OUGD505 - Design Practice 2 [SB1] - Canadian Principles for Bank Note Design

I started my research for how I would design my notes by looking at a paper published by the Canadian government on a questionnaire they conducted about the key principles involved with bank note design. 

Here are the findings:

Security is paramount

The Bank is committed to supplying Canadians with quality bank notes that are readily accepted and secure against counterfeiting. Security is paramount, and visual content must support the chosen security elements. In practice, the need for robust security features imposes limits on the design elements.

Functional and recognizable

Bank notes must be functional and usable in automated banking machines (ABMs) and other cash-handling machines. They must also be recognizable as Canadian notes and readily accepted as a means of payment. Certain visual elements may be retained from one series to the next to support these goals.

Accessible

The design supports the Bank’s commitment to providing blind and partially-sighted Canadians with an effective suite of accessibility features so they can recognize bank note denominations.

Official languages

In accordance with the Bank of Canada Act, bank notes are printed in both English and French.

Reflect Canada

A series of bank notes is a unique opportunity to represent Canada. Each series depicts new visual content so that, over time, the diversity of Canadian society, culture and achievements are celebrated. Bank notes:

• promote Canada and Canadians - our values, culture, history, traditions, achievements and/or natural heritage;
• are clearly identifiable as Canadian through the use of symbols, words or images;
• are meaningful to Canadians today and for years to come; and
• evoke pride and confidence in Canada.

Broad appeal to Canadians

Bank notes combine art and technology. They integrate visual content with security features and functional requirements resulting in aesthetically pleasing bank notes that have a broad appeal among Canadians.

These were interesting findings as it shows that the most paramount part of a note is security, meaning functionality is key. For a note to work, it has to be able to withstand counterfeiting and be resistant to wear-and-tear. This is something I'll need to research in order to create a note that fits the criteria.