An explanation behind the redesign of the 4th edition of BiSL.
Bella Design Studio was asked at the end of 2023 to collaborate on the BiSL redesign, a new design of the 4th edition of BiSL.
BiSL is a best practice (management approach) for Business Information Managers. The method has been a widely used management method since 2005 (And a chronological overview of the field and BiSL books can be found here).
What is BiSL (in plain language)?
Imagine that a school has a big box full of toys for all the children. But to make sure everyone knows which toys are there, how to play with them, and that the toys stay tidy and intact, there is a special toy manager. BiSL is like such a manager, but for information on computers and the internet at companies.
BiSL ensures that all the information a company needs is well organized, easy to find and use, and also secure. Just as the toy manager makes sure the toys remain fun and safe for everyone. So, BiSL helps companies take care of their ’information toys’, so that everyone can do their work well and comfortably!
What were the needs of the BiSL redesign?
The BiSL model had already been updated several times since 2005. But in essence it is still the same model. This is also the strength of the BiSL model, because it makes it easy to recognize.
It had also received a different visualization now and then, but it still gave a somewhat outdated impression. The main task was therefore to give BiSL a fresher look.
Among other things by bringing more flow and continuity back into the model. And by making it didactically stronger by working with icons that visualize the various areas of focus. Which should also make it easier for students to understand and remember BiSL.
Initially, a number of colors were used. However, it was ultimately decided to keep the color scheme consistent with the BiSL logo and with the color of the model from the heyday of BiSL (around +/- 2014). This color is, understandably, turquoise green.
There was also a need to better represent the various areas of focus, beyond the icons. And to give the entire model a fresh look. Below is an example of the Supplier Management icon.
What choices were made in the redesign of BiSL
Softer corners
As connoisseurs can immediately see, the hard corners of the model, as well as from all the images, have been removed and made softer. This gives a somewhat fresher character and makes the model less harsh. The corners are also somewhat classier in style.
Cycles instead of blocks
In line with the rounded corners, all the blocks and the square lines and blocks have been replaced by round cycle figures. This gives a more continuous character to the processes. And illustrates more flow in the model and the information streams. Instead of ’hard’ big bang transfers of phases and information in the various process steps.
Highlighting levels against the background of the model
It was decided to bring the full model back in the various chapters of the book. In the previous edition of the book, the full model appeared only once, in the appendix. Now we bring the model back in full size each time. But we only highlight the relevant topic by making the rest of the model more transparent, as in the example below.
Icons in a contrasting frame
The icons have been placed in a contrasting white frame. This brings calm to the model and space to clearly write the description of the relevant icon next to it. This way you don't have just an icon, and not just text. But the best of both worlds.
Good luck with the BiSL redesign!
If you are or will become a user of BiSL, then I hope you greatly enjoy the new BiSL model. This article serves to better explain the choices we made in the design. I hope the intended objectives are achieved and that you derive much pleasure or benefit from it.
Leave a reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *
Name *
Email *
Website
Comment *
Save my name, email and website in this browser for the next time I leave a comment.
Other topics
Corporate identity (2) Case study (2) How-to guide (1) moodboard (2)