Download Hennepin County: Branding Style and Usage Guide

Hennepin County: Branding Style and Usage Guide
Public Affairs – June 2012
Table of Contents
Branding Style and Usage Guide
Introduction......................................................................................... 1
Multi-tiered branding
Explanation .................................................................................. 2
Corporate identity ................................................................... 2
Brand .............................................................................................. 2
Corporate identity
Key elements .............................................................................. 3
Official county logotype ...................................................... 4
County logo as graphic element .................................... 4
Color standards .................................................................. 5 - 6
Placement and display of logo ......................................... 7
Co-Branding
Hennepin with other agencies ........................................ 8
Corporate identity use with brands .............................. 8
Signature graphic elements ............................................. 8
Photos ............................................................................................ 8
Design style ................................................................................ 8
Official County Seal
Usage ............................................................................................10
Typography
Preferred fonts.......................................................................... 11
Subordinate Graphics
Photography ............................................................................. 12
Graphic Elements ................................................................... 13
Corporate identity tools
Stationery (letterhead / envelopes) ...................14 - 15
Business cards..................................................................16 - 17
Memorandums...............................................................16 - 17
Design tools and templates
PowerPoint ........................................................................18 - 19
Guidelines for PowerPoint presentations
before the Hennepin County Board ................ 20 - 23
Identifying departments
Identifying departments...................................................... 9
Department naming conventions ................................. 9
For more Information
Public Affairs
612-348-3848
[email protected]
Hennepin County Identity System
The Role of a Corporate Identity System
The purpose of this guide is to provide clear information for the consistent use
of the county brand and corporate identity, including the official Hennepin
County “H” logo and branding system.
Consistent branding of county communication, including naming conventions
and signage, creates the county’s corporate identity. A strong corporate identity
increases public awareness of county services, and strengthens the public’s
association with the value of those services.
Hennepin County has many departments, services and programs that are
highly valuable to the organization and to customers. Under an effective
corporate identity system, all these services must be promoted and highlighted
as belonging to one organization: Hennepin County government. The county’s
Communication Policy requires the Public Affairs Department to oversee the
county’s branding standards and corporate identity system.
Assisting Public Affairs with branding information and compliance are Central
Services, a division of Information Technology, which helps monitor and
enforce the proper use of the county identity; and the Purchasing Department,
which helps ensure that county branding is consistently required for all
contracted communication and marketing services.
The following pages present guidelines and specifications defining the logo – its
elements, arrangements, font and color. Any customization must be approved
by the Public Affairs Department prior to production.
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1
Multi-tiered Branding
Hennepin County is a large, diverse organization. There are many groups and
programs that help the county meet its goals. It is important that people who
value individual areas and programs of the county begin to associate these areas
and programs with Hennepin County.
Why do it?
t Helps Hennepin County look professional and organized
t Strengthens the county’s image and recognition with the public and staff
Corporate Identity
A corporate identity is the “persona” of a corporation (county) that is designed
to assist in the attainment of business objectives and is manifested by way
of branding and consistent use of messaging / communication. A corporate
identity is fed by the beliefs of a company and its association with its value
system (county goals). The public can associate with these values and in turn
associates positively with the county.
Brand
By definition: a unique combination of symbol, color and text that a group uses
to represent itself. At Hennepin County the brand is the blue ‘H’ letterform;
there may be additional need on print publication for supporting graphic
elements, but it is important to use the county brand in a uniform and
consistent way on all materials.
Supportive graphics should not be used to replace Hennepin County’s brand,
its logo and identifiers. These subordinate graphics should be used only in
limited circumstances and only when it is important to the end user to identify
one smaller group (such as a product) from another. Please contact Public
Affairs with questions regarding this.
2
Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide
Corporate identity: Key components
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(logos / layout / font selection)
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blue ‘H’ logo
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(commercials / news and information
/ public relations / speaking
engagements)
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norms / etc.)
