Montessori Norway

From Alternative Pedagogy to a Science-Based Learning Process

Shifting perceptions from "alternative" to reality: Research-Based Pedagogy

Montessori Norway approached us with a challenge: to redefine their public image and dispel misconceptions about their educational approach. Our task was to revitalize their visual identity and communicate clearly that Montessori is grounded in solid, research-based pedagogy.

Client
Montessori Norway is a unifying member organisation for Norwegian Montessori schools, kindergartens and other interested parties. As of August 2020, 91 Montessori schools, 38 Montessori kindergartens and 10 associations are members of Montessori Norway.

Target Audience
Parents and policymakers throughout Norway.

Various editions of Montessori magazine featuring covers with children, illustrations, and educational themes.

Strengthen Montessori's reputation and brand in Norway

Montessori pedagogy adopts a holistic approach to learning, focusing on nurturing a child's innate curiosity and learning potential – and Montessori Norway is working hard to greater the interest in and understanding of Montessori pedagogy in Norway.

Montessori Norway approached us to develop an holistic visual identity based on their existing logo. Their goal was to convey a more professional organisation throughout their different communications, while also improving usability and efficiency. The task aimed to enhance clarity and increase impact, thereby strengthening Montessori's reputation and brand presence in Norway.

Their communication strategy sums it up: "From being an unknown and somewhat strange alternative pedagogy, Montessori will become an exciting view of learning, known to high-quality schools and kindergartens."

Side-by-side comparison of two Montessori magazine covers, one with a boy smiling in a classroom and the other with a green-toned drawing of a hand holding a pencil.

Two open pages of a book or magazine in Norwegian about Montessori pedagogy and digital technology, featuring text blocks, a green sidebar, and an illustration of a child typing on an old computer keyboard connected to a vintage monitor.

Open magazine spread featuring Montessori school articles with images of children studying indoors and playing outdoors in sand.

Four children wearing aprons stand at a kitchen counter with a man preparing food behind the counter.

Tote bag design and poster make use of the "Montessori Arrow" – used as a image frame on the poster.

We are very pleased with the collaboration. We will certainly continue to work together with WeForm in the future. They are friendly, efficient and listens to our needs.

- Secretariat, Montessori Norway

Stack of light blue and white books titled ‘Læreplan for montessoriskolen’ on a matching blue background.

Open book laid flat on a light blue surface showing text in Norwegian about work and individual development. — Editorial design for curriculum books, focusing on enhancing user experience through providing a clear structure and easy navigation.

Tailoring teaching to each individual student

The target audience consisted of educators, leaders, and parents in schools and kindergartens. A key objective was to create a visually clean and organised aesthetic that reflects the essence of Montessori.

The design aimed to embody important concepts such as "future-oriented," "research-based," and "sustainable." In line with this vision, the design intentionally removed the triangle or arrow element from the logo, emphasizing versatility and adaptability. This flexibility allows for diverse applications and scalability, enabling the client to develop their own communications and magazines using the provided templates.

Montessori magazine layout showcasing typography styles, color palette, and open pages with articles and images about Montessori pedagogy and digital technology.

A new colour palette was crafted, building upon an existing one, but with the addition of softer tones to achieve a fresh and gentle aesthetic. To create a spacious and airy feel, a grid system with generous margins was implemented, allowing ample room for impactful imagery and illustrations. By combining the arrow symbol with images of individuals or Montessori teaching tools, and organising them within a clean grid layout, the design effectively conveys a narrative of both structure and human connection.

In addition to developing the visual identity, a range of templates were created for brochures, posters, presentations, and merchandise, ensuring consistency across various communication materials. Furthermore, a comprehensive curriculum was meticulously designed and developed to meet the project's requirements.

Our curriculum, which is a large and comprehensive document, has become much more user-friendly in addition to great to look at. There are so many appropriate and smart design solutions, which really support the entire content of the plan in an excellent way. We have received exclusively positive feedback!

- Secretariat, Montessori Norway