IBM Icons of Progress and centennial celebration books
Icons of Progress celebrated key moments, people and innovations in IBM’s 100 year history. In addition to designing icons, I was able to flex my knowledge and love of design history and function as a researcher collaborating very closely with the design team and archivists at IBM headquarters.
The Icons of Progress were exhibited at the inaugural opening of the Chicago Design Museum and as part of the IBM Think Exhibit that toured NYC, Epcot Center, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.
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Cannes Bronze Medal winner in Design
One Show Design, Brand Identity / Logo Design Silver
One Show Design, Design Does / Brand Transformation Gold
Published in “Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team” 4th Edition, Alina Wheeler
Hired into this role because of my academic background and background in design history (I was a teaching assistant in Design History at RISD and went on to teach the subject at Michigan State University) I brought a unique process and POV. Because history is a passion, I leaned hard into the legacy of this iconic brand. Working closely with the IBM archival team and a protégé of Paul Rand himself I was able to apply my academic rigor to the process doing everything from designing icons to tracking down people and information. Part designer, part investigative journalist. I interviewed scientists, engineers, architects, and even Nobel Laureates.
Research becomes a bit of detective work and perhaps my favorite moment was tracking down Luis Lamassonne for photo rights. I found him through of one of his children and when I told her IBM was celebrating 100 years of contributions and wanted to mention him in the book the reaction was wonderful. His daughter told me her father was 101, still alive and one year older than IBM, she spoke for him when she said he’d be honored to take part. She happily put me in touch with her parents. Imagine being 101 and having a company you dedicated so much of your passion to come back and say “We never forgot you.” It was wonderful being a part of so many sweet stories like this.