Corporate Identity
Key Elements
The key elements of Hennepin County’s Corporate Identity System are:
t Logotype (Hennepin County ‘H’)
t Primary color Pantone (PMS) 293 blue and expanded color palette
t Typography
t Corporate signature
To maintain this identity system, it is essential that these elements are used
accurately and consistently. In general, the Hennepin County logo is used
on all materials as outlined in the following pages.
By consistently managing various levels of identity throughout all
communications, Hennepin County develops a central, focused image and
attitude. By that association, customers and the public connect Hennepin
County services and results to their quality of life.
Benefits of consistent branding
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that reflects the image and character
of Hennepin County, its mission
and goals, and the values of its
constituents
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ensuring consistency and accuracy in
communication
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printing that successfully conveys the
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dollars dedicated to printing /
communication needs
Subordinate Elements
In addition to the key elements in Hennepin County’s Corporate Identity,
subordinate design elements are available for optional use. These elements
should be used whenever possible, but are not required on all materials.
t Stylized tagline (“Working for you”)
t Photography
t Supportive graphics (small-form “H,” line strokes) (pg. 12)
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Official County Logotype
The way a logo is used and presented is just as critical to Hennepin County’s
brand as the design of the logo itself. The official logotype – or logo – will be
prominently displayed on all county information and promotional material,
including county assets, such as facility signage, vehicles, etc. The logo must
not be changed in any way (color, font, proportion). Regimented use of the logo
ensures accurate and consistent messaging.
The official Hennepin County logo is pictured at right. This logo is to be
used on ALL Hennepin County print and digital publications – this includes
brochures, annual reports, newsletters, electronic communication, forms,
letterhead, signage, vehicles, business cards and advertising. No other logo
may be used in place of the official county logo.
Versions of the logo are available for download at www.hennepin.us/logos.
County Logo as Graphic Element
You may use the county logo – minus the word Hennepin – as a graphic
element AS LONG AS the Hennepin County logo appears elsewhere on the
same document / web page. An established small-form ‘H’ graphic (pg. 12)
element is established and may be used to meet your needs.
Usage
The logo may be used only as shown.
Hennepin County – colored logo
The logo will always be reprinted as
shown with the word “Hennepin” as
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CMVFPSFRVJWBMFOU
No other colors may be used for the
logo.
Pantone® is a registered trademark of
Pantone, Inc.
Hennepin County – black logo
The logo will always be reprinted as
shown with the word “Hennepin” as
PQBRVFXIJUF
Hennepin County – reverse logo
The logo will always be reprinted as
shown with the word “Hennepin” as
blue or black
4
Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide
Color Standards
Hennepin County Logo
The Hennepin County logo is a one-color logo and the blue color is the
preferred version whenever possible including: print and electronic media,
collateral materials, corporate identity tools and all marketing materials.
* This may not be possible when
printing on medium that isn’t white,
such as a colored T-shirt. This is fine
as long as the word “Hennepin” is the
same color as the printing medium.
The primary color of the logo is Pantone (PMS) 293 blue or its equivalent (the
color may be built using CMYK, RGB or HEX as necessary). The logo may also
be black or reversed-out white. It is important that the word “Hennepin” within
the logo always be 100% opaque white* [100% blue or 100% black (only when
using the reversed logo option)].
Note: The proportion of the “H” letterform and the word “Hennepin” must stay consistent.
Extended Color Palette
An extended complementary color palette has been established in a three-tier
system and should be used in all of your communication needs (see charts).
Hennepin Blue (PMS 293) should be used whenever possible.
PMS 293 core color [Hennepin Blue]
primary palette: [color_1]
secondary palette: [color_2]
tertiary palette: [color_3]
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Blues
Hennepin County logo blue
cmyk values
rgb values
hex values
Pantone
100.57.0.40
0.68.124
100.57.0.2
0.103.177
60.25.0.0
97.162.216
25.10.0.0 186.210.237
00447c
0067b1
61a2d8
bad2ed
295
293
0.10.33.72
0.10.35.40
0.2.10.14
105.94.74
168.152.119
223.217.202
695e4a
a89877
dfd9ca
405
75.68.67.90
or black
0.0.0
52.43.43.8
127.127.127
or 50% black
19.
