“Your name is Windows. Why are you a flag?” ~ Paula Scher
When the Windows 8 team sat to start re-thinking on the logo along with Paula Scher, Michael Beirut and Daniel Weil from Pentagram in the early stages, the above question was put forth by Paula.
This simple question set the tone for the creation of the new logo. With the new Windows 8, Microsoft wanted to create a logo that is modern yet has its roots to the classic and flagish Windows logo and still be in line with the Metro Style UI philosophy that Windows 8 is know for. And the most important of all they wanted the logo to be humble, yet confident.
When I looked at the new Windows 8 logo, one of Da Vinci’s quote came to my mind:
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci
Truly, the Windows 8 team has shown the world that the most sophisticated logo that they ever designed is the most simple one. Interestingly, Microsoft has posted some snippets of how this logo came out for Windows 8. The post also has some interesting key points about the logo. Here they are for you:
1. We wanted the new logo to be both modern and classic by echoing the International Typographic Style (or Swiss design) that has been a great influence on our Metro style design philosophy. Using bold flat colors and clean lines and shapes, the new logo has the characteristics of way-finding design systems seen in airports and subways.
2. It was important that the new logo carries our Metro principle of being “Authentically Digital”. By that, we mean it does not try to emulate faux-industrial design characteristics such as materiality (glass, wood, plastic, etc.). It has motion – aligning with the fast and fluid style you’ll find throughout Windows 8.
3. Our final goal was for the new logo to be humble, yet confident. Welcoming you in with a slight tilt in perspective and when you change your color, the logo changes to reflect you. It is a “Personal” Computer after all.