{"id":8119,"date":"2016-10-24T10:28:25","date_gmt":"2016-10-24T10:28:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/?p=8119"},"modified":"2022-08-22T09:43:38","modified_gmt":"2022-08-22T09:43:38","slug":"hillary-vs-trump-design-battle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/hillary-vs-trump-design-battle\/","title":{"rendered":"Hillary Vs. Trump: Who Is Winning The Design Battle"},"content":{"rendered":"

The age old adage, \u201cDon\u2019t judge a book by its cover\u201d, masks the conspicuous connection between substance and presentation. While people say that looks don\u2019t matter, design has an imperative part to play, especially if the website or other branding elements outline a potential candidate running for the President of the United States!<\/p>\n

The former first lady (Hillary Clinton) and the former host of \u201cThe Apprentice\u201d (Donald J. Trump) have entered the arena for what is indubitably the most massive and epic brand battle of 2016. As we get ready for the ultimate showdown of \u2018hair\u2019 vs. \u2018pantsuit\u2019<\/strong>, we can bicker to no end until we’re blue in the face over which candidate offers the most awe-inspiring plans for foreign policy, the economy, civil rights, health care, and more. One thing however, is not up for debate; the importance and design quality of the branding elements used by the leading candidates.<\/p>\n

Create A Logo Design<\/a><\/div>\n

Winning The Political Battle With Design!<\/h2>\n

Seeing is believing. The more a candidate\u2019s branding design resonates with the audience, the more they are apt to appeal to their inner emotions. While our political investment in the race is minimal, we have been closely scrutinizing the visual branding battle raging on in all its fervor, and couldn\u2019t help but notice how Hillary\u2019s clean, unified, and consistent branding elements are trumping the other candidates. While Trump’s branding secret has been unveiled<\/strong><\/a>, Hillary Clinton truly comprehends the merits of strong communication and vision, and has exemplified these attributes in her web designs and various branding elements. While the elections are still a staggering month away, let\u2019s scrutinize the visual branding of both the candidates to see why we think Hillary is far suited to sit the iron throne!<\/p>\n

Round 1: Official Campaign Website<\/h2>\n

Vibrant And Cheerful V.S. Gloomy And Bleak<\/h3>\n

While some candidates are capitalizing on their bold attitudes and eccentric personalities to gain followers (Hint: Hair), Hillary\u2019s subliminal campaigning has really resonated with us. Coming to her official Campaign Website, it redirects the users to a modern and colorful splash page on the first visit of the site, aiming to solicit campaign donations. The vibrant and cheerful look and feel of the splash page incites an urge to donate for her campaign, augmented with the clear red call to action button and an incentive to receive a free Tim Kaine button pack on donations over $10! Trump\u2019s splash page in comparison is dull, so that the call to donation doesn\u2019t stand out. In addition, by incorporating two call to actions on the same page, it leaves one muddled as to whether to sign up or donate.<\/p>\n

\"official<\/a>
\nImage: Hillary Clinton Official Website<\/a><\/p>\n

\"trumps<\/a>
\nImage: Donald Trump Official Website<\/p>\n

Humane And Amiable V.S. Cocksure Arrogance And Remote<\/h3>\n

Continuing on to the main site, Clinton\u2019s site appears informative, professional and clean throughout. Her campaign leverages flat design elements, and from 2015 until a few months ago, the hero image has dominated the front page of the website. The image kept changing depending on the current socio-political events, conveying what she stands for and the message she believes in.<\/p>\n

Hillary Clinton\u2018s website similarly welcomes you with a full width image of her with the citizens of America, while landing on Trump\u2019s page one is greeted with a smiling full width image of the man himself! Informal CTA texts such as \u201cStart Calling\u201d, \u201cSee for yourself\u201d, \u201cchip in\u201d, and \u201cText me\u201d appeal to human emotions and makes it appear as if Hillary is actually engaging in a one-to-one t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate with her audience.<\/p>\n