15.16.0 204.204.204
or 20% black
000000
7f7f7f
cccccc
black
56.0.100.27 94.151.50
50.0.100.0 141.198.63
25.0.60.0 198.222.137
5e9732
8dc63f
c6de89
370
0.28.100.30 187.141.10
0.25.90.10 230.177.46
0.10.60.0 255.225.127
bb8d0a
e6b12e
ffe17f
132
179.8.56
0.100.63.29
0.100.65.10 215.19.69
0.40.35.5 235.162.144
b30838
d71345
eba290
201
Browns
Rich Black
Greens
Golds
Reds
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Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide
Placement and display of logo
The Hennepin County logo must be used on all publications. Placement of
the logo is based on both its need for prominence and how the piece will be
designed, mailed, presented or displayed. In general, the logo should always
appear on the mail panel of a self-mailing publication and prominently placed
on envelopes. The logo is a brand and wordmark – it is not necessary that it be
used as the central visual element of a publication.
Logo Size
The logo has a minimum size for legibility.
The logo may not appear less than
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The logo may be used in conjunction with photos or illustrations as a graphic
element. When it is used in this capacity, the word “Hennepin” should be
deleted from the logotype. When the “H” letterform is used as a graphic
element, a logo must still be used on the same document following the
standard guidelines.
Quality control
To create a strong, unified Hennepin County image, it is imperative to avoid
improper use of the logo. The key elements – the color palette, and the
designated “safe space” (see inset at right), are integral to the logo. To ensure
high-quality reproduction, the logo should always be reproduced from the
approved digital artwork available through www.hennepin.us/logos. Once
downloaded, these logotypes should never be altered in any way.
Logo ‘Safe Space’
The logo should be used in such a way
that it is not be immediately adjacent to
other graphic elements
The width of one stem of the “H”
letterform should be left blank around the
logo (highlighted with gray box below)
Be careful to avoid these common usage errors:
DO NOT alter the logotype in any way
DO NOT change the height to width proportions of the logo
DO NOT change the letter spacing in the word “Hennepin” in the logotype or the
ratio of the letter size to the “H” letterform
DO NOT use the logo in unapproved colors
DO NOTSVOMJOFTUISPVHIUIFMPHPmUIJTOPUBQQMJDBCMFUPHSBQIJDFMFNFOUT
DO NOT make the logo three-dimensional
The logo can still be used on a
“background” as long as sufficient contrast
exists not to distract from the logo
DO NOT use the logo on a low-contrast or busy background
DO NOT use the wordtype Hennepin within the logo in sentences or web addresses
DO NOT place the logo in any position except that approved in the guidelines
DO NOT use the logo as part of a cartoon
DO NOT use the logo adjacent to a brand “logo” or mark
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Co-branding
Co-branding Hennepin County with Other Agencies
It is often necessary to brand Hennepin County in addition to other
government agencies, municipalities or outside business and non-profit groups.
When this is needed, please place logos as follows:
t If Hennepin County is the primary funding stream or resource contributor:
the Hennepin County logo appears first, followed by other logos - in
succession of contribution level.
t If all organizations provide equal contribution to the effort: All logotypes
appear in alphabetical order.
t If Hennepin County is a secondary partner: The Hennepin County logo
should appear behind those of larger contribution, either financial or
resource allocation.
Corporate Identity Use with Brands
Consistent branding promotes the many valuable programs and services
provided by the COUNTY. The one county logo visually reinforces the county’s
presence and impact. However, because of the breadth of county services,
it’s often necessary to highlight individual departments. As such, a standard
presentation is in place for using the name of a department in conjunction with
the county logo (pg. 9).
