Why all new flags look the same
This article explores the modern vexillology movement, tracing the standardization of city flag design back to a 2006 pamphlet and a viral 2015 TED talk. It argues that modern design principles have led to a homogenization of city flags.
Why it matters
It highlights how digital media and viral content can rapidly influence cultural norms and design standards on a global scale.
Works in Progress and Ned Donovan Jun 08, 2026 32 1 2 Share This piece will not appear in Issue 24 of Works in Progress which arrives with subscribers this week. Subscribe in the next few weeks to receive it, and a further issue, every two months. Want- to subscribe for your business or institution? Check out our recently launched corporate subscriptions .
The piece is a cultural critique that uses a provocative metaphor but remains focused on design history and trends.
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