01 // Topic identification

In my first blog post, I would like to present and roughly explain my three proposed topics. Before I started looking for topics, I decided on design areas from communication design that particularly interest me. I chose the areas of typography, packaging design and branding. At the end of the blog post, I will present my current favorite and describe it.


Topic 1: The role of fonts in the visual identity of brands.

This topic looks at the importance of typography in shaping the visual identities of brands. In exploring this topic, I will examine how choosing the right fonts has a significant impact on the perception and success of a brand. In addition to the aspects of font choice in branding, the influences on brand personality, target group appeal and brand recognition will also be examined. Possible challenges and opportunities in this area are also analyzed.

Bibliography and references:

_Typography Essentials: 100 Design Principles for Working with Type“ von Ina Saltz

_Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, and Students von Ellen Lupton

_Brand Bible: The Complete Guide to Building, Designing, and Sustaining Brands von Debbie Millman

_Visuelle Kommunikation als strategisches Instrument der Marken- und Unternehmenskommunikation von Alexander Berzler

_Understanding Role of Fonts in Linking Brand Identity to Brand Perception von Vikas Singla & Nidhi Sharma

_Visual branding: A guide to designing visual identity von Ly Dang

Topic 2: Recycling and upcycling in packaging design: sustainable approaches to packaging solutions.

This topic examines the increasing importance of recycling and upcycling in the design of sustainable packaging solutions. The importance of environmental protection and sustainability, also in design, is continuously increasing. In my thesis, I will examine the concept of recycling and upcycling in packaging design and explore practical approaches to environmentally friendly packaging solutions. There will also be a focus on the creative redesign of packaging materials, material selection, ecological impact and the influence on brand communication. My work aims to get closer to the goal of sustainable packaging design for a sustainable future.

Bibliography and references:

_Designing Sustainable Packaging von Scott Boylston

_Sustainable Packaging von Dr. Subramanian Senthilkannan Muthu

_Sustainable packaging design: A holistic methodology for packaging design von Erik Svanes, Hanne Møller, Marit Kvalvåg Pettersen, Hanne Larsen

_Consumer response to sustainable packaging design von Nigel D. Steenis

_Sustainable packaging as a tool for global sustainable development von Natalia Kozik

_Packaging Sustainability von Wendy Jedlička

Topic 3: Multi-sensory branding: How all the senses can be used to create a brand experience.

This topic looks at the world of multi-sensory branding and how all the senses can be used in the design of a holistic brand experience. As our attention span is limited by the increasing digital world, the use of the senses for brands is becoming more important. This thesis will look at the integration of different elements in brand communication and design. The thesis aims to find out how companies can appeal to the senses of their target group to build strong emotional connections to their brands and intensify the brand experience.

Bibliography and references:

_Brand Sense: Warum wir starke Marken fühlen, riechen, schmecken, hören und sehen können von Martin Lindstrom

_Sensory Marketing: Research on the Sensuality of Products von Aradhna Krishna

_Brand Seduction: How Neuroscience Can Help Marketers Build Memorable Brands von Daryl Weber

_Sensory Marketing – A review and research agenda von Ruchi Garg, Rachna Bhatia, Ritu Chhikara, Aakanksha Kataria

_The impact of sensory branding (five senses) on consumer von Saffer Uddin

_Sensory Branding von Alirezaeslambolchi & Shimafarhadi und Seyed Erfan Alhosseini Hamedani


I chose the first topic for my research in the first semester. However, I have decided to focus not only on typography but on branding in general. So for my further research, I would like to look at the following topic: The role of branding and its influence on the visual identity of brands.

In my research, I will examine the multifaceted design of the visual identity of brands, taking into account a holistic branding approach. The focus is not only on the font but also on various elements that together shape the perception and success of a brand. In addition to a comprehensive consideration of branding, the influences on brand personality, target group appeal and brand recognition are explored in detail. The work also highlights possible challenges and opportunities in the context of branding to provide a holistic insight into the complex aspects of visual brand design.