Signature Graphic Elements / Photos / Design Styles
Some programs, products and services have signature graphic elements, photos
or design styles; these identifiers have been created or approved by the Public
Affairs Department. These elements should not be used without the approved
county logo appearing on the same document.
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Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide
Department Identificaiton
Identifying Departments
A defined style has been set for use identifying individual departments
(see right).
Department naming conventions
t Assessor
t Administration
t Office of Budget and Finance
t Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation
t County Attorney’s Office
t Emergency Management Department
t Department of Environmental Services
t Examiner of Titles
t GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
t Housing, Community Works and Transit Department
t Human Resources Department
Hennepin County
Public Affairs
Department identification
The Hennepin County logo appears left
of the department name a distance of
one-half the width of one stem of the “H”
letterform
The department name is stacked under
the words “Hennepin County” and the
preferred placement is such that the
department name and base of logo align
“Hennepin County” is bold while the
department name is not
The preferred type style is Myriad Pro
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t Human Services and Public Health Department
t Information Technology Department
t Intergovernmental Relations Department
t Internal Audit Department
t Labor Relations Department
t Library
t Hennepin County Medical Center
t Medical Examiner’s Office
t Metropolitan Health Plan
t NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center
t Property Services Department
t Public Affairs Department
t Public Works Department
t Public Works Management Support Department
t Purchasing and Contract Division
t Research, Planning and Development Department
t Sheriff’s Office
t Taxpayer Services Department
t Transportation Department
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The seal
N
EP
IN CO
NT
IN
A
Y
The seal may be rendered in a single color (blue, black or gold), two-color
(blue and gold), or its four (full) color form. It may also be used in a foil
stamp or embossed.
M
By nature, seals are usually complex in design and, therefore, are not
effective for quick recognition and easy duplication. A more recognizable
and simple logo – the blue Hennepin County “H” – is available for
department and program use.
The seal may be used only as shown
U
The use of the county seal is restricted to official, formal or
commemorative use (i.e., checks, plaques). Its use for invitations and
printed materials is reserved for use by constitutional officers (Board of
County Commissioners, County Attorney, Sheriff) and official, formal
communication.
Usage
HEN
Use of Official County Seal
NESO
T
Hennepin County – one-color seal
Black
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1BOUPOFHPMEmPSFRVJWBMFOU
EP
IN CO
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IN
A
Y
HEN
NT
Note: The Hennepin County seal is the same as the State of Minnesota seal. Many
Minnesota counties use this as their official seal.
N
These versions of the county seal are available only through Public Affairs.
NESO
T
Hennepin County – two-color seal
1BOUPOFCMVFmPSFRVJWBMFOU
1BOUPOFHPMEmPSFRVJWBMFOU
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NT
M
IN
A
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HEN
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Pantone® is a registered trademark of
Pantone, Inc.
NESO
T
Hennepin County – full-color seal
The seal will always be reprinted as
shown.
No other colors may be used for the
seal; shades and screens are allowed.
10
Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide
Typography
Preferred Fonts
Don’t have these fonts?
An important part of creating a professional image is the standardized use of
typography. Preferred fonts have been selected for readability and ease of use.
Myriad Pro and Berkeley are the primary brand typeface and must be used
whenever possible.
Talk with your department director if you
need to purchase fonts
0SXPSLXJUI1VCMJD"íBJSTPS$FOUSBM
Services / IT for your layout needs.
The below fonts should be used in print and digital publications – this includes
brochures, annual reports, newsletters, forms, letterhead, signage, vehicles,
business cards and advertising.
For maximum flexibility the selection includes three sans serif and two serif
fonts. These five fonts can be used interchangeably although the preference is to
use the sans serif (Myriad Pro / Arial / Verdana) fonts for titles / headlines, and
the serif (Berkeley / Times New Roman) for the body copy. Other fonts may be
used for display copy as necessary. Contact Public Affairs with questions.
