Logos Are Getting Simpler. Here Are Some Interesting Reasons Why ...

You may have noticed a trend toward simpler logos. Or maybe you haven't ... but this video illustrates just how prevalent logo simplification has become (a shift the video names "debranding"). The reasons are somewhat predictable: smaller screens and less available space. This so-called "pixel pressure" is leading brands to shed their logo gradients, dimensions and complexity for a cleaner look.

Unfortunately, it's also leading to a loss of personality in many of these brand identities that once had a more playful and human look to them. While this flatter look probably works better in the case of a logo like Warner Brothers that is reused in many different situations, I suspect it is only a matter of time before some identities return to a more complex look as a way to stand out against the more monotone logos of their competitors. Debranding, in other words, will give way to rebranding once more.