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You Could Almost Do Anything Pt. I by Eli Schiff(elischiff.com)

over 7 years ago from Robert Anitei, UI/UX Designer @ robertanitei.com

  • Patrick SmithPatrick Smith, over 7 years ago

    Was quite a good read. Yeah, that old HP logo was corporate and awkward, the font being the worst part about it.

    I think one thing about the new HP logo is that it is something to talk about. Say the closed laptop situation — “What’s that say?” “HP, see now…” “Oh yep!” It’s like a little secret, a club you can be part of. How ever lame that might sound, it’s better than being invisible.

    I think the same thing applies to the MIT Press logo, its lack of legibility is what made it stand out and unique, if for just a moment. The Apple logo and the Windows logo are not readable either, they are just familiar.

    These abstract logos are trying to become iconic symbols which have meaning just because you recognise them.

    I think most app icons actually work the same way, they might use a symbol or a prop to suggest meaning, but in actual fact the symbol is so broad, abstract, or subtle that you’d have little idea of what they represent until you understand what the app does.

    9 points
    • Andy MerskinAndy Merskin, over 7 years ago

      I agree. Part of being a brand is creating an association between a symbol and a product / service / mentality / thing, and making it recognizable. It doesn't have to hold your hand and tell you everything it does. If I didn't know what Apple did, I'd guess they're a produce company competing with Dole.

      My rule for a good brand mark that one of my design professors taught is: can it pass the favicon test?

      0 points