A study and research on University logos plus the philosophy behind the logo alternatives proposal for MIU.

1. Misr International University
Logo Creation
Communication Plan
Prepared by:
Manal Assaad

2. Communication Objectives
The aim of this project is to create and give MIU an
international identity that would position it
distinctively among its international and local
competitors in Egypt presently and in any other
country in the future.

3. Introduction
First impressions have always been considered important in
interpersonal relationships. In the world of business, that translated
into a necessity for a successful strong image. Naturally, a strong
image starts with a memorable and powerful logo that sets and
speaks out the identity of an establishment and act as the building
block of its entire culture.
With today's globalization of businesses, an image has to be made up to
international standards to guarantee an establishment's position
among its international rivals.
As so, MIU needs to remodel its image to compete with international
universities existing in the Egyptian market or are prone to penetrate
it in the future.

4. Initial Research
The first phase of image remodeling, starting with logo creation,
consists of a research of what qualities international universities
tend to give their logos.
In a research involving 96 American universities and 54 British
universities, American and British universities being considered as
the most powerful and successful universities internationally, logos
were found can be grouped in 3 categories: Conceptual logos;
Cultural logos; and Calligraphic logos.
Following this is a brief definition of each of these types with a sample
of logos from American and British Universities.

5. Initial Research
 Conceptual Logos: logos with abstract icons based on management
adopted concepts and ideologies. A conceptual logo is a modern choice
for a university looking to distinguish itself on the basis of fresh intakes
of learning and education.
American Universities British Universities

6. Initial Research
• Cultural Logos: logos with icons of historical or cultural value. A cultural
logo is a sound choice for a university that looks to distinguish itself by
emphasizing on the rich history of successful education and other
honorable qualities it prides itself in. Also, universities that enjoy
locations near famous landmarks having cultural values incorporate
them in their logos to reflect social authenticity and belongingness.
American Universities British Universities

7. Initial Research
• Calligraphic Logos: logos of initials with no or minor icons. A calligraphic
logo makes an easily memorable approach to a university's name and is
often adopted when only a focus on the name is desired. However, a
university with a calligraphic logo might wish to add to that a small icon
of some relevance or have a recognizable stamp for unique signature
purposes.
American Universities British Universities

8. Initial Research
The results of the research were as follows: among the American universities,
only 17% of universities adopted a conceptual logo. 34% of universities
chose to adopt cultural logos, of which the most dominant feature was the
Knight Armor. Of course, the highest form of logos seen in USA is the
Calligraphic logo with 49%.

9. Initial Research
As for British universities, results were different with only 17% of universities
adopting a Calligraphic logo, 39% preferring Conceptual logos, and 44% of
them having Cultural logos again with the Knight Armor being a dominant
feature.

10. Research’s Final Result
On an overall view of the results of both universities, cultural logos are averaged
to 39.5% being the most common outcome, followed by calligraphic logos
with an average of 33% and finishes with conceptual logos at an average of
27.5%.
These results set respectively the direction of MIU's potential logos.

11. MIU Cultural Logos

12. Cultural Logos
Cultural logos came out in the overall results as the Number One choice
for most international universities.
A cultural logo’s advantage is that it encompasses a university’s rich
history of education (even if it’s not truly a long history) thus reflecting
trust, authenticity, good origins, expertise from long practice, etc.
The Egyptian culture, by its nature, has a very rich history mainly from the
Pharaonic era. Elements from that culture can be used for the MIU
logo.
However, on a side study of Egyptian universities’ logos, results showed
that basic cultural logos are overused. Hence, on an attempt to set MIU
apart from its local rivals, cultural logos were created with a modern
touch. This way, the chosen logo would have both cultural and
conceptual features.

13. Cultural Logos
Different Pharoanic icons have been adopted and slightly transformed and
modernized but still they carry the same meaning.
The cultural logos created are to reflect the following values:
• Priding the rich heritage passed on by the Pharoas whose culture was the basis
for many sciences.
• Radiating and Spreading out Enlightenment and Rich Knowledge.
• Emphasizing on Infiniteness, Goodness and Wholeness.
These values are showcased by the color shades of Gold (Richness,
Invaluableness, Wealth, etc), White (Purity, Goodness, Light, etc.),
Green (Freshness, Abundance, etc.) and Grey (Stability, Ancientness,
etc.) with famous Pharaonic icons (Sun of Ra; Infinity circle; Pyramids;
etc.).

15. The idea of combining Cultural icons with Conceptual elements is showcased here by
joining the Infinity circle with a Thumb Print indicating an “Infinite Stamp” one gains
through Education.
One strategy is to create a theme starting from the logo of MIU and apply it to each of
the Majors by taking fractions of the logo and personalizing them as suitable.

16. MIU Conceptual Logos

17. Introduction
Although Conceptual logos scored at the bottom of all three types of logos, they
are still a preferred choice by many newly established universities who want
to take on a fresher look and set themselves apart from the outdated
universities.
A main advantage of a conceptual logo is that it can be made to reflect any
desired concept or meaning and it can also be made abstract in such way
that is open to many different individualistic interpretations.
Adopting a conceptual logo for MIU will position it as a modern university with
new school teaching methods, advanced technological facilities, and all in
all a university with a lookout on the future rather than an emphasis on the
history.

18. Conceptual Logos
The first collection of conceptual logos has been created starting from
similar basis to reflect the following values:
• Growth and Evolution of Future prospects
• Investment in and Cultivation of the Fresh and Young Generation.
• Cherishment of Wisdom and Knowledge.
These concepts are manifested in the color shades of Green (Freshness,
Youth, Fertility, etc.) , Blue (Freshness, Wisdom, Trust, etc.) and Grey*
(Futurism, Advancement, etc.) , and in the icons of Plants (Trees, Wheat
plants, and Leaves arches) making the focus on Socio-cultural (Natural)
aspects.
*Grey is a Supporting Neutral Color, that is, its meaning changes according to the other main
colors it’s supporting.

20. The strategy is to create a theme starting from the logo of MIU and apply it to
each of the Majors by taking fractions of the logo and personalizing them
as suitable.

21. Conceptual Logos
The second collection of conceptual logos has been created to reflect a
different set of values:
• Offering of Cooperation for a Constructive Future.
• Building and Development of the Generation.
• Emphasis on Unity and Structure.
The concepts above are highlighted in the color shades of Green
(Freshness, Youth, Fertility, etc.) , Blue (Freshness, Wisdom, Trust, etc.)
and Grey* (Futurism, Advancement, etc.) , and in the icons of Geometry
(Gears, Cubes, Squares, Triangles, Hexagons, etc.) making the focus on
Technological aspect.

23. The strategy is to create a theme starting from the logo of MIU and apply it to
each of the Majors by taking fractions of the logo and personalizing them
as suitable.

24. Conclusion
The decision to adopt a Cultural logo, with emphasis on Historical
Background, or a Conceptual logo, with emphasis on Futuristic
Output remains the choice of MIU Management depending on
which values are most important to exhibit as a “First
Impression”.
Nonetheless, both historical and futuristic values will be included
and stressed on in the overall identity of MIU, making it the ideal
international university.

25. Thank You