Interpretations of the Design Element

From The Collaboratory

Purpose of the Design Element

It functions as the Collaboratory's visual identity. When used in conjunction with consistent fonts and color schemes, it provides consistency to our overall image.

Overarching Theme in the Design Element

Although the design element is abstract and open to interpretation, there is an overarching theme that brings it all together. There are two circles, and both circles are very different. They do not touch at all, and they have nothing in common. This represents the various majors and projects within the Collaboratory. They are many and varied, often with nothing in common. It may seem like these majors and projects couldn't come together for a common purpose. Yet even with these differences, there is a line that connects the two circles. It runs from the first circle into the second, connecting the two and bringing everything together. The Collaboratory, with all its majors and projects, stands united under one mission and vision: to transform lives and to empower the poor.

Different Interpretations

• The circle with the "x" in it stands for the Collaboratory's work here at Messiah College. The circle with the circle in it stands for our work overseas. While our work here at Messiah is concrete and measurable, our work overseas is more fluid and not as measurable. This is because our outcomes here are tangible while our outcomes overseas aren't always tangible.
• The circle with the "x" in it stands for the engineering side of the Collaboratory. The circle with the circle in it stands for the earthy side of the Collaboratory. The engineering side works with metals and human inventions which is more concrete whereas the earthy side such as Biodiesel and Water teams work with the earth to improve our stewardship over it.
• The circle with the "x" in it stands for our projects the Collaboratory is working on currently. The circle with the circle in it stands for our ideas for the future. Even though the Collaboratory has many projects it is working on currently which are defined and laid out, there are many ideas for future projects and areas of growth.
• The circle with the "x" in it stands for the measurable results the Collaboratory projects achieve. The circle with the circle in it stands for the unmeasurable results the Collaboratory projects achieve. While the Collaboratory is working towards completing its measurable objectives, lives are touched and transformed. Communities are given hope and individuals are empowered. Some of our results are tangible, and others are not.