IBM Design Language – Rebus
Designed in 1981 by Paul Rand for his Eye-Bee-M poster in help of the IBM
THINK motto, the rebus used photos to symbolize letters. This rebus is now an
iconic a part of our visible historical past and within the everlasting assortment on the Museum
of Fashionable Artwork in New York.
At the moment we nonetheless use the rebus, which has since been adjusted to fulfill the
necessities of various mediums, scales and manufacturing environments. Just like the
8-bar brand, the rebus is available in optimistic and reversed variations. The rebus will be
utilized in particular functions, similar to merchandise, badges and occasions, however
shouldn’t be used rather than the 8-bar brand as an official model communications
log off.
The totem rebus provides extra which means to the already lovable authentic. The totem
connects with us as a result of it speaks to the human issue, the person, and the
ever-evolving relationship between mankind and machines. It reminds us that good
design ought to primarily serve individuals and transfer us towards progress.
Identical scale in vertical relationship
Totem rebus optimistic
Totem rebus reversed
Rebus and spacing are on a grid
The basic rebus, utilizing the unique colour scheme, continues to be used for our
heritage merchandise and will also be used for particular events with permission
from the model group. This particular artwork could solely be used on a black background.
This colour scheme isn’t meant for traditional utilization and doesn’t mirror the
present IBM model colour palette. So, whereas the basic rebus is out there for
restricted use on merchandise or for particular occasions, prior approval is required.
At all times use the basic rebus on a black background.
By no means use the basic rebus on gentle backgrounds.
The IBM core colours, consisting of the blue and grey households, are used when
making use of colour particularly to the rebus. Please confer with the
color specifications for exact values. Listed below are just a few
examples of attainable colour combos utilizing core colours and optimistic and
unfavorable IBM rebuses.
Constructive rebus
Black / Grey 30
Blue 70 / Blue 20
Grey 60 / White
Reversed rebus
Blue 50 / Black
Blue 40 / Blue 90
Grey 10 / Blue 60
Darkish or gentle background colours work nicely with the core colours of the IBM rebus.
At all times use a minimal of 5 “steps” away between the foreground and background
colour to insure applicable distinction and legibility. Any background colour from
the IDL color palette with ample distinction could also be used
with a core colour rebus. Listed below are just a few examples of attainable colour combos.
Constructive rebus
Grey 100 / Blue 20
Blue 70 / Inexperienced 10
Blue 80 / Purple 30
Reversed rebus
Blue 40 / Purple 90
Grey 10 / Teal 90
White / Magenta 60
The IBM rebus is a particular piece of design. The shape shouldn’t be altered,
adjusted or coloured in inappropriate methods. Listed below are just a few samples of what to
keep away from and what’s permissible. If these fundamentals are adhered to, it’ll shield
the integrity of Paul Rand’s nice design work.
Hold the rebus and totem rebus separated from different visible components by a
distance equal to the M top. This distance is taken into account the minimal
uninterrupted house surrounding the rebus. We name it the world of isolation, or
clear house, and it ought to be adhered to in most conditions.
Proven listed here are just a few examples of improper use of the rebus and totem rebus.
Don’t alter the spacing of components.
Don’t scale or recompose rebus components.
Don’t stretch or compress rebus components.
Don’t create compositions from the rebus and the 8-bar brand.
Don’t add drop shadows to the rebus.
Don’t use unacceptable colour combos.
Don’t change the 8-bar brand with the rebus for signal offs, not even in advertising and marketing functions.
Don’t mix the rebus with particular enterprise items.
Patterns will be helpful instruments in quite a lot of graphic functions. Within the
office for instance, distraction patterns on glass partitions and doorways can forestall
harm. Occasion construction facades would possibly use graphic wallcovering. They will also be
used successfully on merchandise. There are just a few authorized patterns based mostly on the
rebus, with optimistic and reversed choices.
