AW: [Typo3-marketing] Logo redesign

Sat Jan 15 06:09:14 CET 2005

> Another bit is the Type face "DIN" for TYPO3. As nice and 
> clear as it is, I have heard criticism (e.g. By Emile from 
> Netcreators) that is not a free font.
> 
> However, should we change to another font, I would like to 
> recommend going for a similarly reduced and classic-modernist 
> impression, as they wear out a lot slower than more flashy ones.

Bying a font doesn't cost the world. I agree on finding a different font but
not because the current one costs something but to find a better font. Just
don't make the mistake to force a free font on something so important to
safe a couple hundred bucks.

> Generally, we have to make sure that a new logo is improved 
> in a manner that will not let the old one look entirely 
> outdated, but has some strong relations to it, i.e. By 
> keeping the shape of the Logo (the three layers), using a 
> similar font and so on, so that it remains a soft refresh, 
> not a harsh redesign.

I agree if you choose scenario #2 but also consider, the race around the
TYPO3 mascot has started. What will that do to the logo and the design?

> The reason is that we will not be able to switch to a new 
> logo in all applications and materials like a company can. It 
> will take many months before it will have replaced all 
> actively used materials. Look at typo3.demo.com, it still 
> uses a logo that was replaced three years ago.

There is no difference to a company in that matter. For most companies,
especially with scattered structures, it takes months to switch. Same with
TYPO3. You'd have to allow some time to prepare.

I wouldn't see a complete make over in less than two years, starting now.
This includes preparation for a countdown on changing all the designs on one
day. A good way to show the power of TYPO3 that you can do such things
(technically).

> Finally it seems fair to acknowledge, that the current design 
> of .com and the logo are an integral part of the marketing 
> success that TYPO3 has had and the project is deeply in debt 
> to Daniel Schubert for making it.
> Unfortunately he is now with a major company doing product 
> design and has no more time to influence a rebirth of his designs.

It's always hard to criticize something because you don't focus on the good.
I do acknowledge the work that has been done. If I didn't I wouldn't have
brought it up and let it be. 

> Please also make sure that you are mentally prepared to let 
> Kasper have the last word of using a new version or not, when 
> you have made it. In that sense: please make a proposal. 

My first intention with my proposal was to find out who has the last word
and what is the opinion of the marketing group in general. That's why I
didn't agree on creating a new logo even if some seemed to have that
impression but I'm sure whoever was at the marketing meeting will remember
what was discussed.

On that matter I will be fine with the last word as it seems now that there
are more supporters to a quick remake than to a thought through make over.

Since the discussion is still going on I am hoping for more support on the
'go all the way' scenario (what about you Martin Boucher?).

> A new version of the logo and .com will hopefully be able to 
> sustain the same sense of design quality that they had three 
> years ago.

The point would have been to rethink the whole design.

> Two more organisational requests: please transport your page 
> to the Association WIKI and make it a sub-page to the 
> Communication committee.

Done: http://association.typo3.org/wiki/index.php/Logo_Redesign

> Also I would like to ask, that you take off items 1.4. 
> through 1.5.5 And put them on separate pages as their scope 
> seems to be too wide for the logo-page/discussion.

Well, that's where I disagree. It's actually more about 1.4 through 1.5.5
than it is about the logo redesign. But to honor your request, I broke it
apart and put it here:

http://association.typo3.org/wiki/index.php/Logo_Redesign_Around_the_Logo

> Thanks again!

No problem. I'll at least have another example of redesign challenges for my
partners, colleagues and students.

Jean-Marie