Patterns

Executive Education Pattern Guidelines

Shield Pattern

HBS Executive Education uses a distinctive pattern inspired by the Harvard Business School shield to reinforce and promote the HBS brand in our creative executions. This pattern should always be contained within a shape so as to always have a sharp edge.

When using the pattern in a narrow shape, there must always be at least one row or column of full shields that are not cropped off.

NOTE: Never place text on top of the pattern (to ensure ADA compliance).

HBS Shield Pattern – Blue on Blue
Pattern: 100% Blue-3 / Background: 20% Blue-4

HBS Shield Pattern Blue on Blue

HBS Shield Pattern – Blue on Crimson
Pattern: 100% Blue-3 / Background: 100% Crimson

HBS Shield Pattern Blue on Crimson

HBS Shield Pattern – To Create an Edge on Crimson
Pattern: 100% Blue-3 / Background: 20% Blue-4

HBS Shield Pattern with edge on Crimson

Pattern Within Narrow Shape
Show at least one row or column of full shields

HBS Shield Pattern within narrow shape

Pattern Should Always be Positioned Left of the Primary Content (Image or Text)

HBS pattern example with image as primary content

Pattern Is Always Positioned to the Left: The primary content in this case is the image.
Never Place Pattern Over an Image: The pattern should only be used within a shape of a solid color.

Two HBS pattern examples with text as primary content and image as secondary content

Pattern Is Always Positioned to the Left: The primary content in these cases is the text. This occasionally allows the pattern to reside to the right of the image (secondary), but to the left of the text (primary).

HBS pattern example with image and card element with text as primary content

Pattern Is Always Positioned to the Left: The primary content in these cases is the text and the image. When used with a ‘card’ element, the edge of the shape containing the pattern provides an alignment edge for the text.

HBS pattern example in conjunction with color field with text as primary content

Pattern Is Always Positioned to the Left: The primary content in this case is text. The pattern, when used in conjunction with a color field, can provide a sidebar effect to create distinctive zones to establish information hierarchy.