 

communities in order to exploit the full potential of information 

technologies. JISC works with partner organisations to explore 

opportunities for collaboration beyond these communities, involving 

schools, public libraries and adult and community learning. 

In order to be a world leader in the field of Information and 

Communications Technology in education, JISC seeks opportunities to 

collaborate with and to share knowledge with organisations supporting 

education throughout the world. 

30 30 

30

3.5 Examples – diagrams/charts/tables 

Examples of diagram/chart/table 

design. 

Try to stick to using one ‘colour pair’ 

plus JISC corporate blue for text 

elements (in a level 1 ‘corporate’ 

document). If you need to use more 

colours (i.e. in a pie chart with lots of 

slices), choose another colour pair from 

the palette which is close in colour. 

Do not use tints of the colours in the 

colour palettes. 

JISC 

Board 

Audit Committee Nominations Committee Remuneration Committee 

JISC Committee for Awareness, Liaison and Training (JCALT) is responsible for addressing the human and 

organisational issues of deploying ICT within further and higher education. 

JISC Committee for Content Services (JCCS) is responsible for building a collection of scholarly and educational 

online resources to support the further and higher education and research communities and the management 

of the systems that facilitate the delivery of these materials to users. 

JISC Committee for the Information Environment (JCIE) is responsible for providing a range of information 

management approaches for the integration of online resources. 

JISC Committee for Learning and Teaching (JCLT) aims to benefit learning & teaching and associated 

management processes. 

JISC Committee for Networking (JCN) is responsible for providing a pervasive, leading edge, network 

infrastructure. 

JISC Committee for the Support of Research (JCSR) is responsible for ensuring that JISC provides 

appropriate infrastructure and services to support the needs of researchers, particularly in the context of 

the UK Research Grid. 

Priority: 

Activities: 

Create and maintain sustainable procurement and 

delivery services for online content 

Aid technological developments by: 

n Establishing a set of agreed requirements for 

digital preservation 

Support institutions by: 

n Establishing a content procurement company 

n Investigating improvements to the efficiency of 

scholarly communications 

Develop advice and guidance on: 

n Best practice in Records Management 

Develop and evaluate a framework to facilitate 

integration across learning, teaching, research 

Aid technological development by: 

n Identifying the common needs of researchers, 

learners and teachers 

n The creation of systems, standards and 

specifications that support research, learning and 

teaching 

Support institutions by: 

n Developing a middleware service 

Develop advice and guidance on: 

n The development of cross-institutional, regional 

eLearning systems 

31

3.6 Examples – PowerPoint presentations 

Example of PowerPoint Presentation: 

cover, title slide, main slide. 

Presentation Title 


Section Title 

Presenter’s Name 

Presenter’s Title 

Supporting education and research Date | Occasion | Slide 1 

Joint Information Systems Committee 

Supporting education and research 


Slide Title 

n Enable UK education and research to keep their activities world-class 

through the innovative use of ICT. 

n To provide advice to institutions enabling them to make economic, 

efficient and legally compliant use of ICT. 

n To help the sector provide a positive, personalised user experience. 

n To develop mutually advantageous partnerships with organisations 

in the UK and abroad 


32

3.7 Examples – PowerPoint presentations (diagrams etc.) 

Example of PowerPoint Presentation: 

cover, diagram slide. 


Slide Title 


Joint Information Systems Committee 

Supporting education and research 


33

3.8 Examples – exhibition display stands 

Example of display stands: 

large pop-up display stand and banner 

display stand. 

34

3.9 Examples – events materials 

Examples of miscellaneous events 

stationery design (folder, writing pad, 

post-it notes). 

35

3.10 Examples – CD-ROM 

Example of CD-ROM and slip/jewel case 

design. 

The work of the Joint Information 

Systems Committee 

The work of the Joint Information 

Systems Committee 

This disc contains JISC audiovisual presentations, screen savers and wallpaper 

This disc contains JISC audiovisual presentations, screen savers and wallpaper 

36

4 

Visual identity ‘strands’ 

37

4.0 Visual identity ‘strands’ – introduction 

In addition to the core ‘corporate’ 

visual identity, there are several 

activities of JISC which require their 

own separate visual identity ‘strand’. 

They are: 

n e-Learning 

n e-Research 

n e-Administration 

n e-Resources 

n Information Environment 

n Middleware 

n Network 

These ‘strands’ have their own 

separate sub-visual identity, but fall 

within the overall JISC visual identity 

and should follow the rules outlined 

in these guidelines. 

There are, however, three visual 

identity elements which are particular 

to these ‘strands’ which differentiate 

them from the main JISC identity: 

1. ‘Strand’ colour pairs 

In the same way that the JISC visual 

identity has its own ‘corporate’ colour 

pairs (orange and blue), each of these 

‘strands’ is assigned its own exclusive 

colour pair. 

This is both to provide the ‘strands’ 

with their own distinctive visual 

identity, and also to differentiate these 

‘strands’ from the main JISC visual 

identity. 

Each of these colour pairs should 

be used exclusively by the ‘strand’ 

to which it belongs. See the ‘strand’ 

colour palette on the following page. 

For example, a ‘strand’ colour pair 

should, at a minimum, always be used 

in the document title area (eg on the 

cover of a printed report or at the top of 

a banner display stand). 

