MHI Logo Contest: Celebrating 20th Year Naming Anniversary
Vote on your favorite design!
"The Circuit of 20" — Two Decades, One Signal
This logo celebrates 20 years of the naming of the Ming Hsieh Department
of Electrical & Computer Engineering by turning the anniversary number
itself into a piece of engineering. The numeral "20" is the hero of the
mark, but the "0" is reimagined as an integrated circuit (microchip): a
ring of gold circuit traces, solder-node dots, and chip pins, with a
sine-wave signal pulsing through its center.
In a single glance, the mark reads as both the milestone number AND the
heart of the discipline — the place where the ELECTRICAL (the waveform)
and the COMPUTER (the chip) meet.
The logo was inspired by the fusion of USC's academic prestiage and the future of electrical & computer engineering. The bold "20" symbolizes two decades of innovation, while integrated circuit traces, waveforms, neural-network patterns and microchip elements reflect the department's impact in computing, AI, semiconductors, and emerging technologies.
Using USC cardinal and gold with metallic accents, the design blends elite university branding with a modern Silicon Valley aesthetic. The result is clean, memorable identity that celebrates 20 years of legacy while looking confidently toward the future of engineering.
This logo was designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of ECE through a balance of tradition, innovation, and prestige.
The large flowing “20” symbolizes the department’s long-standing legacy and continuous growth over the years. Its elegant curves create a timeless and sophisticated visual identity, representing both achievement and forward momentum.
At the center, the “ECE” typography incorporates circuit-inspired line elements to reflect the core of Electrical and Computer Engineering — technology, connectivity, and innovation. These modern electronic traces contrast with the classic serif typography, blending engineering precision with academic excellence.
The Trojan helmet serves as a symbol of strength, honor, and school spirit. By integrating the iconic Trojan figure into the composition, the design connects the department’s technical achievements with its proud institutional heritage and community identity.
The use of a luxurious metallic gold palette reinforces the themes of excellence, prestige, and celebration. Gold was chosen to create a refined commemorative aesthetic while emphasizing the milestone nature of the 20th anniversary.
Overall, the design aims to present ECE as a department that honors its history while continuously driving innovation into the future.