Annotative Bibliographies
1. Cherry, K. (2023). Color psychology: How color affects mood and behavior. Verywell Mind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-2795824​
Annotation
​Summary:
The article by Cherry, K explains how certain colors will invoke emotions, behaviors, and perceptions. It is an in-depth overview of the psychology of colors. The author discusses different colors such as yellow, blue, and red, and how cultural and contextual factors shape their meanings. Color psychology is also highlighted as it pertains to design, marketing, and mental health.
Evaluation:
The source is reliable and current, published in 2023 on Verywell Mind, a health and psychology platform. Cherry is a psychology writer and educator, which makes her a credible author. The content is objective and supported by psychological principles, making it highly relevant for design-focused research.
Reflection:
This source directly influenced the choice of color palette for the brand identity by reinforcing the emotional associations tied to specific colors. For example, it guided the decision to use calming tones for trust and bold colors for energy and excitement. The insights from Cherry’s work ensured that the brand identity communicates the intended mood and values effectively, aligning psychological impact with visual design choices.
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2. Gladden, J. M., & Funk, D. C. (2002). Developing an understanding of brand associations in team sport: Empirical evidence from consumers of professional sport. Journal of Sport Management, 16(1), 54–81. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.16.1.54
​Annotation
​Summary:
This article investigates how consumers form brand associations with professional sports teams. Gladden and Funk identify key brand attributes, benefits, and attitudes that shape consumer perceptions. Their research highlights the importance of psychological and emotional connections in strengthening fan loyalty.
Evaluation:
The study is peer-reviewed and published in a reputable academic journal, ensuring credibility and reliability. Both authors are established scholars in sports marketing, making this a valid and relevant source.
Reflection:
This research influenced how emotional and symbolic associations were considered in the brand identity. It emphasized the importance of creating design elements that go beyond visuals to foster long-term fan loyalty and identification with the team.
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​3. Madden, T. J., Hewett, K., & Roth, M. S. (2000). Managing images in different cultures: A cross-national study of color meanings and preferences. Journal of International Marketing, 8(4), 90–107. https://doi.org/10.1509/jimk.8.4.90.19795
​Annotation
​Summary:
Madden, Hewett, and Roth explore how color meanings and preferences vary across cultures. The study provides insights into how colors can evoke different emotions and cultural associations, which can impact marketing strategies.
Evaluation:
This is a scholarly, peer-reviewed article with strong empirical support. Its cross-cultural perspective makes it particularly valuable for understanding global branding implications.
Reflection:
This article informed color selection by encouraging consideration of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in the palette. It influenced the decision to balance universally appealing tones with culturally resonant accents to broaden brand appeal.
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4. Rein, I., Kotler, P., & Shields, B. (2011). The elusive fan: Reinventing sports in a crowded marketplace. McGraw-Hill Education.
​Annotation
Summary:
This book discusses how sports organizations can attract and retain fans in a competitive entertainment market. It emphasizes strategies such as differentiation, emotional engagement, and branding innovation.
Evaluation:
With co-author Philip Kotler, a leading marketing scholar, this book is highly credible and relevant. Although not peer-reviewed, it is published by a respected academic press.
Reflection:
The insights shaped brand identity decisions by highlighting the need for distinctiveness in visual design and storytelling. The work reinforced the importance of connecting with fans emotionally through unique symbols and experiences.
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5. Wheeler, A. (2017). Designing brand identity: An essential guide for the whole branding team (5th ed.). Wiley.
​Annotation
​Summary:
Wheeler provides a practical framework for building and managing brand identities. The book covers brand strategy, design principles, and implementation with case studies from a variety of industries.
Evaluation:
Widely recognized as a branding authority, Wheeler’s work is a standard resource in professional practice. Its fifth edition ensures updated and relevant content.
Reflection:
This guide shaped the structured development of the brand playbook, ensuring consistency across design elements. It directly influenced typography, logo construction, and identity guidelines.
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6. Miller, D., & Merrilees, B. (2013). Rebuilding community corporate brands: A total stakeholder involvement approach. Journal of Business Research, 66(10), 1714–1719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2012.11.010
​Annotation
​Summary:
Miller and Merrilees examine how organizations can rebuild their brands by involving all stakeholders in the process. Their approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and community engagement.
Evaluation:
The article is peer-reviewed and published in a top business journal, ensuring credibility. Its focus on stakeholder involvement makes it directly applicable to community-based branding.
Reflection:
This influenced decisions to incorporate community values and input into the brand identity. It reinforced the importance of designing a brand that fans and local audiences feel ownership of.
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7. Mason, D. S. (2018). Branding professional sports teams: A study of visual identity and fan loyalty. International Journal of Sports Marketing & Sponsorship, 19(4), 420–437. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSMS-05-2017-0054
​Annotation
​Summary:
qMason explores the link between visual identity elements (logos, colors, and uniforms) and fan loyalty in professional sports. The findings suggest that strong visual branding enhances emotional attachment.
