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There has been much debate in the studio over how to tackle this – beyond design and layout. Should it be a book or something more technologically advanced, such as a smart card? However, we all agreed that beyond the practical requirement of including multiple pages for visas and stamps – at least for the foreseeable future – there was an emotional aspect to holding a physical book. We wanted to embrace the UK passport as a tangible item that reflects contemporary society, as well as our rich heritage and achievements.
The official version
The redesigned UK passport was first issued in October 2010. The familiar maroon cover remains, but now contains a concealed microchip, while the personal details section includes holograms covered by a transparent “foil” varnish to cut the risk of fraud. Designs are stretched over two pages rather than one, and include images of landmarks such as the White Cliffs of Dover, Ben Nevis and the Giant’s Causeway.
The redesigned UK passport was first issued in October 2010. The familiar maroon cover remains, but now contains a concealed microchip, while the personal details section includes holograms covered by a transparent “foil” varnish to cut the risk of fraud. Designs are stretched over two pages rather than one, and include images of landmarks such as the White Cliffs of Dover, Ben Nevis and the Giant’s Causeway.
1 Grid
The passport is built around the proportions of the Union Jack. The horizontals, verticals and diagonals allow for a multitude of compositions that can be used throughout the passport.
2 Flags of the UK
The flags of Scotland, Northern Island, Wales and England are used as an acknowledgement of the nations that make up the UK. These can be used as a graphic device throughout the passport, highlighting any region-specific content (see overleaf).
3 Security foils
Holograms could be embedded into transparent “foils” and applied in layers. These could be used on imagery – in this case the authentication portrait – as well as typography.
4 Passport photo
Modern digital photography and printing allow the portrait to appear larger and in profile, thereby helping border authorities to identify the holder.
5 Cover
This is a rejection of the maroon faux-leather cover that is currently used. Here, the unique geometry of the Union Jack is expressed by using security foiling on key points of the flag.
6 Acknowledging history
We wanted to look beyond the chocolate box cliche of the UK to celebrate great Britons and their achievements. Groundbreaking inventions such as the jet engine and the worldwide web, or discoveries such as the DNA helix, spring to mind. In this example, we illustrate the discovery of penicillin – note the Scottish flag to denote Alexander Fleming’s origins.
image: Official version of UK passport
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