The Cornerstones of ID Card Design

Your ID cards reflect your organization’s brand, so it’s important to be mindful when designing them. The last thing you want is to create an ID card system that looks unprofessional or poses security risks. The card should be easy to read, durable, secure, and visually appealing.

Creating a unique ID card design that illustrates your company’s professionalism involves using a reputable security system supplier and including elements of your brand, logos, or emblems that cannot be easily duplicated. 

Learning how to incorporate different elements in an ID card system can seem overwhelming, but the good news is learning about the fundamentals of ID card design can streamline the process and allow you to enjoy cost savings. Here are some fundamental factors to consider when designing an ID card.

Purpose of the ID Card

The first step in designing an ID card is to understand its purpose for your organization. Do you need an ID card to control workplace access? Do you want to track employee entry and exits? Are you trying to prevent unauthorized entries to sensitive areas?

Identifying the purpose of the ID card helps you design the card, determine what information needs to be included, and choose the layout, size, and overall layout. One important thing to remember when identifying the purpose of the ID card is knowing which information to prioritize. For example, the name, title, and other important details should be legible and easy to read, especially if the ID card’s primary purpose is to enhance workplace security. 

Information Hierarchy

When designing an ID card, it’s important to prioritize the information displayed, as the visual hierarchy is vital for design. Typically, the most important information (such as the person’s name and photo) will be displayed prominently, while less important information (such as their address or job title) may be smaller or placed in a less prominent location.

Security Features

Depending on the purpose of the ID card, you may need to include security features such as holograms, watermarks, microprinting, or barcodes. These features can help prevent counterfeiting or unauthorized use of the card.

Another great way to secure your ID card system is by choosing proximity cards. There are a few different types of proximity cards available, and many of them play a critical role in ID card security. Proximity cards use RFID (radio frequency identification) to transmit data wirelessly with authorization data encoded on the cards. 

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Size, Orientation & Color Scheme

ID cards come in various sizes, depending on their purpose. Standard ID card sizes are 3.375 inches by 2.125 inches, but sizes can vary and be larger or smaller. Orientation can also vary, with landscape and portrait being the most common.

Another factor to consider is the color scheme of the ID card. Colors can be used to differentiate between different types of ID cards or to highlight important information. A well-designed color scheme can help create a cohesive and professional-looking ID card. 

Consider using the colors of the organization or company the card is for, as colors play a critical role in representing a brand. According to Carleton University, color plays a vital role in the branding and logo of a company because “they are the first things your target market thinks of when thinking of your brand.” You can also choose a color scheme that is easy on the eyes and legible. However, using colors sparingly and purposefully is important, as too many colors can make the card look cluttered.

By considering these cornerstones of ID card design, you can create a professional-looking, secure, and functional ID card that meets your organization’s needs.