Font Families
Any version (bold, regular, italics, condensed, narrow) are allowed for use.
Serif
Sans Serif
Berkeley
Myriad Pro
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
0123456789
0123456789
Times New Roman
Arial
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
0123456789
0123456789
Verdana (online use only)
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
0123456789
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Subordinate Graphics
The Hennepin County brand is further supported by photography and
graphics. These elements must be used properly in order to best support the
messaging and maintain visual cohesiveness.
Photography
Public Affairs has a comprehensive library of images for use in all outreach
materials, it is important that Hennepin County’s photographs and imagery
are used to convey the right words and meaning. Imagery should be used to
enhance the messaging.
Landmark Photos
Landmark photography can be used as background design elements. It needs
to be highly graphic and recognizable, and produced in colors that compliment
Hennepin County’s palette – popular options of this include the Hennepin
Avenue bridge and Hennepin County Government Center.
Photos
As a large organization, it is important to show the diversity of the organization
through its people, clients, challenges and solutions. Specific photography
for your area may be available or can be acquired through the Public Affairs
photography staff. The use of photos featuring county customers requires
permission given in writing by those featured. Public Affairs administers and
archives photo and video releases.
/PUF"MMPVUTJEFQIPUPHSBQIZNVTUCFBQQSPWFECFGPSFVTF
12
Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide
Subordinate Graphics
Graphic Elements
There are other graphic elements that can be used to support the
Hennepin County brand. Graphics should be used sparingly. Overuse can
distort the message and hinder the readability and understanding of the
communication piece.
“Working for you”
The “working for you” tagline and graphic should be used sparingly. This
graphic is primarily used on covers and is screened vertically along the
right edge or lower half of the document.
Rules
Rules can be used to highlight, call attention to, or help separate
information. Rules should also be used sparingly and carefully, as
misplacements can look awkward. A 3 pt. sample is shown above.
Small-form ‘H’
The small-form ‘H’ can be used as supportive graphic on documents. This
element should always be used as part of a horizontal rule (above) and
located in the bottom third of your document.
Field or Gradient Color
Fields of color or gradients may also be used to help unify your
document. When creating these graphics refer to the extended color
palette for approved color usage (pg. 5).
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Corporate identity tools
Stationery
Exceptions
Official communication should create a positive “first impression.” To achieve
that goal, the following stationery format has been approved, which is
designed to create a distinctive professional appearance. This section covers
approved standards for various corporate identity tools.
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the ability to use their official seals (county
commissioners, county attorney or county
sheriff). These units of county government
may differ from the approved corporate
identity tools.
Letterhead
Occasionally departments have special
needs regarding branding / co-branding,
and exceptions may be made for
UIFTFBSFBT$POUBDUUIF1VCMJD"íBJST
%FQBSUNFOUXJUIRVFTUJPOT
The standard county letterhead allows for the identification of all county
departments. The sending department’s name appears immediately under the
words “Hennepin County.” The letterhead template may not be modified (see
opposite page). Any questions regarding the use of additional text or graphics
should be referred to the Public Affairs Department.
All county letterhead is printed on standard white stock. There is no raised
lettering. Preferred font usage is required (pg. 10) and should be no smaller
than 11 point. All letterhead must be ordered through Central Services / IT to
ensure that the correct template is used. The extent of the use of the letterhead
is at the discretion of the individual department director or their designee.
Envelopes
Envelopes must be created using the approved template. No additional
graphics are permitted. All envelopes will be printed on a consistent white
paper stock (see opposite page). All envelopes should be ordered through
Central Services / IT. The determination of which employees should be
provided specialized envelopes shall be up to the discretion of the individual
department director or their designee (in most cases envelopes are created for
specific areas or departments).
