I have a problem with the new Microsoft logo. Let me explain…
Yes, there are a numer of reasons to condone the redesign, appreciate the injection of colour to reflect the new Metro visual language, respect the modern, elegant feel of the new typeface Segoe.
But I have a problem with the icon.
The lack of depth or perspective  feels inconsisent with other recent designs by the Redmond giant.
Windows 8 simplified the legacy windows frame into a single-toned icon, skewed along the horizontal axis.
Office maintains the skewed appearance, this time creating an “O” from the door and box symbol.
The Xbox branding hasn’t changed much from the original but maintains the 3D feel with the broken sphere.
The new Microsoft frame icon lacks the depth I was expecting. It’s lovely to see the brand colours into a unified element but it’s missing that wow factor for me.
Am I reading too much into this? (Probably.) What are your thoughts?
On a side note, has anyone else spotted the “i” created in the negative space of the “ft”. Is this intentional or just coincidence?
You could argue that they are using the flattened view for the company logo and a logo with perspective for product-specific logos.
i.e. it’s a specific design statement.
You could be right, Jack. Maybe it’s an intentional design decision. It would be great to get some clarity on the thoughts behind the new identity.
I’m in two minds if i like the new logo. I think the main thing you as state is that it lacks any wow factor. I never expect Microsoft to come out with something that’s radical or edgy, however for me it could possibly be too simplistic. I think it’s a step in the right direction though, they did need to make a move on this.
I think it’s hard to read anything into it to be honest – it’s just so spectacularly boring as to be practically invisible.
I’d love to see the usage guidelines, with the use of Segoe for the logotype and plain squares for the symbol, you’d expect it to disappear into the background if placed within a “Modern UI” interface.
That said, it’s unlikely to be seen in such a situation, so as such, it acts as a constant reminder of their interface design language wherever it’s seen. So maybe, it’s a masterstroke, and a recognition that the UI formerly known as Metro is their most distinctive piece of branding to date?!
Or maybe not.
(I think the connected F and T is just a hangover from the old logo which had the same effect.)
Oddly enough, I quite like it’s simplicity. Free from cheesy gradients and ‘modern’ shadows. However, I instantly thought it should be the Windows logo, not the Microsoft logo.
I don’t think that it would have been wise to stray too far from the trodden path and, whilst not claiming the new logo to be particularly awe-inspiring, it’s clean and simple elegance is, as others have already pointed out, a step in the right direction.
That said, had they gone for something edgier and a bit more out-there, they probably would have instead taken flak for going away from a well-recognised brand identity and following in the footsteps of other companies with arguably “cooler†images.
For me, it’s pleasant enough. I don’t think they’ll be writing books about it anytime soon but it’s at least put a slightly more modern twist on a classic recipe.
I agree, I think that the consistency between the company’s logo and its products’ logos is very important for recognition and, in my opinion just general perfectionism. Completely agree. I do think the new design will help Microsoft to have a symbol for people to relate to the brand, rather than just its name “Microsoft”. I actually think their logos are heading to a better future, actually think that the boot up screen will look quite nice, minimalistic, with the new Windows logo.