Detail vs. Legibility
ISSUE 0006
Striking a Balance
It can be tough to get a sense of what your BadgeCap will look like in your hands, even with digital proofing. With high resolution screens, it’s easy to pinch-and-zoom, and add more detail. But as with many things, more is not always better.
Today we’re going to talk through best practices for your badge design. We have some of the finest detail capability in the industry, and we want you to make the most of it! There are several ways to take advantage of our laser detail and represent your brand with clarity.
When it comes to conveying the information in a design, the window is small. You have between 1.5 and 3 seconds to grab your viewers attention and hold it. Your brand needs to be clear and communicate your services fast and with confidence.
There are three standard distances that to consider when designing a badge. The first is in-hand, the second is on-head, and finally, cross-room.
In-Hand
A design needs to work in-hand when someone that has received the cap examines it before putting it on. Or when someone asks to see the cap for a closer inspection. This is where the fit and finish shine! Here the final details like the stainless hardware, the brushed badge, and the cut quality are key.
✅ Clear, legible detail, recognizable shapes.
❌ Low contrast, minimal detail.
On-Head
A design needs to work in-hand when someone that has received the cap examines it before putting it on. Or when someone asks to see the cap for a closer inspection. This is where the fit and finish shine! Here the final details like the stainless hardware, the brushed badge, and the cut quality are key.
Large, readable logo, distinct shape.
Too much text, brand not recognizable.
The design will be at this distance for the vast majority of its time in the field. 33% of wearers are reaching for their favorite cap weekly or more, and kept for over 10 months on average. This is our “conversational” spacing, and the cap needs to be clear at about handshake’s distance. Or, legible at a comfortable speaking distance away from the viewer.
We want your brand to be visible — and readable — from that 4’-8’ distance. When you speak to a potential customer, you can be sure that your BadgeCap is getting noticed. We want your business to leave a lasting impression!
Cross-Room
And finally, the finish that we use for our badges makes them shine without being reflective. When you’re across the room from someone it catches their eye. This is where the shape of your badge design, and the cut-outs, are most important.
Your badge can have a shape that communicates your business services. Or a large, clear graphic that communicates what you do. It helps give you business context and a reason for someone to come over to speak to you about your business!
Distinct, recognizable overall shape.
Text distorts overall shape, not industry-specific.
Putting it together
We want your badge to be clear and effective at all three levels. First, a distinct badge shape or relevant graphic that is noticeable from across the room. Then, at a conversational distance your business name should be visible and memorable. Finally, when someone has your BadgeCap in-hand, the fit and finish should be top notch. It should reflect the quality and value of your business’s services!
If you’re ready to speak with our design team about bringing out the best of your business, click below to get in touch. We’re ready to help you get started on your custom BadgeCaps!