14
Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide
Hennepin County
Human Services and Public Health Department
Child Protection Investigations
Health Services Building (MC 965)
525 Portland Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55415-1569
612-348-????, Phone
612-348-????, Fax
www.hennepin.us
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Standard Hennepin County letterhead
Hennepin County
Human Services and Public Health Department
Child Protection Investigations
Health Services Building (MC 965)
525 Portland Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55415-1569
Standard Hennepin County envelope
06/2012
15
Corporate Identity Tools
Business Cards
One standard template has been developed for all county departments,
providing residents with a manner in which to recognize and / or confirm their
dealings with county employees. All employee business cards must be ordered
through Central Services / IT. Employees MAY NOT produce their own
business cards identifying themselves as county employees or for use in official
county business. The determination of which employees should be provided
business cards shall be up to the discretion of the individual department
director or their designee.
County employees may use titles and other identifiers (e.g. Ph.D., M.S.W., etc.).
However additional graphics or information are not permitted. No information
is to be printed on the reverse side of the card.
Denoting Partnerships on Employee Business Cards
As Hennepin County continues to create partnerships with other entities
and organizations, it continues to have positions that are either co-funded
or housed within other agencies. There is a need to understand when it is
appropriate to identify these other agencies on our corporate identity tools:
t The employee’s salary is co-funded by Hennepin and another agency. In
this instance it is OK to incorporate both agency logos onto business cards
and other corporate identity tools.
t The employee’s salary is paid exclusively by Hennepin, although the
employee may have other in-kind contributions from another agency. In this
instance another logo may be used on the reverse side of the business card.
Memorandums
A new memo format is available for use – the official format for internal
communication (see the next page); this memo template is a WORD template
for ease of use. As with standard WORD documents, additional pages, tables,
etc. may be added directly to the memo form. It is preferred that letter content
be typed using one of the preferred font choices (refer to pg. 10) and should
be no smaller than 11 point. These templates are available through the Public
Affairs intranet page.
16
Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide
Business Cards
The standard county business card is:
horizontal; printed only on one side; has
no raised lettering; has lettering only in
black on standard white stock; includes
the Hennepin County ”H” letterform
logo; and provides information on the
employee (pg. 16).
Standard Hennepin
business card
Hennepin County
1VCMJD"íBJST
Jane Doe
Government Center/N.E. Street Level
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55487-0011
612-348-1234, Fax: 612-348-1234
[email protected]
Memo template
(Word Document)
Memorandum
Date
To
Business Cards
"MMEFQBSUNFOUTQSPHSBNTBSFSFRVJSFE
to use the standard Hennepin County
business cards for all of their individual
and business communications.
However, sometimes there may be a
need for a marketing piece that helps
to advertise or promote the service area.
In that case it may be appropriate to
develop a product that is the same size as
a business card. This is determined on a
QFSDBTFCBTJTUISPVHIUIF1VCMJD"íBJST
Department.
From
Subject
06/2012
17
Design Tools Available
Templates
A range of approved templates are available through the Public Affairs
Department. These templates have been designed to give Hennepin County
employees access to professional communication tools to aid in their
day-to-day communication.
PowerPoint
PowerPoint presentations are effective communication tools. It is important
that when information is presented this way that Hennepin County
is correctly represented or marketed. When creating new PowerPoint
presentations, the Hennepin County template must be used.
18
Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide
Dark PowerPoint
template
(Suggested primary
use: video or
televised
presentations)
PowerPoint Templates
"TBNQMJOHPG1PXFS1PJOUUFNQMBUFTBSF
currently available on the Public Affairs
intranet page - a light one recommended
for live presentations and a dark one for use
in video presentations:
http://hcnet/PA/intranet.nsf
"EEJUJPOBMUFNQMBUFTNBZCFBEEFEPWFS
UJNFmTPDIFDLCBDLQFSJPEJDBMMZ
Light PowerPoint
template - title slide
(Suggested primary
use: live
presentations)
content slide(s)
Hennepin County
06/2012
19
Guidelines for PowerPoint Presentations
Before the Hennepin County Board
The County Board and committee meetings are broadcast over cable TV;
therefore, it is important that PowerPoint presentations are created to display
well on a TV monitor. Standard resolution on a computer screen is much better
than standard resolution on a TV screen. Public Affairs recommends simplicity
in design and to follow these guidelines even if a presentation will not appear
on TV.
