Studio Brief 11: Flags: Development

I began by looking into other systems which are used to design things similar to flags. My first thought was app icons which use a suggested grid inspired by the golden ratio.

The grid uses measurements that use the golden ratio (1:1.618) to create designs which theoretically are meant to feel naturally more visually appealing.

Although some of the designs use the grid loosely, it is believed that the grid does function as a very helpful tool to give the designs a similar feel.

Before constructing my grid I needed to decide what aspect ratio I would use. I noticed that there are many flags that vary and that there isn't a standardised flag size. My research and investigation would aim to standardise flag design to make it efficient and effective.

I decided on a 1x2 ratio as it gives the flag an instantly modern look that fits with simple design. This also enabled me to create a simple square 5x10 grid that would help simplify the design of a flag:

I began experimenting with how I could construct a grid using the the golden ratio.

There are a few days to do this. I attempted many of the possibilities, starting the measurements from the centre or either edge.

According to the golden ration. The red dots are the optimal point for something to be in the flag design.

After a lot of experimentation, I settled on one final grid:

Despite using the golden ratio, some of the designs looked a bit odd. For example the spanish flag:

But some did just have a certain ora around them, but that could be a placebo effect knowing that it was designed using thegolden ratio.

I decided to take a design that I had designed using the 5x10 grid to compare it to a design designed using the golden ratio grid:

Again, I think this one is better, but it may be due to the circle being aligned to the centre.

After a lot of experimentation I realised I may need to take a step back and simplify my methods.