2. ‘Strand’ logos 

Each of the strands has its own 

logo which should appear on the 

cover of the ‘strand’ document 

being produced. The purpose of this 

is to further differentiate ‘strand’ 

documents from JISC corporate 

documents. 

See the following page for examples 

of the ‘strand’ logos. 

3. Use of ‘strand’ visual 

identity elements 

The way in which the ‘strand’ 

colour pair and logo are used also 

differentiates the ‘strands’ from the 

main JISC visual identity, and also 

to helps to provide the ‘strands’ with 

their own separate visual identity. 

For example, if a ‘strand’ visual identity 

is being used for a printed document, 

as a very minimum, its colour pair and 

logo must be used on the front cover. 

If it is necessary to add other colours 

inside the document (besides the JISC 

‘corporate’ colour pairs – orange and 

blue – and the colour pair being used 

for the ‘strand’), use colours from the 

secondary palette (Section 1.9). 

38

4.1 Visual identity ‘strands’ – colour palette 

‘Strand’ complementary 

colour pairs 

e-Learning 

e-Research 

Effective Use 

of ICT 

e-Resources 

Information 

Environment 

Each ‘strand’ has its own colour pair 

which should be exclusively used by 

that ‘strand’. 

Pantone 7463C 

c0 m43 y0 k65 

r0 g54 b89 

#003659 

Pantone 3282C 

c100 m0 y46 k15 

r0 g138 b128 

#008A80 

Pantone 392C 

c7 m0 y100 k49 

r125 g120 b5 

#7D7805 

Pantone 7427C 

c0 m100 y65 k28 

r153 g20 b38 

#991426 

Pantone 2607C 

c81 m100 y0 k7 

r89 g0 b117 

#590075 

These colours work in pairs, a dark 

tone and a complementary lighter 

tone. They can be used either way 

round but must not be mixed with 

other colours. 

Pantone 7458C 

c40 m0 y5 k6 

r130 g184 b201 

#82B8C9 

Pantone 3242C 

c37 m0 y18 k0 

r130 g217 b212 

#82D9D4 

Pantone 397C 

c10 m0 y100 k11 

r191 g184 b10 

#BFB80A 

Pantone 197C 

c0 m45 y10 k0 

r235 g156 b168 

#EB9CA8 

Pantone 2562C 

c19 m35 y0 k0 

r214 g163 b219 

#D6A3DB 

Business & 

Community 

Engagement 

Network 

Pantone 202C 

c0 m100 y61 k43 

r135 g33 b46 

#87212E 

Pantone 5115C 

c75 m100 y70 k15 

r77 g38 b59 

#4D263B 

Pantone 7417C 

c0 m75 y75 k0 

r222 g84 b51 

#DE5433 

Pantone 5155C 

c17 m29 y8 k0 

r196 g166 b181 

#C4A6B5 

39

4.2 Visual identity ‘strands’ – logos 

‘Strand’ logos 

Positive 

Negative 

These logos should appear alongside 

with, instead of rather than, the main 

JISC logo. Please see the example 

on this page for positioning of the 

‘strand’ logo on a document cover. 

Please see Section 1.6 (Logo – use 

with other logos) for guidelines on 

positioning the ‘strand’ logo near the 

JISC logo. 


All these logos are provided in sizes 

appropriate to the size of the JISC logo 

that they are being used with. For 

example, the logo called ‘eLearning11. 

eps‘ should only be used with the JISC 

logo called ‘JISCcolour11.eps‘. 

These logos are available at: 


40

4.3 Visual identity ‘strands’ – using the elements 

The example on this page shows how 

the ‘strand’ elements (exclusive colour 

pair and logo) are used correctly. 

In this example (e-Learning ‘strand’ 

banner stands for an event), the one 

on the left is the primary e-Learning 

stand, with the other two being below 

the first one in hierarchy. The rule that 

applies here is that the primary stand 

uses only the e-Learning colour pair in 

the lower block. Any stands ‘below’ this 

one in hierarchy are free to use other 

colour pairs in their lower block from 

the secondary palette (Section 1.9). The 

e-Learning colour pair and logo are 

used consistently in the top colour block 

of them all. 

If this example was a printed report (say 

e-Learning), the e-Learning colour pair 

and logo would always appear on the 

front cover of the document. However, 

inside the document, other colours from 

the secondary palette (Section 1.9) can 

be used. 

41

4.4 Visual identity ‘strands’ – hierarchy 

The example on this page shows 

in diagram form an example of the 

hierarchy of the ‘strands’. 

n Level 1 – Uses the two JISC 

corporate colour pairs. 

LEVEL 1: Corporate 

JISC pop-up display stand 

n Level 2 – Uses the e-Learning 

‘strand’ exclusive colour pair. 

n Level 3 – Combines the e-Learning 

‘strand’ exclusive colour pair, with 

other colours from .the secondary 

palette (Section 1.9). 

LEVEL 2: Operational 

JISC e-Learning main ‘strand’ 

banner display stand 

LEVEL 3: Operational 

JISC e-Learning ‘strand’ 

secondary banner display stands 

42

JISC Visual Identity Guidelines 




Tel: +44 (0)117 331 0789 

Version 2.1, March 2009

Visual Identity Guidelines - Jisc

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?