GR604 Student Project (Erector) The Visual Development Guide

ERECTOR

VISUAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

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“BUILDING DREAMS ONE PIECE AT A TIME.” — EREC TOR BY MECCANO

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Creating a concept that will effectively shape the future implies great responsibility. Yet, it’s

BUILDING A

the type of commitment that’s needed.

VISUAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDE Our comprehensive design for Erector’s rebranding aptly subtitled “Building Towards Tomorrow,” is a perfect example of shaping the things to come.

For Erector the rebranding documentation is a pivotal milestone. This compilation of achievements, operations, and objectives is more than a mere record; it’s a legacy in the making. It captures a moment in time and sets the tone for the future.

We meticulously crafted the narrative of this transformation.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Blueprints of Our History

Keywords

Assembled Through Time

Key Phrases

The Original Logo

Brainstorming

The Nut & Bolts of Our Narrative

Round 1—Sketches

Shaping Tomorrow - Rebranding Objective

Round 2—Sketches

New Mission Statement

Round 3—Sketches

BUILT THROUGH TIME

BUILDING A BRAND

Round 4—Sketches Round 5—Sketches New Logo Mark

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01 BUILT THROUGH TIME Blueprint of Our Legacy Blueprints of Our History Assembled Through Time The Original Logo The Nut & Bolts of Our Narrative Shaping Tomorrow - Rebranding Objective New Mission Statement

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BLUEPRINTS OF OUR HISTORY Founded in 1911 by A.C. Gilbert, Erector,

Though the brand made its debut under

initially branded as “The Erector Set,” stands

Mysto Manufacturing, its global persona

as an iconic toy line that provides metal

resonates as “Erector,” a result of Frank

construction sets. Gilbert’s inspiration took

Hornby’s similar initiative in England. While

root upon observing the assembly of steel

Erector has seamlessly integrated contempo-

girders for power lines, leading him to

rary elements over the years, its core

design a unique toy allowing children to

philosophy endures: enabling learning

engineer their mini-structures. These versa-

through building. The brand champions the

tile kits allow both children and enthusiasts

mantra, “Building dreams, one piece at a

to design everything from buildings to

time,” and is driven by a mission to inspire

bridges, fostering creativity, hands-on

young minds to explore, innovate, and bring

learning, and engineering skills.

their imaginations to life. For Erector, each set is more than just a toy—it’s a portal to boundless imagination and innovation.

Invent the future —Meccano by Erector

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Foundational Ingenuity: This authentic blueprint sketch unveils the original Erector Ferris Wheel, a testament to A.C. Gilbert’s revolutionary approach to invention. Gilbert’s method was a blend of play and precision— carefully crafting each piece to inspire future builders and ignite the imaginations of young engineers

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classic metal pieces.

plastic components alongside its

significant redesign, integrating

The brand modernizes with a

1960’S

significant interest.

Fair in New York City, capturing

Erector makes its debut at the Toy

1913

ibility across both brands.

U.S., streamlining parts for compat-

sold as “Erector by Erector” in the

leading to a unified product line

Erector acquires the Erector brand,

2000

experience.

and enriching the building

enabling dynamic, moving models

Erector introduces electric motors,

1950’S

construction kits.

Set”, pioneering a new era of toy

A.C. Gilbert invents the “Erector

1911

ASSEMBLED THROUGH TIME Rebranding Innovation: Tracing Erector’s journey from A.C. Gilbert’s revolutionary concept in 1913 to today’s reimagined identity, this

timeline encapsulates the evolution of a toy that has shaped imaginations for over a century, marking significant milestones and the

current a leap towards a modernized rebranding.

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Toolbox.

launch of the Erector Maker’s

building excellence with the

Erector celebrates 125 years of

2023

concepts.

learning and applied engineering

classrooms, reinforcing hands-on

Erector sets find a place in

2020

STEAM-focused designs

Erector by Erector launches new

2017

line.

Set by Erector construction set

Spin Master acquired the Erector

2013

learning in a modern way.

look that celebrates creativity and

Erector unveils a fresh, inspiring

2023

mechanical ingenuity.

pushing boundaries in design and

The “Inventor Series” is unveiled,

2019

the market

The award-winning Erectorid hits

2015

ASSEMBLING THROUGH TIME

BECOMES

2000

Meccano acquires the Erector brand, leading to a unified product line sold as “Erector by Meccano” in the U.S.

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THE ORIGINAL LOGO The Erector logo features bold typography and a simple color scheme, often incorporating elements like gears, symbolizing its focus on construction and engineering. Its clean, straightforward design reflects the brand’s emphasis on creativity and skill-building.

