I found it very interesting looking at the design process and discussion that went into the new logo design last year. Great work by @sadsnake1. @Tobaloidee designs in 2018 were also very cool.
Earlier this year when my device updated lichess with the current "freedom" logo I'll admit I wasn't a huge fan of the final product. Although I have no problem with the overall concept.
My main concerns:
The illustrative style of the horse feels dated - it does not present as a modern logo. The line work is too decorative feeling.
The circular section gives too much of a bloated look (like a puffed up bullfrog).
- 100% black illustration floating on a stark white background looks bland and uninspiring.
With all the in mind, I wanted to share a proposal for a potential future refresh/update.
Cheers, look forward to any thoughts/feelings.
timmyknuckles
All 15 comments
I like the new shape. It's bold and even simpler than the current version. Could I get the SVG of that?
ornicar
on 9 Jun 2020
Fantastic Thibault, I'm thrilled to contribute. Thanks for creating Lichess!
Lichess Logo Refresh.pdf
timmyknuckles
on 9 Jun 2020
I think I'd prefer the current logo with the "curl" in the inward line if I had to choose. And I think I prefer "soft" ends to lines rather than the sharp, pointy ends in the proposal. I do agree that black on a flat white background is a bit boring, and especially the shady thing has more warmth and elegance.
tmmlaarhoven
on 12 Jun 2020
A new version on the right. Yes I'd been thinking about the horse's mouth myself and whether the straight line was working.
lichess refresh 2nd option.pdf
timmyknuckles
on 13 Jun 2020
Looks good! I like the subtle twist at the end.
As for the shading, I guess the optimal color depends on what message lichess wants to send. I'd say this golden color displays class and elegance, but maybe some other color would go better with the "simple and free" or "open for everyone" message lichess usually tries to convey. Have you tried any other colors?
(And to be clear, I'm not saying the color scheme is not good, I'm just wondering if it's the best.)
tmmlaarhoven
on 13 Jun 2020
Thanks @tmmlaarhoven Yes it's interesting - I liked the golden color - it came from combining the default chess board colors into the background gradient.
The idea that lichess can be sophisticated AND free to play sits well with me.
In 2018 the idea of an orange color was floated because of its use as a highlight color on the website. Branding wise, orange seems to be available when considering the main websites in the online chess world.
timmyknuckles
on 13 Jun 2020
Hi there, nice logo concept going on here..
Tobaloidee
on 13 Jun 2020
I much prefer the current logo because of the rounded corners and line ends. Also, even though black & white looks simple, I think it's more modern than the gradient. Imo the gradient is trying too hard to be stylish and reminds me of those really old logo designs.
The new logo is centered slightly better though and I'm not opposed to color in general, I just don't like that brown/yellow tone and the gradient looks unnatural. If it's supposed to illustrate a light source and the "plate" being bent a bit then that plate is bent pretty weirdly.
After looking at it more thoroughly, I can imagine this logo fits well on an iPhone, but for Android it looks kind of odd. The current logo is a good mix between the two operating systems I think
CiriousJoker
on 12 Jul 2020
to be honest, its kinda meh...
maybe these
ghost
on 23 Aug 2020
For that last set of proposals, I don't really get why the knight would need to have wings, so I don't like the first three. The last one looks pretty cool but I'm not sure it's worth updating the logo for something which is maybe equally good.
tmmlaarhoven
on 23 Aug 2020
I also don't like the wings, especially when they go outside of the logo boundaries. The last one is a nice concept, but I don't really like that specific implementation of it :/
CiriousJoker
on 24 Aug 2020
New ideas
ghost
on 16 Sep 2020
Personally I prefer the more minimalist current design.
tmmlaarhoven
on 16 Sep 2020
Some other stuff
ghost
on 20 Sep 2020
I鈥檓 going to close this issue as it was not my intent to open up for ideas for an entirely new concept.
Thanks for everyone鈥檚 input though.
timmyknuckles
on 21 Sep 2020
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