For Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 release, they decided to rebrand their Windows logo. Was it the best move?

The new logo, which you can see in the image above, was created by top design firm, Pentagram. They said they wanted to ‘return to Windows’ roots’ while keeping things modern. They wanted to move away from the ‘flag’, and focus on the new ’tiled interface’ which is present in the OS. I completely understand the thinking behind this, but I don’t feel they executed the design well at all. Let’s take a look at a few images.
“Their Roots”
When referring to ‘their roots’, Windows 1.0 sported four rectangles which made up a window. It was simple and to the point.

The Flag
One of the things that they wanted to move away from, was the flag. This makes perfect sense, seeing that the OS will not be called “Flag 8″. Here are a few of their recent logos. While the designs are nice, they don’t really scream “Windows”.

The Tiles
If you’ve been following Windows’ development, you know they’re pushing a ’tiled’ interface. It stared with Windows Phone, and now they’re bringing it to the desktop OS.

Rebranding
Call me crazy, but the ‘rebranded’ logo that Pentagram came up with, doesn’t really bring Microsoft back to it’s roots, nor does it focus on the tiles. It may be too obviously, but here is what I would have come up with.

This logo does everything they wanted to do in the first place.
- Returns Windows to it’s roots by incorporating the ‘windows’ of the Windows 1.0 logo, moving away from the ‘flag’.
- Moves towards clean/modern lines.
- Focuses on the ’tiled’ interface.
Let me know what you think of Pentagram’s rebranded logo, and what you think of mine.










It's a minor quibble but I dislike the artist Mondrian and am sorry to see Windows promote his style here. Also, the colors in the windows icon would be better if they were primary and secondary colors, instead of the more neutralized, teritary ones used here.
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LikeI think it looks too pastel-y... If you know what I mean?Either try revising the colours or adding some form of gradient... I like the concept though :)
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LikeTotally get where your coming from but Im still in favor of this idea http://www.theverge.com/2012/2/18/2807566/the-real-missed-opportunity-integration-rebranding
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LikeHum indeed,can't wait to use W8...Howard can you PLEASE make a ''Sun Ray Light'' Tutorial for Photoshop.I really want to know so I can Apply on my pictures.
I think it will be, a nice tutorial coming from you...
iZeeno
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LikeiZeeno Look up PhotoGavin on YouTube; he's made a great tut about sun rays.
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Likethis http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc117/monagas1/win8logo.png
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LikeAndrewEpps I have to disagree. The whole point of the rebrand was to keep it simple, like their tiled interface. Adding reflections and shines isn't what they need.
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LikeThe one you guys rebranded seems more logical, but ... why they thinking about the 'going to the roots' thing? The actual logo with 1 color is better. I like seeing it in windows phone or their branded laptops.
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LikeIt is Windows.. Do you expect more??... att.. Apple
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LikeHonestly I don't like either of them. Both yours and Pentagrams feel very flat and boring after the flag logo. While yours is an improvement over Pentagrams it would benefit greatly from a gradient and a bevel. I think the colours they used on the flag designer were great, in comparison the softer colours you used look bland and washed out. They need to be at least trying to match Apple in the design of the OS.....that logo is a step back.
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LikeI don´t like the new idea. I guess bringing it back to its roots is also nice touch but still... I think its like watching a movie rebooted nowadays. I now that making a whole new idea from scratch and remebering its roots show and gives an idea that we are using the classic with the new. I feel Windows can make a better logo... I like your desing Mr. Howard, its pretty clean and straight to the point. But I feel Windows needs a logo as cool as IceflowStudios, a desing that shows something like "this is my son, and he is ready to blow your mind". :D
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LikeI think your version is a big improvement on the Pentagram logo, however one thing that bothers me on both logos is the text colour.
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Likeperfect.... using win8 beta since october and still - happy how it works :)
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LikeNice! You should tell @Windows on twitter.
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LikeThink it would look even more better if you scale it just like on Pentagram's .
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LikeAWESOME!!!! DONE IT AGAIN!!!
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LikeConversation from Twitter
iceflowstudios Spectacular, much better then the stuff they came up with!
iceflowstudios It's better, yes. I would have preferred rounded edges (like w1), although it doesn't match W8
miny__ I thought about rounded corners, but straight edges are more true to the tiled interface. :)
Conversation from Facebook
Both look like parodies of the trend of minimalist logo design.
I like yours. It looks like the Windows 1.0 logo. I'm a Mac guy though so it won't really apply to me.
Come on get Happy
Keep in mind that the whole windows phone style interface is apparently optional for computers. You can still load up the normal looking windows in the options.
No. Too much colour.
Yours wins, hands down. But we don't do windows in my house. So ms can fuck up all they want.
I like their new logo better, simple and not too busy to the eyes.
Game Show*
No, I don't think this logo is looking good, maybe the windows 7 logo is more acceptable
I'm checking this right now.
As a graphic designer myself I can't get my head round who signed off their new logo, I think it's shite to be honest, good work on yours though, I'd email them it and say "and this is what you could of won' in an patronising manner a games how host slaps a contestant in the face for bein shit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Wd1wvZvarFM
It seems like the 'tiled interface' will be great for touch enabled computers/devices. If you still use a mouse, it might not be ideal.
Yeah probably me too. IT will depends the money it will cost too upgrade too anyway
It's look like the Windows Phone interface.. I probably stay with my Win7 or my mac. But heh, I'll give it a try
Oh thanks ;) I should go check the difference between 7 and 8.
Bruno - The rumor is October.
Quand est-ce que ça sort ça Windows 8 %
A 'blue screen of death' would probably better :P lol
But yeah, good idea for the logo