Ecohydrology and Sustainability

Visual identity

A visual system created to represent the balance between nature, technology, and science. This project was developed for the research group led by Dr. Meng Zhao at the University of Idaho, which investigates the relationship between hydrology, ecology, and sustainability.

What is Ecohydrology and Sustainability?

“We are a young and growing group. We study the intersection between hydrology and ecology, and their broader implications on climate, society, and policy making.

We employ a variety of approaches, including satellite remote sensing, GIS (geographic information systems), Earth system modeling, and machine learning.

We aim to use what we discover to address challenges in the water-energy-food nexus.”

Dr. Meng Zhao

The challenge

The group needed a clear and versatile visual identity that would reflect the intersection of nature, innovation, and applied science. The goal was to translate complex concepts into a visual language that is accessible and meaningful.

The solution

The design combines organic and geometric shapes, representing the group’s core pillars:

  • Soil and vegetation
  • Hydrology and water cycles
  • Data-driven sustainability
  • Remote sensing and environmental modeling

At the center of the logo, a plant emerges from the ground. Blue waves represent water systems. White arcs reference satellite signals and computational modeling.

The solution

The design combines organic and geometric shapes, representing the group’s core pillars:

  • Soil and vegetation
  • Hydrology and water cycles
  • Data-driven sustainability
  • Remote sensing and environmental modeling

At the center of the logo, a plant emerges from the ground. Blue waves represent water systems. White arcs reference satellite signals and computational modeling.

Creative process

Turning ideas into visuals starts with deep listening

Concept and structure

The central idea was to portray the connection between nature and technology. Each visual element directly reflects the group’s research themes.

Color palette

Shades of green, blue, and gray balance nature and science, echoing the environments studied: vegetation, soil, water, and atmosphere.

Typography

The Montserrat typeface was chosen for its clarity, modernity, and adaptability across various formats.

Versatile applications

The logo was delivered with usage guidelines and variations for presentations, documents, digital platforms, and print materials.

Montserrat

ExtraBold

Bold

Medium

Regular

ABCDEFGHIJKLMOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
0123456789

Colors and typography that
reflect both nature and science.

Creative process

Turning ideas into visuals starts with deep listening

Concept and structure

The central idea was to portray the connection between nature and technology. Each visual element directly reflects the group’s research themes.

Color palette

Shades of green, blue, and gray balance nature and science, echoing the environments studied: vegetation, soil, water, and atmosphere.

Typography

The Montserrat typeface was chosen for its clarity, modernity, and adaptability across various formats.

Versatile applications

The logo was delivered with usage guidelines and variations for presentations, documents, digital platforms, and print materials.

Montserrat

ExtraBold

Bold

Medium

Regular

ABCDEFGHIJKLMOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
0123456789

Colors and typography that
reflect both nature and science.

A balance between nature, science, and technology

Outcomes and learnings

  • Developing a clear briefing questionnaire was essential to align expectations

  • Detailed responses and the group's engagement made the process collaborative and efficient

  • Translating scientific themes into a visual identity required listening, synthesis, and sensitivity

  • The brand was well-received and benefited from valuable feedback from Dr. Meng during the final stages

This project was an exercise in bridging science and design. The visual identity of the Ecohydrology and Sustainability group was born from actively listening to the researchers' needs and the desire to transform technical knowledge into visuals with meaning and purpose.

This project was an exercise in bridging science and design. The visual identity of the Ecohydrology and Sustainability group was born from actively listening to the researchers' needs and the desire to transform technical knowledge into visuals with meaning and purpose.