Design in context

Why the best logos are almost boring

If a seven-year-old can draw it from memory, it is probably working.

Article11 minArt & DesignDesign & TechnologyCitizenship

Built for the worst case

A logo has to survive at 16 pixels on a phone, embroidered on fabric and printed in one colour. Detail is the first thing that fails.

Designers test in black and white first. If the silhouette is not recognisable, colour is only hiding the problem.

Most famous marks meant nothing at first. Repetition attached the meaning, which is why redesigns are so risky.

Check your understanding

1. Why must a logo be simple?

2. Why do designers test in black and white?

3. Where does a logo's meaning come from?

Your turn

Redraw three logos from memory, then compare with the originals and note what you dropped.

Luna: Only if you feel up to it — one more?

Curriculum objectives covered