Vexillology: Principles of Good Flag Design
Ted Kaye's 'Good Flag, Bad Flag' pamphlet (2006), formalizing guidelines from the North American Vexillological Association · Good Flag, Bad Flag (2001)
A good flag should be simple enough for a child to draw, use meaningful symbolism, consist of 2-3 basic colors, avoid lettering or seals, and be distinctive. This framework from vexillologist Ted Kaye has reshaped civic identity in hundreds of cities and states, amplified by Roman Mars's viral TED Talk.
Core Concepts
The Problem
Most city flags are overly complex, seal-based, and indistinguishable from one another.
The Claim
Adopting the five principles leads to flags that are beautiful, memorable, and functional, increasing civic pride.
Key Evidence
- •Hundreds of city flag redesigns after Mars's talk, including widely-praised examples like Washington DC, Chicago, and Denver.
- •NASA flag design studies confirm simple, symbolic designs are easier to recall.
Practical Implication
Investing in a good flag can serve as a low-cost, high-impact way to build community identity.
Nuance & Limits
Not all redesigns succeed; some cities revert to old flags due to pushback over change in symbolism or cost.
Source Material
Videos
Roman Mars's TED Talk on vexillology
Citation Density
High
Related Ideas
Flag design is a microcosm of urban aesthetics.
How simple symbols aid orientation, akin to street signs.
Gaps
- ⚠ Cultural differences in flag design — what works in one region may not resonate in another.
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