Identity + Design Elements

Identity elements

Stanford websites deserve consistency for visual language, and also for ease of use in the user experience.

Learn more about Stanford identity elements offered through Decanter

Typography

Keeping our visual design system consistent is very often through our use of approved fonts.

Learn more about the typographic styles created for Decanter

Color

Beside our name and emblems, the most recognizable part of our Identity system is our color palette.

Learn more about the color palette offered through Decanter

Icons

Becoming more and more important to our University communications, particularly in our digital communications, we’ve made a variety of icon packs available through Decanter.

Learn more about the icons offered through Decanter

Standards

Stanford websites must be accessible.

Stanford University is committed to providing an online environment that is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities.

Stanford Online Accessibility Policy

Stanford's Accessibility Guidelines website

Design for all sized screens.

We can no longer assume what device a person will use to visit us on the web, so our websites should be developed for all screen sizes – from mobile to desktop.

Make websites intuitive and easy to use.

We want to make it as easy and intuitive as possible for people to interact with us online. Be clear. Simplify.

Use semantic markup.

We should follow code best practices with semantic HTML and CSS. This also helps with accessibility and usability.

Create unity, not uniformity.

Our identity guidelines make the Stanford web experience consistent while still providing the flexibility needed to communicate unique messages. We have two essential web branding elements – the Stanford global identity bar and Stanford global footer – that should be included in all official Stanford websites. These are built into all Decanter templates.