Design handbook

The design handbook (Brand Guidelines) specifies the use of the logo, colors and fonts. It defines the permitted logo sizes, how to combine the key colors of the new corporate design and which fonts should be used.

Logo

The University of Basel logo was developed by the Basel graphic designer Karl Gerstner in 1990, and subsequently revised in summer 2014 in close collaboration with its creator. There are now German and English versions available. The font, which was also designed by Gerstner, appears on the right next to the graphic part of the logo. The logo can be downloaded for free (see “download logo”).

The University of Basel logo is protected by copyright; it is only allowed to be used by the units and employees of the University of Basel. Use of the logo and the corporate design by organizations or people who are not directly associated with the University of Basel must first be approved by the head of Communications & Marketing.

In certain cases (such as building signage or special documents), a variation of the logo featuring the text below the graphic element may be used. This variation may only be used with the German version of the logo and must first be approved by the head of Communications & Marketing.

Letter templates

University of Basel letter templates are stored in a password-protected section of ADAM (a web-based application for exchanging files). All templates are available in German and English.

When using letter templates, please ensure that the sender’s address appears above the recipient’s address in a smaller font (this line is part of the template). This way, both the sender and recipient are visible through the envelope’s clear plastic window. The only element still printed directly onto the envelopes is the University of Basel logo.
University of Basel, organizational unit, post box, postcode, city/town, Switzerland

Note: the country name appears in English, as Swiss Post recommends writing “the country of destination in French of English on the last address line.”

Envelopes

University of Basel envelopes are available in the following formats

• A5 with and without window
• B5
• A4 with and without window
• B4

The only element printed directly onto the envelopes is the University of Basel logo. The sender’s address is positioned on the letter template in such a way that it is visible in the window above the recipient’s address (see also “Letter templates”). 

Labels

When creating labels, please ensure that the sender’s address also appears on the label and is printed above the recipient’s address. It appears in a very small font (6 pt) and is underlined:

University of Basel, organizational unit, post box, postcode, city/town, Switzerland

Note: the country name appears in English, as Swiss Post recommends writing “the country of destination in French or English on the last address line.”

Report templates

Report templates in A4 format are available to all organizational units. The header is the same as the letter template; however, underneath there are specially formatted text boxes for headings, subheadings and text elements. All templates are available in German and English. The report templates are stored in a password-protected section of ADAM.

Business cards

University of Basel business cards can only be ordered by authorized employees of the organizational units. Such staff members may purchase the cards from a web shop. The list of authorized employees can be found in the Useful links section.

Correspondence cards

University of Basel correspondence cards (featuring the organizational unit title) can only be ordered by authorized employees of the organizational units (see also “Business cards”). Such staff members may purchase the cards from a web shop.

PowerPoint templates

The University of Basel provides a PowerPoint template. The template includes all the most important elements, such as a table of contents and sample text pages, images, tables and graphics. The University of Basel also offers professional development courses on how to use PowerPoint.

Brochures and printed materials

The University of Basel works together with selected regional design agencies and printers who are familiar with our design guidelines and ensure the university’s corporate design is correctly implemented. The Department of Communications & Marketing will be pleased to connect with you the relevant contact person.

The Department of Communications & Marketing develops templates that can be used to easily create invitations, flyers or small brochures. Please contact corporate-design@unibas.ch if you require assistance with any of these kinds of projects.