Evaluation:
The article is peer-reviewed and offers contemporary insights into sports branding. Mason is a credible academic in sports management, which adds to the reliability.
Reflection:
This research guided the careful selection of logos and visual marks, ensuring they would resonate with fans and strengthen loyalty. It validated the emphasis on symbolism and consistency across identity assets.
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8. Smith, J., & Browning, A. (2019). Psychological triggers in sports team branding: Logos, colors, and mascots. Journal of Brand Strategy, 8(3), 252–267.
​Annotation
​Summary:
Smith and Browning analyze how visual elements like logos, colors, and mascots trigger psychological responses in sports fans. The article highlights how design choices influence identification and engagement.
Evaluation:
Although not peer-reviewed, this journal targets professionals in brand strategy, offering relevant and applied insights. The authors demonstrate expertise in sports branding and marketing psychology.
Reflection:
This article validated the inclusion of a mascot as part of the identity system and reinforced the psychological importance of bold, recognizable visuals. It shaped how emotional triggers were embedded into the brand story.
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9. Norman, D. A. (2013). The design of everyday things (Rev. and expanded ed.). Basic Books.
​Annotation
Summary:
Norman’s book examines how design impacts usability and user experience, stressing principles such as affordances, feedback, and user-centered design. It provides a foundation for functional and intuitive design.
Evaluation:
As a leading voice in design thinking, Norman’s work is highly credible and influential across design disciplines. The revised edition ensures modern relevance.
Reflection:
This work inspired an emphasis on usability and clarity in visual communication. It influenced how design elements were simplified to be intuitive and easily recognizable by fans.
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10. Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J. (2010). Universal principles of design. Rockport Publishers.
​Annotation
​Summary:
This reference book outlines 125 design principles that apply across disciplines, including concepts of perception, psychology, and usability. It serves as a comprehensive toolkit for effective design.
Evaluation:
As a well-respected design reference, the book is credible and widely used in academia and practice. The principles are timeless, making it a reliable guide.
Reflection:
The principles informed the structure of the brand identity system, particularly in applying contrast, balance, and gestalt principles. It served as a constant reference for refining design decisions.
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11. Lewis, A. (n.d.). ECHL. Retrieved from https://echl.com/2024-meetings/alex-lewis
​Annotation
Summary:
This page provides information about Alex Lewis and his involvement with ECHL meetings, highlighting his contributions to league operations and branding initiatives. It offers insight into organizational leadership and decision-making within the league.
Evaluation:
As an official ECHL webpage, this is a credible primary source. The information is authoritative, though limited in scope.
Reflection:
This source helped contextualize the league’s current leadership and their priorities regarding brand development. It reinforced the need for aligning design decisions with the values and direction set by league executives.
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12. ECHL, Brandiose partner to brand hockey summer meetings. (2025, September 9). SportsLogos.Net. https://news.sportslogos.net/2017/05/02/echl-brandiose-partner-to-brand-hockey-summer-meetings/hockey-2/
​Annotation
Summary:
This article details the ECHL’s collaboration with Brandiose to rebrand and visually enhance their annual summer meetings. It explores the design approach and branding goals behind the partnership.
Evaluation:
SportsLogos.Net is a reputable source for news on sports branding and design. The article is objective and informative, offering direct insight into branding initiatives.
Reflection:
The information inspired the approach to blending tradition with modern visual elements in the project’s branding. It validated the importance of consistent, event-specific branding that enhances fan and stakeholder engagement.
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13. ECHL. (n.d.). LUCIDO. Retrieved from https://lucido.tv/echl
​Annotation
Summary:
This website highlights the partnership between ECHL and Lucido, showcasing creative campaigns and design strategies implemented for the league. It provides examples of past visual work and branding executions.
Evaluation:
Lucido is a professional design agency, and the site serves as a portfolio of their work. This makes it a credible and relevant source for understanding applied design practices.
Reflection:
Seeing Lucido’s past work provided inspiration for maintaining a professional yet fan-friendly aesthetic. It encouraged the integration of modern motion graphics and digital branding techniques in the project.
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14. Roundtable: Experts examine re-branding of ECHL. (2003, June 3). Sports Business Journal.
​Annotation
Summary:
This roundtable discussion gathers experts to analyze the ECHL’s rebranding efforts, focusing on the challenges of updating the league’s image while respecting its history. The article highlights best practices for sports rebranding initiatives.
Evaluation:
Sports Business Journal is a highly credible source for industry insights. Though slightly dated, the content remains relevant for understanding brand evolution in professional sports.
Reflection:
This source emphasized the importance of balancing heritage with modern appeal in the branding process. It informed the approach of respecting the team’s legacy while designing a fresh, future-focused identity.