Trump\u2019s site on the other hand appears rather cold, no-nonsense, and remote; lacking the \u201chumane appeal\u201d we have come to associate with the man. Adding a personal touch to her audience certainly gives Hillary an edge over Trump\u2019s site which seems to be the epitome of arrogant self-branding!<\/p>\n

The War Of The Typefaces; Hillary Lands Another Blowing Punch<\/h3>\n

The main typeface of Hillary\u2019s website, called unity, is a rendition of Sharp sans by Lucas Sharp. An unadorned Geometric sans with regularized letter widths and large x-height, along with the website\u2019s more frequent use of lowercase, strikes a friendly and amiable tone, as opposed to the frequent use of caps and slab serifs by Trump. To us, Trump\u2019s site shouts loud, obnoxious, and grasping for attention!<\/p>\n

The Battle Of Navigation; Hillary Leading The Right Path<\/h3>\n

The use of a sticky header with ready-to-use navigation is another aspect we love about Hillary\u2019s website design. From a UX perspective, its great news since the header allows visitors to navigate to any page from any page, instead of scrolling back up. On the other hand, Donald Trump\u2019s website is devoid of a sticky navigation, making visitors scroll all the way back up if they want to access the top bar navigation. In addition, while Clinton\u2019s website clearly displays an \u201cEn Espa\u00f1ol\u201d link in the main navigation bar, unsurprisingly Trump\u2019s site touts no such link, consistent with his unflinching stance on immigration.<\/p>\n

\"hillarys<\/a>
\nImage: Hillary Clinton Official Website<\/p>\n

\"trump<\/a>
\nImage: Donald Trump Official Website<\/p>\n

Talking of the navigation on the landing page, Hillary manages to fit all pertinent tabs on a single bar, in contrast to Trump\u2019s site dividing the navigation bar into secondary and primary navigation. While Hillary knows that the most important thing visitors wish to do is to read \u201cAbout\u201d the presidential candidate, putting the \u201cAbout\u201d tab on the secondary nav bar, featuring smaller font size and a cooler background color, isn\u2019t going in Trump\u2019s favors and shows his lack of political acumen.<\/p>\n

\"hillarys<\/a><\/p>\n

\"trump<\/a><\/p>\n

Verdict:<\/strong> Be it bad typography, narrow, dark drop shadows, a haphazard layout of the main content, a textured background, or gradient in the navigation, Trump\u2019s poorly designed website should come as no surprise, since he is frequently quoted as saying, \u201ca website costs me three dollars!\u201d It\u2019s becoming obvious MR. Trump!<\/p>\n

Round 2: The Official Campaign Logo<\/h2>\n

\"hillarys<\/a><\/p>\n

When Hillary\u2019s official campaign logo was revealed a year back, people were appalled. However, within a year, people have come to adore Michael Bierut’s bold design and the general consensus has it that his stroke of genius could become a design classic.<\/p>\n

\n

Michael Bierut at his finest. @HillaryClinton<\/a> #logodesign<\/a> #gorgeous<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/BQHvwp8nCS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Desiree Nasim (@desinasim) February 5, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Moving Forward Into The Future!<\/h3>\n

Here\u2019s what we think; the logo is Colorful, modern, and young, and we are going gaga over it! The Blue Single letter \u2018H\u2019 crossed out with a red arrow pointing right has been construed as a message of \u201cmoving forward into the future\u201d. The Sharp Sans logo is professional and polished, and simultaneously poses a friendly and humanist face that is still credible and clean. The \u2018H\u2019 implies power. If she had used the full name \u2018Hillary\u2019, the logo might have appeared too unceremonious for a presidential candidate, albeit more amiable. The \u2018H\u2019 with its heft serves to bridge that gap!<\/p>\n

While some seemed to diminish the logo by noticing that the red \u201cH\u201d arrow pointing right hints at endorsing the Republican Party. However, according to Graphic designer and author, Will Harris, \u201cThe arrow is pointing to the right because we read from left to right, so it\u2019s pointing into the future and it\u2019s red because that connotes power. But Hillary is also not a far-left candidate, she\u2019s a centrist. So if the logo can appeal to undecided Republican voters concerned about voting for a potential dictator, then yes, it\u2019s a smart message.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the last two months, we have seen the logo in a myriad avatars, including these:<\/p>\n