Public Affairs has created PowerPoint templates for departments to use, which
can be found on the Public Affairs intranet page.
If you prefer to create your own, please keep in mind:
t Design
t Text and headlines
t Charts, graphics and photos
t Messaging
t Showing presentations in the Board Room
20
Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide
Design
Background Color
Formatting slides for TV
Contrast in colors is good, so choose background and text colors that
contrast with each other. Dark colors, such as blue, with white or yellow
text works best for TV. Do not use white as a backround color; it is too
“hot” for a TV screen. If you choose a light background for a non-televised
presentation make sure to use a dark text color such as blue or black.
r Keep slides simple
r Dark backgrounds with white
or yellow text work best
r Preferred fonts are san serif; Myriad
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r Use minimum font size of 24
Background Design
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Keep it simple. Most Microsoft PowerPoint background templates are too
busy for TV.
Text and Headlines
Fonts
t Preferred fonts for body copy are sans serif, such as Myarid Pro, Arial,
or Verdana. Serif fonts, such as Times New Roman, do not work
well on TV
t Avoid excessive use of italic or bold fonts
t Do not use shadow fonts or special effect fonts
t Contrast in colors is good, so black text on a lighter background
works well. Stay away from red or orange tones as they bleed on
screen
t Avoid underlining as horizontal lines “vibrate” on TV screens. Use
lines at least 3-pixels wide (the mid-width selections)
Size of Letters
The minimum readable on-screen point size is
20.
Public Affairs recommends a minimum font size of
24.
Bullets and Words
It is best to use no more than six bullets and fewer than
36 words per slide.
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Charts, Graphics and Photos
Charts
Keep charts simple. Complicated, colorful charts may look great in printed
documents, but they don’t work well in PowerPoint presentations. Remember to
use lines that are a minimum of 3-pixels wide. Thin lines tend to “vibrate” on
the TV screen.
Symbols
Telling a story
r Keep charts simple
r Consider using symbols to illustrate
a point
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r Make your text work as small
headlines
r Make your point clear
Think about using symbols to illustrate points versus charts. For example,
an arrow going up illustrates increasing costs.
Photos – (pg. 11)
Messaging
Limit the number of words on each slide. Write small headlines versus
complete sentences. See Rule of 6s (right).
Make your point
Rule of 6s
Give a brief summary of major points. If you are making a recommendation,
make it clear.
Keep in mind the i3VMFPGTumOPNPSF
than six points per slide and no more than
six words per point.
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Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide
Showing a Presentation in the
Board Room
Getting presentation Loaded on Computer
in Board Room
The easiest way to get a PowerPoint onto the Board Room computer is by using
the Countywide Transfer Area on the county network. It is recommended
to bring a backup, such as a flash drive or CD-Rom, just in case. Copy the
PowerPoint file to the presentation computer to make sure it plays smoothly.
Give Special Directions (if needed)
Presentation Assistance or
Content Help
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formatting your presentation, or need
help loading your slides on the computer
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612-348-3237
Technical Assistance
If you have technical problems with the
computer in the Board Room,
call the IT Helpdesk at 612-348-6664
The producer in the control room is responsible for putting the PowerPoint up
on the large screen. If there is a time during the presentation when you need
to have the PowerPoint back on the screen, please give direction to the director
ahead of time. Call Public Affairs to discuss with one of the video producers
well before the meeting.
Computer Problems
For technical problems with the computer itself, call the IT Helpdesk at
612-348-6662.
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Hennepin County Branding Style and Usage Guide