This is a new branding system developed by German design studio EIGA for the religious kindergarten network Katholino. It's based on the philosophy of "helping each child express their individuality within a single framework." The core of the system is the logo motif of four hearts arranged in a cross shape, which simultaneously embodies both emotional meaning and religious symbolism.
Based on this motif, EIGA developed over 500 logo variations, allowing each kindergarten to choose freely. "Each kindergarten joining Catolino can choose a logo that expresses its own unique identity while remaining within the overall brand framework," explained Elisabeth Plas, EIGA's co-CEO. This allows each kindergarten to have its own unique design that reflects its character and atmosphere, while maintaining a sense of community connection.
Beyond the logo, the entire system is designed to be easily usable even by non-experts. Because teachers aren't designers, EIGA provides practical resources, including a communication starter kit, event planning tools, and website development templates. These are "design tools, not design tools," designed for immediate practical use.
Another unique feature is "DINA Katholino," a custom font developed for early childhood education environments. Collaborating with Paris-based b•vh type, this font reworked the existing Dina Chaumont typeface, adding capital letters that weren't originally present, helping children naturally learn correct spelling rules. The font is monospaced, with all letters of equal width, making it ideal for everyday communication, such as notices, posters, and indoor signs. This design ensures a consistent visual appearance, even for non-designers.
The color scheme is also flexible. While the primary color is purple, various colors can be selected to match the seasons of the church calendar. This ensures both visual unity and expressive diversity.
The brand strategy was developed based on rigorous, field-based research. EIGA's internal team, comprised of parents from diverse cultural backgrounds, was instrumental in understanding what parents actually want. The brand message was refined through close consultation with education experts and Catolino executives.