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THE NUTS & BOLTS OF OUR NARRATIVE: The Soul of the brand—

BUILDING DREAMS, ONE PIECE AT A TIME The soul not only reflects the tangible act of constructing with the toy sets but also alludes to the broader concept of fostering creativity, imagination, and ambition in young minds.

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BRAND DESCRIPTION Erector, established in 1911, is a timeless brand of construction toys that fosters creativity and learning through play. Known for its durable metal building sets, it allows young inventors to explore engineering and architecture, inspiring them to build their dreams into reality.

WHY THE REBRAND? Erector’s rebrand aims to extend its reach, modernize its values with a focus on STEM and sustainability, and introduce new products to engage a global audience and spark innovation across all age groups.

Invent the future

—Meccano by Erector

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Foundational Ingenuity: This authentic blueprint sketch unveils the original Erector Ferris Wheel, a testament to A.C. Gilbert’s revolutionary approach to invention. Gilbert’s method was a blend of play and precision— carefully crafting each piece to inspire future builders and ignite the imaginations of young engineers

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SHAPING TOMORROW: REBRANDING OBJECTIVE

Q. How can Erector transform and empower a new wave of builders and thinkers?

We needed to think about the old mission statement and build a new one around an updated strategy.

EVOLVE FROM AN OLD BLUEPRINT TO A NEW BLUEPRINT

ducing young minds to the wonders of

join pieces together, our new mission

engineering, one hands-on experience

aims to unite imaginative minds

at a time.

across generations and cultures.

Current mission statement: “To give today’s

Through the universal language of

young minds the tools to become tomor-

education, collaboration, and fun, we

row’s innovators. Erector by Meccano:

don’t merely construct structures;

Invent the future.”

we ignite innovation and foster a lifelong passion for learning.

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^

Just as Erectors beams and bolts

^

Erector was born from the vision of intro-

EVOLVING BLUEPRINT:

^

^

^

^

FOUNDATIONAL BLUEPRINT:

KEYWORDS

1. EDUCATION:

Nurturing growth and continuous discovery in the universal language of learning and fun.

^

form we introduced new keywords.

^

^

To help the mission statement trans-

REIMAGINE OUR MISSION STATEMENT Putting together the new mission statement comes from a combination of the new keywords.

The Blueprint for a Brighter Future includes a new mission statement.

2. COLLABORATION: Bridging diverse minds across ages and backgrounds in a tapestry of shared creativity.

3. FUN:

Inspiring minds and kindling the fire of innovative dreams.

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NEW MISSION STATEMENT

INSPIRE IMAGINATIVE MINDS AND IGNITE INNOVATION BY BUILDING ON THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF EDUCATION, COLLABORATION, AND FUN.

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02 BUILDING A BRAND Exploring Erector’s rebrand, driven by key keywords that reflect our core values; we introduce our new mission statement, charting a path for imagination, collaboration, and education.

Keywords Key Phrases Brainstorming Sketches Round 1-5 New Logo Mark C O DY M E DA R I S / FA L L 2 0 2 3

KEYWORDS Key words are really important when making a new brand image.

They’re like the building pieces of an erector set for how the brand should feel and talk. These words are chosen to connect with the people the brand wants to reach, and they show what the brand is all about. They help make a unique way of talking and thinking about the brand that sticks in people’s minds.

When a brand is changing its image, these words help make sure everything from ads to the way the brand looks stays true to what the brand stands for. They guide the brand’s style and how it acts, so every time someone sees or hears about the brand, they get the right idea. In short, keywords help tell the brand’s story in a simple and powerful way.

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IMAGINATION:

Inspiring minds and kindling the fire of innovative dreams

COLLABORATION:

Bridging diverse minds across ages and backgrounds in a tapestry of shared creativity.

EDUCATION:

Nurturing growth and continuous discovery in the universal language of learning and fun.

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KEY PHRASES When reimagining a brand, it’s not just about selecting the right keywords; it’s also about crafting key phrases that become part of the brand’s voice and vision. These phrases do more than describe; they evoke feelings, embody values, and articulate aspirations.

They’re the narrative threads that weave through the brand’s presence, from logos to marketing messages, shaping perception and experience.

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#1—Imagination Inspiring minds and kindling the fire of innovative dreams.

IGNITING THE SPARK OF BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY #2—Collaboration Bridging diverse minds across ages and backgrounds in a tapestry of shared creativity.

MINDS MERGING, IDEAS EMERGING #3—Education Nurturing growth and continuous discovery in the universal language of learning and fun.

NURTURING GROWTH AND CONTINUOUS DISCOVERY

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BRAINSTORMING Brainstorming shapes related to key phrases in Erector’s rebranding turns ideas into symbols that represent the brand’s values, making the brand relatable and its message clear.