\"hillary\"<\/a>
\nImage: Clinton pop. (Montage by Quartz<\/a>)<\/p>\n

I Am With Her!<\/h3>\n

These iterations exude the full iconic prowess of Hillary\u2019s logo: the different backgrounds are the visual embodiments of the values around which the entire Clinton\u2019s campaign is built, the logo remains highly recognizable despite the alterations, and the arrow now truly personalize the promise of moving forward in all aspects. In addition, seeing how ubiquitous social media channels have become, Hillary\u2019s logo is perfectly functional and able to hold up against digital platforms, broadcast, and print! Supplemented with her heartwarming copywriting, \u2018I\u2019m with her!\u2019 and \u2018Hillary for America\u2019, the entire campaign is focused on looking forward, rather than delving in to an imaginary past that is the emblem of Trump\u2019s divisiveness!<\/p>\n

Trump Logo: The Hunchback Of Notre Dame!<\/h3>\n

Coming back to Mr. Trump (and stuffing in gales of laughter), how many of you remember the initial Trump Pence Logo that had us all truly ROFL\u2019ing? For those who feel sick to their stomachs at the mere sight of \u201chair\u201d, the logo proved how anybody who came to be associated with Trump was \u201cscrewed\u201d for life (pun intended). The travesty that was his logo had been the butt of every Twitter joke the second it was launched. Enough said; let us refresh your memory:<\/p>\n

\n

https:\/\/t.co\/h2Ui0f0YY6<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/VXX44UGiGd<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Anthony De Rosa (@Anthony) July 15, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n

or something@JuddLegum<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/0AJJDFqiSp<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 darth™ (@darth) July 15, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n

“I don’t get it.”
\n“It’s the T…the way it goes into the P…”
\n“I don’t see it.”
\n“It looks like–”
\n“Yeah? WHAT?”
\n“Nothing, Mr. Trump.”<\/p>\n

\u2014 Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) July 15, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

MR. Trump soon realized the boo-boo he had made, and set out to revamp the \u201clook\u201d and \u201cfeel\u201d of his logo. And this is what he conjured up, after many tossing and turning days and nights of course (Wink).<\/p>\n

\"trump\"<\/a>
\nImage: Make America Great Sticker\/Trump Website<\/p>\n

Why does the new Logo make us think of Tommy Hilfiger! Not that we don\u2019t love Tommy and his clothes, but nothing stirs within when looking at the new Trump logo, and trust us; we have looked long and hard\u2026 still nothing. While using the American colors and the insinuation of stars do hint at patriotism, it stops there. Due to the use of Akzidenz Grotesk Bold Extended for the logo and FF Meta Bold for the slogan text, all that the logo appears to be saying is corporate and heavy!<\/p>\n

Verdict:<\/strong> Sorry MR. Trump, your complete lack of graphic design is no surprise given your long history of not paying your contractors. The reason his logo is such a huge disappointment is because he probably never hired a \u201cREAL\u201d designer, or the poor guy couldn\u2019t get anyone with a conscience to do it for him. Better luck next season.<\/p>\n

Round 3: Branding Merchandise<\/h2>\n

\u201cMade For History\u201d By Hillary<\/h3>\n

The Design love we harbor for Clinton didn\u2019t stop at her logo and website; the Clinton campaign has recently unveiled their limited-edition \u201cMade for history\u201d collection of Tee-shirts, bandannas, and pouches from big designers like Joseph Altuzarra<\/strong><\/a>, Tory Burch<\/strong><\/a>, Diane Von Furstenberg<\/strong><\/a>, and Marc Jacobs<\/strong><\/a>, to help elect the first woman president of the United States! Each item of merchandise incorporate stunning design, imbued with a deep meaning and a gorgeous profusion of color and contrast, and heart-warming slogans that make us overwhelmed with design joy. What we love even more is that in the description section of each product is a heartfelt quote about Hillary from real people which fortifies our belief in her.  Here are our favorites form the collection:<\/p>\n

