Fedora Logo: Modifications and a new one

[Joshua Wulf]

F is freedom is a cool idea. Here are my thoughts about the current 
proposal:

It's too clever.

Infinite freedom is a clever concept, which requires some explanation. 
("Why doesn't it let me play my mp3s and DVDs - where's the freedom to 
do what I want?")

The idea of combining the f for Fedora and freedom with the infinity 
symbol by twisting it onto its side is clever, but it requires even more 
explanation. Especially since the infinity symbol (not widely known 
outside geek circles) is rotated at a 45 degree angle, drastically 
reducing its intelligibility even for those who would otherwise 
recognize it.

The Nike logo doesn't require an explanation: it's obviously a swoosh.

The Ubuntu logo doesn't require an explanation: it's obviously about 
community and solidarity.

The current Fedora proposal is not visually clear, bold and striking, 
it's confusing. The symbolism and its significance are obscure.

It's too clever.

When you look at it the two elements of f and infinity compete with each 
other. Your mind is trying to figure out what it's looking at.

What we're doing there is creating a new composite symbol. The symbolism 
of infinity is distorted through rotation and the symbolism of both the 
f and infinity are further abstracted through superimposition. The 
effect of compositing these symbols in this way is to reduce the 
intelligibility of both of them. The elements have been destroyed 
through combination and the symbol has to stand alone as a composite.

But as a symbol in it's own right it's not particularly powerful. Take 
away the preconceived "infinite freedom" association and look at it as a 
brand mark from a purely visceral first sight gut response angle. I 
don't think it flies. It relies on too many steps and too much 
familiarity with the process that lead to its creation to be intelligible.

While the outer form is bold and clear, it's internally complicated.

 I bet if we did a test where we flashed these three logos - Nike, 
Ubuntu and Fedora in front of people for ten seconds, they would have 
difficulty drawing or even recalling the Fedora one. It's too clever.

What I think would be a lot clearer, if we are going to stay with this 
whole concept, is "f to the power of infinity" in that same speech 
bubble type thing. It clearly communicates the f and the infinity and 
people are not going to have to become initiated into the cult to be 
able to grasp it.

--josh






Rahul Sundaram wrote:
> Hi
>
> Here is a set of modifications of the first proposal and a new one by 
> Diana Fong
>
> http://www.isity.net/appeal/
>
> Courtesy: http://fedoraproject.org/people
>
> regards
> Rahul
>
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