Q. What physical elements could represent each camp of ideas with Erector in mind?

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ROUND 1—SKETCHES We categorized our key phrases (camps) and created a variety of symbols, graphics, and logotypes for each. This variety helps us find the best visual representation of our brand’s identity and message.

With our notebooks, stencils and pencils in hand, we can keep each logo sketch organized and presentable.

Imagination—Camp 1—Igniting the spark of boundless creativity Collaboration—Camp 2—Minds merging, Ideas Emerging Education—Camp 3—Nurturing growth and continuous discovery

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 1—IGNITING THE SPARK OF BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY

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21. Flames atop “Erector” in a bridge shape 29. Circuits shaped into an “E” with little flames on the top 30. Circuit board in the shape of an “E”. Each soder point is in a cube creating the E. 36. A different flame shape to represent the “sparks” of the key phrase.

40. Blocks curated into an E.

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41. The letter E on top of a block of bricks.

48. An abstract letter E that is shaped like matches or an abstract flame.

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63. The Letter E shaped with steel beams

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 1—IGNITING THE SPARK OF BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY

86. A six sided target with a star in the middle.

93. A shooting star

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IMAGINATION—CAMP 1—REFINED SKETCHES

REFINED SKETCHES Various sketches from each camp were chosen and then refined.

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COLLABORATION—ROUND 1—MINDS MERGING, IDEAS EMERGING

4. Erector spelled out with unconventional shapes.

7. Pipes or beams wrapped around each other into a lower case “e”.

8. A capital “E” shaped by overlapping pipes that correlate to construction.

9. The logotype “Erector” written in organic lines with flames on the top.

5. A mix of wrenches winding into each other to make the an abstract E

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COLLABORATION—ROUND 1—MINDS MERGING, IDEAS EMERGING

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79. An arranged circuit board wrapped around the letter E

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COLLABORATION—ROUND 1—MINDS MERGING, IDEAS EMERGING

92. Organized circuit board.

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COLLABORATION—CAMP 2—REFINED SKETCHES

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EDUCATION—ROUND 1—NURTURING GROWTH AND CONTINUOUS DISCOVERY

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EDUCATION—ROUND 1—NURTURING GROWTH AND CONTINUOUS DISCOVERY

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EDUCATION—ROUND 1—NURTURING GROWTH AND CONTINUOUS DISCOVERY

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EDUCATION—CAMP 3—REFINED SKETCHES

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ROUND 2—SKETCHES We reviewed our initial sketches and decided which key phrase resonated the most. For our project, we agreed that “Camp 1: Imagination - Igniting the Spark of Boundless Creativity” was the clear choice to develop further.

Imagination—Camp 1—Igniting the spark of boundless creativity

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 2—IGNITING THE SPARK OF BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 2—IGNITING THE SPARK OF BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY

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ROUND 3—SKETCHES We saw potential in certain initial sketches and carried them forward for more exploration. In the next round, we produced additional sketches and then honed them further.

Imagination—Camp 1—Igniting the spark of boundless creativity These logos moved forward to round 3. We then sketched even more ideas from these round 2 ideas.

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 3—IGNITING THE SPARK OF BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 3—IGNITING THE SPARK OF BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 3—IGNITING THE SPARK OF BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY

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ROUND 4—SKETCHES We saw potential in certain initial sketches and carried them forward for more exploration. In the next round, we produced additional sketches and then honed them further.

Imagination—Camp 1—Igniting the spark of boundless creativity These logos moved forward to round 3. We then sketched even more ideas.

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 4 —IGNITING THE SPARK OF BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 4 —IGNITING THE SPARK OF BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 4 —REFINED SKETCHES

rector

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ROUND 5—LOGO OPTIONS We saw potential in certain initial sketches and carried them forward for more exploration. In the next round, we produced additional sketches and then honed them further.

Imagination—Camp 1—Igniting the spark of boundless creativity These logos moved forward to round 5. We then sketched even more ideas.

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 5—REFINED SKETCHES

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IMAGINATION—ROUND 5—COMPUTER ROUGHS

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FINAL LOGO Innovation, collaboration, and education are the three keywords that encapsulate Erector’s brand identity. With these concepts as a guiding force represents the foundation of a structure, which embodies Erector’s commitment to Inspire imaginative minds and ignite innovation by building on the universal language of education,

VISUAL SYSTEMS GUIDELINES

collaboration and fun.

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Innovation

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Collaboration

E Education

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LOGO MARK Imagination—Camp 1—Igniting the spark of boundless creativity

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M11 | DEVELOPMENT—ROUND 2 Cody Medaris | GR 604 | Fall 2023

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