16 Logo Trends for 2016

Gone (for now) are the days of complex logos. Simplicity is currently ruling the design world. LogoLounge phrases this trend as KISS- Keep It Simple Stupid. In their recent article on the 2016 logo trends, they expand on this trend of simplicity and other important shapes and designs we’ll see in 2016.

KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid

There are several possible explanations why we’re seeing simpler logo designs lately.

• Implies product is uncomplicated and speaks for itself.
• Easily understood/Avoid miscommunication.
• Emojis.

Simple and easily recognizable symbols easily tell the audience the story and purpose of a company. They’re easier to interpret.

But what about emojis? Emojis are widely used in text and on the internet and the popularity is largely because those simple pictures say a lot. This theme is now presenting itself in logos. Instantly understandable images tell the user what the company is doing. Because of the popularity of emojis, particularly among the younger generation, internet users will do better understanding the new simplistic logos.

16 for 16: The Trends You Need to Know

Circles

OpenTable

A multitude of designs can be created by using circles alone. Companies can use few or many and play with their position and overlap to design a logo completely unique to the business.

Spot Pics

TNT

Spot Pics relate to the circle theme. Within the circle, there is text or some other symbol to convey the message of the company.

Ombre

Almosh82- Butrfly

Rather than having a gradient ombre design, many businesses are opting to create a logo that is step-by-step ombre, appearing more gradient at a distance.

Line Dash

Reklos Sotiris- Prapas

Dashed lines represent the edges that otherwise would be obscured. It symbolizes transparency.

Off Shift

Supple Studio- Sharing Economy UK

Off shift texts acts as a puzzle and challenges viewers to decode the message.

Slices

3DMyProperty

Slices work well for the company pictured above, because slices create volume and a 3D effect, so the logo perfectly fits the company’s name.

Bars

Mirko ILCO- Stripes and Stripes

It only takes a couple bars in a pattern to understand the image. The precision of the lines within a bars logo represents the attention to detail and consistency of the business.

Filters

Fitbit

Filters are grids of dots or some other shape placed close together to create a definable image.

Tinker Toys

Think Geelong

Tinker Toys is a design that consists of dots and wires to form a robust image.

Wide Logos

Hewlett Packard Enterprises

Horizontal logos allow the designer to stretch their imagination.

Pocket Shield

Rockvine Homes

These popular symbols represent authority and protection.

Linked

Unisono- Qudrat

Links represent commitment to a cause and the power of unity.

Dog-Eared

TBS

Dog-eared logos represent containers, used to protect their contents.

Stimming

Melodifestivalen 2016

Never-ending loops make up these logos. Figure eights used to be common, but now we more frequently see complex loops. These logos represent a smooth and continuous path.

Corners

The Valentine- Charles Forman

Corners represent partnership. Although the white corner stands along in the image above, it can be imagined that 3 other corners are nearby. Each corner does its part.

Curls

Visova

Designs that curl, like the butterfly curling inward above, have been another popular feature in logos this year. Curled logos represent flexibility, but with the existence of tension, forcing it to curl.

Great Logos are Great Branding

Creating the perfect logo is not easy. Logos communicate so much information to potential customers about your brand. It’s crucial to find the perfect fit. Luckily, the trend of simplicity can help your business out. It’s the time to choose a simple image that easily conveys your message. Even simple can be out-of-the-box.