If you watch Big Bang Theory you might remember when Sheldon and Amy create a show called “Fun with Flags”. Although you may not share Sheldon’s interest in vexillology or be a designing a flag in the near future, you can certainly use the principles of good design for drawing and problem solving.

Roman Mars’ entertaining Ted Talk discusses why city flags are so poorly designed and how Canada and Amsterdam’s flags are referenced as gold standard examples. Flags need to be recognizable from either side. They need to be seen from a distance, from many angles and by people of all languages. He explains each design principle of the North American Vexillological Association’s (NAVA) book Good Flag, Bad Flag.

Here are the five principles from NAVA’s book:

1. Keep It Simple.  The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory.

2. Use Meaningful Symbolism.  The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.

3. Use 2 or 3 Basic Colors.  Limit the number of colors on the flag to three which contrast well and come from the standard color set.

4. No Lettering or Seals.  Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal.

5. Be Distinctive or Be Related.  Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections.

Applying these principles helps simplify your idea down to a clearly recognizable symbol. A good rule of thumb is to design within a one to one and half inch rectangle. That symbol can then be used to rally your team behind your idea helping them focus on a problem or solution.

Here is a link to NAVA’s pdf for you to download. And if you have the time read about the different design elements of flags read here .