\"made<\/a><\/p>\n

The 45 Pins project<\/h3>\n

Last month, the Clinton campaign gave us even more gorgeous promotional items: the 45 Pins Project. The project gave us a set of 45 badges, designed by 45 top-notch designers and artists, including Michael Beirut<\/strong><\/a> and Paula Scher<\/strong><\/a>, to create designs that embody their reason for supporting Hillary. Why 45? If and when elected, Hillary will be the 45th President of the United States of America! We are in love with the stunning designs and catchy phrases on each but ton, such as \u201cSo my daughter knows she can be president\u201d, \u201cPantsuits for President\u201d, \u201cWe for she\u201d, \u201cShe can do it\u201d, and \u201cLove trumps hate\u201d. The fun, optimistic, bursting with energy, and colorful buttons are so gorgeous, we can\u2019t wait to buy them all!<\/p>\n

And then there are the button sets with such potent impact when read together. Here are some of our absolute favorites from the collection, including those from designers Agnieszka Gasparska<\/strong><\/a>, Joslynn Hupe<\/strong><\/a>, Courtney Garvin, and Paula Scher:<\/p>\n

\"stunning<\/a><\/p>\n

Hillary Stuns With Merchandise Galore!<\/h3>\n

In addition, the official Hillary merchandise includes custom state tee-shirts to let you flaunt your home state and your president, retro, distressed logo tees for the savvier lot, the Clinton-Kaine organizer kits, the official Woman card to let Donald Trump know the extents of your feminism, phone cases, baby one-sies, Tattoo sets, key chains, socks, Tote bags, Clever mugs saying \u201cChillary Clinton\u201d, and \u201cRed, white, and brew\u201d, witty posters and postcards, stitch by stitch throw pillows that say, \u201cA woman\u2019s place is in the white house.\u201d, and so much more that it\u2019s a designer\u2019s heaven, that shop is! Even if you are team Trump, you can\u2019t help give a nod of approval to the awe-inspiring designs and variety of merchandise Hillary has to offer!<\/p>\n

\"gorgeous<\/a><\/p>\n

Disappointing \u201cMerchandise\u201d Of Mr. Trump!<\/h3>\n

After we were done drooling over the \u201call the rage\u201d collection of Hillary\u2019s official merchandise, we decided to scout out MR. Trump\u2019s shop as well, and see what if he made up for his lack of aesthetics in that department. Since we went enamored with the kaleidoscope of catchy phrases that are redolent in Hillary\u2019s store, we were blasted with the overwhelming \u201cMake America Great again\u201d, \u201c#Build the Wall\u201d, \u201cI\u2019m with you\u201d, and \u201cTrump-Pence\u201d. In terms of design, we harbored high expectations after seeing the color vortex that was Clinton\u2019s store. At trump, we were met with his logo and the colors of American flag that apparently passed for \u201cdesign\u201d in his eyes. No. We are not biased. Yes. We scoured the entire store, and here\u2019s a sum-up of what we saw:<\/p>\n

\"trumps<\/a><\/p>\n

Hillary: 3, Trump 0!<\/h2>\n

Sadly Trump\u2019s dull and lifeless design strategies prove how high he thinks of himself. Each aspect of Trump\u2019s design appears self-centered, in contrast to amiable, conversational style adopted by Hillary. While she appears to be a human, Trump seems like a mighty imposing organization giving us Goosebumps. Much like Trump\u2019s strategy of playing \u201cblame games\u201d, and throwing allegations, his design stratagems are enough to hold him liable in Graphic design court! If you don\u2019t come up with something better and hopefully a tad more genuine, you are in deep trouble MR. Trump! After Hillary\u2019s huge, mammoth, staggering win at design, we hope you say \u201cyou are fired<\/strong>\u201d to all your designers before you are fired from the Presidential campaign!<\/p>\n