OIT’s proposed iconography style is based on brevity, clarity, and accessibility. The simplified line approach improves clarity and scalability, while the interior spacing enhances legibility.

Iconography should be informative and functional conveying ideas that support content rather than abstract forms. Icons should be versatile enough to convey multiple meanings in various contexts.

The current iconography style should no longer be used and will be moved to legacy status.

building icon

Current style

Transparency
Accountability
Innovation
Teamwork

Proposed style

Transparency
Accountability
Innovation
Teamwork

Structure

  • The base grid should be 5” by 5” with a safe area of 0.57”.
  • The outer circle and inner icon design use a 10pt stroke.
  • Rounded corners enhance approachability and versatility.
10 point stroke
Rounded corners

Color

The preferred use of icons is in blue on a white background. However, icons can be used in all primary and secondary colors.

Laptop icon used with the various brand colors

Acceptable Uses

Iconography design provides users with flexible solutions to fit their needs, including creating specific identifiers, with or without accompanying text descriptions, that can visually represent an idea, topic, or unique campaign, office, or product identity.

Logos broadly refer to the VA OIT Signature Logo and approved variations. Custom and or unique logo design is not permitted, with minimal exception.

Icons are not logos and should not be used in place of the official VA signature logo and seal and the approved DigitalVA logo. Please look at the Logo section of this guide for the appropriate use of logos.

Using an icon as an identifier should be limited to internal communications and maintain a visual connection to their parent divisional icon. To maintain consistency and alignment with the brand, custom identifiers should use the structure defined. Please get in touch with ITSC Graphics and Creative team for templates. Icons must be approved through ITSC and Front Office before use, regardless of intended distribution.

Icon and text layout

Incorrect Uses

Filled bounding circle
Filled icon
Icon with multiple colors
Incorrectly scaled icon
Icon without bounding circle
Icon with text
Icon used as a logo