How To Design Event Name Badges (that don’t suck)
Credit: Software Mansion
Designing name badges for events can be a tricky task. Not everyone has a Designer on hand and many struggle to create badges that are not only visually appealing but also functional and eco-friendly. Poorly designed name badges can lead to confusion, missed connections, and a negative impression of your event.
At Terra Tag we understand these challenges and have pulled together this comprehensive lookbook to inspire and guide you. You’ll find practical tips, design examples and a bit of creative flair to ensure your name badges are stylish, readable, and sustainable.
Key Name Badge Design Components
Credit Kayt Zahn
The Golden Trio
When designing conference badges, remember the golden trio: the attendee's first and last name, their job title or company, and the event logo. This is the ID secret sauce and serves as branding opportunities for the event. Make sure the first name is prominently displayed and easily readable from a distance.
Opt for sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica, which are clean, modern, and easy to read from a distance. Use font sizes ranging from 28 to 38 points to ensure that names and other information are legible at a glance. Maintain a hierarchy of information, with the attendee's name in a larger, bolder font followed by their role and company name in smaller, supporting fonts.
Choosing the Right Badge Size
Credit: Vlad Radchenko
Size Matters
Selecting the appropriate size for conference badges depends on factors such as event scale, attendee demographics, and design preferences.
Standard badge sizes include A6 (10.5 x 14.85 cm) and A7 (7.4 x 10.5 cm), which offer a balance between visibility and convenience. Larger badges provide more space for information and design elements but may be cumbersome to wear, especially for multi-day events.
Consider the practicality and visibility of different badge sizes to choose the option that best suits your event needs.
Choose Colours Wisely
Credit: Aubrey Dockery | LexiLogo
Make or Break It
Colours evoke emotions and convey ideas and values in a split second. So, you need to choose wisely. We associate the colour red with love, which is why it has become the staple colour for Valentine’s Day. Similarly, we associate the colour blue with water and tranquillity, yellow with happiness and sunshine and green with prosperity, nature and health movements.
Select a colour scheme that complements the event theme and enhances readability. Use high-contrast colours for text and graphics to ensure legibility, especially from a distance. Limit the number of colours used to avoid visual clutter and maintain a clean, cohesive design.
It Hangs in the Balance
Credit: EvenSix
Don’t Tip the Scale
Balance is essential in design, ensuring all elements on your name badge are visually harmonious. There are two main types of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance involves mirroring elements on either side of a central line, creating a formal look. Asymmetrical balance uses differing elements that complement each other, offering a more dynamic visual experience.
Distribute text, graphics, and blank space evenly across the badge. Avoid overcrowding one area with too much information, which can make the badge look cluttered. Balancing your design enhances readability and makes your name badges more visually appealing, contributing to a polished look for your event.
Credit: Jane Woodall
Readability
Credit: Michael
Optimise The Layout
A well-designed layout prioritises readability and hierarchy. Place key information, such as attendee names and affiliations, prominently at the forefront of the badge. This ensures attendees can easily identify each other and foster meaningful connections.
Use hierarchical typography to distinguish different levels of information. The attendee's name should be in a larger, bolder font to draw attention immediately. Additional details, like job titles or company names, should be in smaller, supporting fonts. This approach not only enhances readability but also creates a clean and organised look, making your name badges both functional and visually appealing.
Credit: Adell Creative Studio
Sponsor Logos and Branding
Credit: Olena Tulainova
Steal The Show
If applicable, include sponsor logos on the badge to acknowledge their support and enhance brand visibility. Ensure these logos are appropriately sized and positioned relative to the event logo and other badge elements. Think of the guest name as centre stage, the event logo as side stage, and the sponsor logos as back stage. They’re all important, but there is a hierarchy.
Maintain a balance between sponsor branding and event branding to avoid overwhelming the badge design. This ensures sponsors get their due recognition without overshadowing the event's identity, keeping your badges professional and well-balanced. This way, the star of the show—the attendee—remains the focal point, creating a harmonious and effective name badge.
Credit: Conduit Studio
QR Codes and Interactive Features
Credit: Walnut Creek Creative
Scan-tastic
Integrating QR codes and other interactive features into conference badges can enhance attendee engagement and provide access to additional information. QR codes can link to event schedules, speaker bios, sponsor websites, or feedback surveys, adding a tech-savvy touch to your badges.
Think about the specific needs and interests of your attendees when incorporating these features. Provide clear instructions on how to scan the QR codes and access the valuable information they offer. This ensures a seamless and engaging experience, making your name badges both functional and fun.
Credit: Punch
Make It Shine or Leave It Behind
F-Ugly Need Not Apply
Put effort into the design because it truly matters. No one wants to wear something that looks like it was designed in the dark. Your guests have made an effort to attend your event, so you should match that effort with a stunning name badge design.
A well-designed badge shows you care about the details and value your attendees' experience. It represents your event, company, and brand in the best light. Make your badges something people are proud to wear, reflecting the quality and thoughtfulness of your event. Remember, first impressions count, and a fabulous name badge is a great way to start. So, let’s leave the f-ugly designs behind and create something everyone will love!
Credit: Tyler LaCross
Credit: Julia Marsh
Credit: UnderConsideration LLC
Ditch The Plastic
Keep It Green
Your guests don't want to be handed a plastic name badge holder or a synthetic lanyard with metal and plastic bits. People don’t appreciate the impact these materials have on the environment—plus, they get stuck disposing of it.
Make the switch to eco-friendly materials. Terra Tag sustainable name badges and lanyards are handcrafted with recycled or seed-infused paper and 100% eco-friendly materials, offering a stylish and sustainable solution for your event.
Explore our products and solutions at terratag.com.au, and make your event one to remember—for all the right reasons!
