Recently there seems to be slight confusions about the origins of icons and logos. The streaming service Netflix have recently changed their app icon and were greeted with dismay from thousands of followers in twitter. Netflix have argued that they are keeping their logo the same but are just freshening things up with a new icon – but is there much difference between the two?
We engage and connect with company logos. Branding experts and marketers believe that Logos are designed as communication method and that logos encourage consumers to behave in a certain way. Many businesses use logos as a visual representation of their brand used to create an emotional attachment between their brand and the way the audience feels about the business
Believe it or not, logos are not the same as icons. Logos are designed for branding purposed whereas icons are designed to simplify an action. To understand the difference between the two, let’s look at how brands use these methods of design for business.
Where did logos begin?
Image source: Nick Slater
Starting from the beginning, the first sign of logo design was in ancient Greece. Greeks would use coins that were monogrammed by the high-powered rulers and his acted as a social ranking.
At this time, “logos” were used as a primitive method of organizing society and it can be argued that logos still organise society today as luxury designer brands use them to establish their products. Logos are used on merchandise for customers to wear as a status symbol.
Image source: Bill S Kenney
The next generation, which resemble today’s modern logos were first seen in the 13th century. Potters, stonemasons and goldsmiths would imprint their logos as a mark of their craftsmanship. By the Victorian era, logos started to take off in a big way. Branding was becoming more important as businesses wanted to stand out by using unique expressive typefaces.
Logos in Marketing Today
Think of a successful business which doesn’t have a logo? Struggling? To be a successful, recognizable brand it is important that your business has a professional logo design.
Image source: Steve Wolf
Your logo design should evoke a familiar feeling and an emotional connection. This is best achieved by consulting with company logo design experts who will use a systematic approach to the design, rather than something that is simply pleasing to look at.
Logo Design Inspiration
Looking for inspiration for your logo design, think of logos that are successful. A successful business will have a professional, well-polished logo design. It may take them a few timers to get it right but once it is perfect there is no need to change – look at Coca-Cola!
Let’s start at the very top of business branding – Apple are number one on Forbes Most Valuable Brands 2015. Although Apple have had a variety of logos they hit the nail on the head with their simple flat, apple design.
Image source: Abdallah Ahizoune
Not only does this logo make complete sense to the user it can be used in print, digital, large or small all without looking distorted.
Make sure that your logo is unique as this will distinguish your brand from competitors. The apple symbol proves that your logo does not need to signify the purpose of your business; if it did Apple would have used a computer as their logo. Company logo design experts Repeat Logo explain this:
“Making your logo design a bit different does not necessarily mean it has to be groundbreaking. Try to focus on what sets you apart from the rest and incorporate that into the logo by ways of anything you like”
What is an Icon?
Image source: Jimmy Goedhart
Icons have been also had a history long before the digital era and have been used for centuries, sorry web developers! In historic reference the most prominent examples of ancient icons can be seen in religious symbols.
Icons are great because they make our life easier and more visual! There main priority is to make information easy-to-understand in a visual format. Since the rise of laptops, tablets and apps icons have become increasingly popular. Due to their small, accurate design they are commonly seen on user interfaces to describe what the application does at a glance.
ITunes Icon
Using Apple again as an example this shows a direct comparison between the difference of logos and icons. Apple’s ITunes double quaver icon is instantly recognizable. This icon explains immediately what it is at a first glance, there is no text or information. The whole purpose of an icon is that users should be able to find what they’re looking for thanks to the visual guide.
Image source: Eddie Lobanovskiy
Icons can be used not just as buttons for users to activate, but can be used to support a brand’s text. Professionally designed icons don’t just contribute to the seamless style of the website or screen; but also help the user browse the page and offer the customer a better understanding of services on offer.
The difference between logos and icons
- An icon offers information and direction through a visual design whereas a logo showcases the brands overall message.
- Depending on the size of your organization. Not every business needs an icon but every business should have a logo.
- An icon is an accompaniment to the brand’s logo and acts as a visual call-to-action.
- Logos can be scaled, icons cannot.
- Icons are pixel based so are required to be specific dimensions, if not there is a risk of them looking distorted.
- Icons are a navigational tool used to enrich and simplify user experience.
Digital technology is blurring the lines of graphic design which is mainly causing the confusion. For example, Instagram’s logo is also their icon, as is Twitter’s. Netflix has used twitter to differentiate the need for both icon and logo saying that the change was: “Not a new logo! The N is an icon and a new creative element to live with our logo. The current Netflix logo is here to stay”.
There are lots of differences between logos and icons. Both can be used for different purposes and it is important to have designs for both purposes. Having both a logo and an icon will allow customer to have a better experience with your brand.
Still unsure if your business needs both? To put it simply If your company is simplifying an operation to a user, then an icon is used, if you’re representing your brand, then a business logo should be used.
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