Design
Graphics Standards Manual
NASA · 1976
The legendary 1976 NASA identity manual. The "worm" logotype, strict Helvetica, engineered grids, and red/black/white reduction — the reference point for systematic design.
Design System
Color Palette
NASA Red
#FC3D21
Worm logotype / primary accent
Black
#000000
Type / rules
White
#FFFFFF
Backgrounds
Gray
#8E8E8E
Diagram keylines
Typography
- Headings
- Helvetica, tight and systematic; the worm logotype as the hero mark
- Body
- Helvetica in strict flush-left columns with hanging indents
- Notes
- Specification typography: measurements, clearspace diagrams, and grid callouts.
Visual Style
SystematicModernistEngineeredTimeless
Layout
Strict modular grid pages with generous margins; specimen blocks, spacing diagrams, and application mockups.
Imagery
Line-art application diagrams — spacecraft, aircraft livery, signage, letterhead.
Charts & Data
None — dimension-annotated diagrams serve as the data.
Source
Frequently Asked Questions
- What colors does NASA use in its presentations?
- NASA's Design System Manual (1976) uses a 4-color palette: NASA Red (#FC3D21) for worm logotype / primary accent, Black (#000000) for type / rules, White (#FFFFFF) for backgrounds, Gray (#8E8E8E) for diagram keylines.
- What fonts does NASA use in its slides?
- Headings: Helvetica, tight and systematic; the worm logotype as the hero mark. Body: Helvetica in strict flush-left columns with hanging indents.
- What is the presentation design style of NASA?
- The deck's visual style is systematic, modernist, engineered, timeless. Strict modular grid pages with generous margins; specimen blocks, spacing diagrams, and application mockups.
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