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De La Rue was an external partner setting this project which asked me to design ideas and solutions to a one of three scenarios involving the design of currency. Currency remains the worlds’ most inclusive payment method. Its ubiquity and facility mean it is used for 85% of payments globally. With 70% of the worlds adult population unbanked it is cash that enables every citizen to partake in their local and increasingly regional economy. Banknote design has to be cognoscente of these macro-factors. More practically it needs to be designed as a product fit for the users and environment in which it operates.
Situation: We are 2025. The Bank of England are considering the next generation of notes to replace the polymer series that were launched in 2016, 2017 and 2020 (£5, £10, £20). The Bank plan for the new notes to enter circulation in 2028. The Bank of England has maintained a careful evolution of its note style since the late 1960s. This is both a reaction to both regular surveys of the British public (most recently in 2014 in the polymer decision making process) and secondly Sterling’s’ continued position as a World Currency (though whether this has been eroded by Brexit remains an open question). Whilst unlike the US Dollar it is not used as a de-facto currency in other economies it is seen as a store of value currency, and physical notes represent that. At the same time the Bank has juxtaposed the steady style evolution with a more radical approach to technology adoption: anti-copy inks in the 1990s, holography in the 2000s and a move to polymer in 2016.
Complication
Given the context of this kind of “brand” how would you re-design an English banknote series (Assume £5, £10, £20 and £50)? What Identity, message and narrative do you think would work? What technology would you look to deploy, and why? Please consider designs for the front AND back of the notes. It is possible that within the timeframe of this scenario Her Majesty the Queen may pass away. What, given the conservative nature of English banknotes would represent a viable answer?
Solution
Each note will be given a specific shape to separate itself from other currency values, implementing this explicitly into the design creates a dominant character within the model and becomes visually crucial with the overall design. The banknotes layout is the pinnacle part of the process, the note has to work with the image and by creating a border around this allows space to place typography. With every note promoting architecture around the county on the front, the back will include an outline of the United Kingdom that shows where exactly you can visit the specific landmark.
Typography explores all the possible ways in that using different styles and experiments help find the best visual and the one that looks the clearest. Every detail in the banknote is crucible to the design aesthetics helping to counterfeit and making the note more authentic, also gives depth and value towards the overall design.
Overall the initial design for the new banknote allows a crucible voice for everyone that’s part of the United Kingdom whether your north or south each representation promotes the country’s brand identity that brings longevity, asking the question what will be here longer than people? These beautiful landmarks.
With money becoming the most genuinely valued part of our life’s, something as important deserves the right to look beautiful crafted.
