As Leiden University, we want to present a recognisable, professional and reliable image to students, staff and our external partners.
We can best achieve this by presenting ourselves as one strong brand. But why is this shared identity so important, and how do we all contribute to it? This ready-to-use presentation will help you explain this clearly to your colleagues or team.
Download the presentation (PPTX)
The power of a unified identity: why we do this
When an organisation presents many different faces, it leads to fragmentation and confusion. A single, clear and shared visual style does the exact opposite. It increases our reach, strengthens our image and ensures we are instantly recognised. By establishing clear agreements on logos, colours, typography and visual style, we show that we are all part of the same strong university.
Practical tip: Use this presentation to start a conversation within your team or faculty about the importance of our house style. This will help build understanding and support.
What is in the presentation?
The presentation contains clear arguments and practical examples that you can use straight away. The slides cover:
- Recognition and trust: Why a consistent identity increases our impact and credibility.
- Preventing fragmentation: How we avoid confusion by presenting a unified face to the outside world.
- The building blocks of our house style: The role of our logo, colours, typography and photography in strengthening our reputation.
- Practical guidelines: How staff members can directly contribute to our overall look.
How to use the presentation
You don't have to show the presentation from start to finish. Feel free to adapt it to your needs:
- For a brief meeting: Choose the 3 or 4 most important slides to show why our house style matters.
- As an introduction for new colleagues: Go through the entire presentation to familiarise them with our brand philosophy.
- As a reference: Send the presentation round after a meeting as a clear summary.
Common misconceptions (and the reality)
Misconception 1: Having our own logo or separate style makes our department more unique.
The reality: On the contrary, by using the central house style, we benefit from the trusted and strong reputation of the university as a whole.
Misconception 2: The house style limits our creativity.
The reality: In fact, the house style provides a solid and recognisable foundation, allowing you to get creative within clear boundaries.
Finally: building the brand together
A brand is not just a logo or a colour; it is the feeling we project together. By consistently applying the same house style guidelines, we work together to build a reliable and recognisable Leiden University. Download the presentation below and get started straight away.