This week’s Design Blog is about the work of Alan Clarke, as featured in the July edition of Creative Review.

I was very impressed with this work , particularly in the clever way in which each poster managed to communicate its message powerfully through the intelligent use of space, simple graphic shapes and low key yet intelligently placed type.

On his website Alan Clarke states that, “The designs focused on the movement and speed of the athletes equipment. They were used to help travelers associate relevant tube stops with the Olympic events that are being held there”.

This is just as well, as I feel that each poster works best when displayed on its own; thus avoiding any conflict between the colours (which are not only vibrant contemporary in feel but are also cleverly chosen to associate with the sport in question).

The power in these posters are in their simplicity and clever use of shapes which convey a subliminal feeling of movement and energy. Further clarification is given by the name of the sporting event displayed in the top right hand corner and the well known Olympic rings in the top left corner of each poster.

Alan also states, “I have come to believe in clear, considered, communication solutions, simplicity and great ideas”. In my opinion he has achieved this with elegance and great composition in these striking posters (which won Best in Show at this years D&AD New Blood exhibition).

Well done to Alan – and great to see the Olympian brand being interpreted in a distinctly London style.

I was interested to read about Nibl, a new snack brand from Whitworths, in the current issue of Design Week.

Although the article surrounding this new product was quite small (amounting to just two lines of text and a small image) I could not help but notice this design for its clean, contemporary and humorous execution with a visually onomatopoeic label treatment.

Its reserved use of vivid yet non-garish colours and simple but effective logotype, makes it a bold move away from Whitworths’ existing packaging style.

There is now a clear synergy across the range, with obvious hierarchy given to the brand name. Clean lines and clear packaging gives integrity to the product with a playful twist; owing packaging cues to Muji’s minimalism.

In-short, a bold and modern step for Whitworths bringing them into a more discerning and selective demographic. From a design point of view we like it! Particularly the ‘nibl’ logo execution.