Microsoft reveal a VERY UGLY Windows 8 logo

In what can only be characterized as a big misstep for the company from Redmond, Microsoft has released what will be the new Windows 8 logo.

In a blog post from their WindowsTeamBlog, they said the following:

With Windows 8, we approached the logo redesign with a few key goals on mind.

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.

I have watched all the large Technology blogs either avoid discussing this or letting their readers do the commenting but that's where this blog is different.

*Sigh*

OK where do I begin?

If I ran a company and my marketing guy submitted this as an initial concept, I would put him on a performance plan.

Anyone who is an internet marketer (like my alter ego) will tell you that this is horrid on oh so many levels.

1. The colors are oh so uninspiring. They are absolutely cognitively dissonant with what Microsoft is trying to achieve. A new birth and rebranding is a joyous event with bright energetic colors. These colors are plain, boring and sleepy.
2. The Window - really? Is that what marketing has come to? Literally draw a frikkin Window pane next to a name and call it a day?
3. The simplicity - Image next to name is so dull.
4. The lack of originality - My God! I know this is a large corporate company but still you have to put the effort in. This sends a very bad message. It says "we are not Apple - we don't even try to portray any fun in our branding".
5. The LACK of color. The use of #00adef  throughout the image is once again just a horrid choice.

I actually could go on but I think that'll do.

We get the message. This logo tells us that Windows is a business brand. Windows 8 is a continuation of an established mature business and brand.

If you're looking for fun like..

You may want to try the other company down the street.

They think different.

 

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