With the release date close to set for the new Windows 8 operating system, ~october 2012, Windows has hired Pentagram design agency to create a new logo. When i first read the news i didn’t think much of it until I read a statement from Paula Scher, of Pentagram about the previous Windows logo designs. Paula asked them a simple question, “your name is Windows. Why are you a flag?” After reading this I chuckled to myself while scrolling through a slideshow containing previous generations of Window’s operating systems’ logos. I was fascinated for a short time why this had never occurred to me before, and thought i’d share for anyone else who wanted to take a look. Oh! and heres the new logo (not sure if its finalized yet).
8 Comments
The logo has been rather controversial in most design circles. It seems to resonate with significant love or disdain. I think the Windows 8 logo was a great time for Microsoft to really refresh their brand (which is steadily losing market share year by year), but instead we got a skewed box cut into fourths. Really? I know Paula knows better. I’d sure love to have heard the pitch for why this was “the one.”
I think what they were going for was what Mrs. Scher mentioned, getting back to the “window.” Combating with their main competitor, Apple, they made the design simple and easy to recreate/remember. Eliminating the colors allows for it to become (potentially) like the lone Apple, instantly recognizable, not needing any words to understand what it is. Now whether you agree with this is up to you, but I believe this is what they were going for. At least that’s what I believe and don’t necessarily think that it worked…
The logo is good but because it is slanted it directs the eyes away from the text “Microsoft” and repeats. If the logo was placed above the text “Microsoft”, the logo would be more balanced and the eyes would not wander as much.
GN
I think they are trying to go back to the idea of just the “window”. I don’t necessarily think this is the best they could have done for the windows 8 logo. I’m not sure i exactly agree with the colors chosen either.
From looking at all the past window logos it looks like they the company now is trying to make things more simple and clean. Sometimes less is more and I think this is a perfect example. I think if they do go with the newer logo it will better the company. Its time for a change.
From looking at all the past window logos it looks like the company now is trying to make things more simple and clean. Sometimes less is more and I think this is a perfect example. I think if they do go with the newer logo it will better the company. Its time for a change.
I like this logo. very clean, and sophisticated. nice work Pentagram designer!
I don’t understand why the moulding isn’t also in perspective. The kerning in “Windows” also needs some help. It’s an improvement, but still needs some attention to basic details. The dot on the “i” could not be in a more awkward place.
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