Logo & Navigation

Eco material sample 1 Eco material sample 2 Eco material sample 3 Eco material sample 4 Eco material sample 5 Eco material sample 6
Eco Materials Library display mockup
animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation animation

ABOUT THE LIBRARY

The Eco Materials Library is a hands-on, self-guided resource for learning about and experimenting with eco materials located in the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder.

It connects a physical collection of material samples with recipes and digital documentation, ingredients, tools, and equipment, giving people a pathway from encountering a material to understanding how it is made and trying it themselves.

Visitors can browse the collection, choose a sample, open its documentation, and use the recipe as a starting point for making.

DESIGN STRATEGY

COLOR

To design a comprehensive branding identity, the initiative looked at the categories of material samples in the library and used a color palette to identify the eight different categories showcased.

The categories are classifications based on the material's primary composition and source.

Eco Materials Library color swatch

The color palette was applied across the library as a coding mechanism:

  • In the logo for hanging tags
  • On the library shelves
  • In sample documentation on the website
Eco Materials Library label mockup Eco Materials Library category colors

LOGOS

The library has three logo variations:

Circle Logo inline Logo
A5 and A6 label mockup

LABELS

The library used two different labels sizes to showcase each sample. The labels include the sample name, a base determined by its primary ingredient, a location code, ingredients, instructions, post-mix instructions, and credits & alterations.

The label system was designed to maintain a consistent visual identity while adapting to different sizes and remaining easy to read. The layouts also needed to accommodate varying numbers of icons within each section.

The primary label design was adapted for the project labels, maintaining visual consistency across the library while adjusting the layout and content to fit the smaller tags and their different categorization within the library.

ICONS

The icon design extended the visual language established in the logo, incorporating the black dot motif alongside simple visuals. This system was then carried across other elements of the library, including physical signage and the website, creating a cohesive visual language throughout the project

ECO COMPATIBILITY TAGS

Indicators describing an eco material's origin and end-of-life pathways

Renewable By product Locally sourced Home compostable Industrial compostable Recyclable

FABRICATION & POST-MIX PROCESSING TAGS

Methods used to shape, modify, and assemble an eco material sample into its final form

Make it yourself Molded 3D printed Laser cut Extruded Hot pressed Cold pressed Vacuum formed Assembled Treated surface

RESOURCE ICONS

Icons used on the physical displays and signage in the library

Browse Basket To go kit Check recipe Check documentation Go to lab Return supplies Use bin Checkout form Share Contribute Make a kit

WEBSITE ICONS

Icons used on the website

Other libraries Academic resources Branding Local archive

DISPLAY SIGNAGE

At the CU Boulder Library installation, a variety of signs are mounted throughout the display to explain different aspects of the library and help guide visitors through the experience.

Three element graphic Label guide Cabinet door signage Cabinet door signage

LIBRARY BOOKLET

The installation has a printed booklet for anyone to pick up and learn more about the library

Book page 1
Book page 2
Book page 3
Book page 4
Book page 5
Book page 6
Book page 7
Book page 8
Book page 9
Book page 10
Book page 11
Book page 12
Book page 13

INITIATIVE OPENING

Initiative opening Initiative opening Initiative opening Initiative opening Initiative opening Initiative opening Initiative opening Initiative opening Initiative opening Initiative opening Initiative opening

INSTALLATION & SETUP

Installation and setup Installation and setup Installation and setup Installation and setup Installation and setup Installation and setup Installation and setup Installation and setup Installation and setup Installation and setup Installation and setup