Mobile Apps Design Identity
Designing and developing mobile apps for Stanford
The following information is intended to help guide the use of Stanford’s visual identity for mobile applications.
The mobile app's business owner or primary stakeholder at Stanford must confirm that all new mobile apps assets follow these standards and is accountable for compliance.
Pre-approved mobile app templates for iOS and Android
The app icon should display Stanford’s block “S” with tree emblem centered above the app’s name. The content below the emblem should reflect the content and character of the app. The block “S” with tree emblem must remain visible and its permutations beyond those outlined here are not permitted. Additional options, including more branded color options, are actively being designed and will be included here as they become finalized.
Launch Screen
The launch screen displays Stanford’s wordmark in white font on a Cardinal Red background, centered both vertically and horizontally.
Official Stanford University app stores
Learn more about building and submitting mobile apps to Stanford’s Apple Developer Connection (ADC) or Google Play Console.
Stanford University Developer Console Policies and Guidelines
Requirements for receiving Stanford approval of an Apple App Store or Google Play Store application submission.
Important note: following the below policies and guidelines does not alone guarantee approval for application distribution in the Stanford University developer accounts, as some applications might be more appropriately suited for distribution under another Stanford-related developer account or an individual developer account. Any and all exception requests will be routed through the Stanford CIO.
SUNet ID
An active and valid SUNet ID is required for all Stanford University Apple App Store and Google Play Store account creations. Non-Stanford accounts are not eligible for developer console access.
If you are working with a vendor, or an individual(s) without a SUNet ID, you will need to provide account sponsorship.
Code repository access
Read-only access to the application’s code repository must be provided to University IT.
While hosting your application’s code in Stanford’s GitLab instance is an option, it is not a requirement.
Security requirements
Stanford University provides standards intended to reflect the minimum level of care necessary for sensitive data. Applications must adopt these standards, prioritizing by risk level.
Brand and identity guidelines
The Stanford University name and logo are well-established and carry world-class brand equity. All applications must use these elements in a consistent manner to maintain a clear, unified brand identity.
Stanford provides well documented guidelines, best practices, examples, and resources.
Accessibility guidelines
Stanford University’s goal is to provide applications that conform to modern accessibility guidelines and standards. The Stanford Office of Digital Accessibility (SODA) provides resources for designers, developers, and content creators to help in the production of applications that are accessible to the broadest audience possible.
All applications must meet, at least, the minimum requirements for platform accessibility which you can find at the site below.
Apple and Google code of conduct
Prior to an application’s release, a review by Apple and/or Google is required.
Apple and Google provide guidelines related to safety, performance, business, design, and more. All applications should follow the guidelines below to ensure the most streamlined release process.
Community code of conduct
As a developer who has been provided access to Stanford University’s Apple and/or Google consoles, you agree to support and assist with the following:
- Avoiding any actions that could have negative ramifications on others (e.g., deleting a common certificate, deleting common keys, changing or deleting others' applications, changing or deleting others' users or roles, adding other users without approval by Stanford first)
- Ensuring only vetted developers are provided access
- Securing accounts with multi-step authentication and password best practices
- Following software development lifecycle and code security best practices
- Following certificate management best practices
- Keeping open communication about the most current state of applications and associated developers
- Corresponding and documenting as much as possible through ServiceNow rather than by direct communication
