Blands, the oversimplification of logos and branding

Cathal Gillen

While distinctive brand assets are recognised as key to effective branding, recent design trends are resulting in the oversimplification of logos (and brand worlds).

In recent years, a design trend has emerged that has seen the paring back of brand logos, a reductionist approach to logos, and in many ways, brands, where elements of a brand or logo have been removed. Many logos have had certain features, depth and detail removed. While logos are only one aspect of branding in their purest form, they are the most visible asset and highest reach of any brand and thus play an important role.

Why have brands debranded?

The most common reason given is the shift to mobile media consumption and the reduction in available pixels. With...

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