So far, symbol marks have evolved with changes in the forms, colors, etc., according to the flow and situation of the times. But recently, symbol marks of globally named enterprises are being 『simplified』 more than before during the evolution proc...
So far, symbol marks have evolved with changes in the forms, colors, etc., according to the flow and situation of the times. But recently, symbol marks of globally named enterprises are being 『simplified』 more than before during the evolution process. It is supposed that in spite of the advancement in technology, the more simplified logos rather than being showy reflect the current of the times to look for simple and plain designs. Therefore, research problems were extracted, on the assumption that simplification in the stream of the present designs contains an important implication.
This paper is focused on analyzing the changes in domestic and foreign symbol marks and seeing what expressions have been shown during the renewal. Moreover, this paper aims to help in understanding visual simplification through the recent changes in symbol marks, to see how simplification is being applied and expressed, and to investigate the effect.
For analysis, total 100 symbol marks of domestic and foreign large companies in process of renewal were selected, and the processes and results are as follows.
First, the types of changes in symbol marks of domestic and foreign large companies were classified into the 'type of passive changes' and the 'type of aggressive changes'. In particular, many of foreign cases were found to passive changes. It is considered that the difference resulted from what visual identity of the west has a longer history than in Korea and consists of a systematic structure.
Second, the types of changes in symbol marks of domestic and foreign large companies were divided into the 'Simplified form' and the 'Non-simplified form'. Among the Simplified form, colors and textures, the biggest number of the types had simplified forms. Also, the majority of the forms were composed of geometric figures, vertical and horizontal structures and simpleness to restrain decoration. This simplification is a means of expression appropriate for the stream of the present day that pursues clear and quick communication, and corresponds to the perceptual psychology that human pursues by instinct.
The 'Non-simplified form' all showed diverse and showy forms, colors and textures. They were designed to be dynamic and ruleless forms out of the standardized forms, and were used to deliver go-ahead, active and progressive images of companies. The non-simplified cases were classified into the solid types, overlapping types and organic types.
In conclusion, simplification is to convey an image quickly by expressing the forms simply and plainly without detailed descriptions. Symbol mark with a visually simplified expression can be effective in showing simpleness. It also works more effectively in a situation judged that simpleness could stand out, when competitor's design in the same industry is showy and complicated.
However, it is not that symbol mark which is simplified, is effective in every respect. Accordingly, there would be a need of thorough investigation on whether fancy and dynamic expressions are preferred rather than simple expressions, depending on brand characteristics or circumstances, in order to reflect the results in designs.