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First, let’s get the technicalities out of the way: “Microsoft Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications (RIAs) for the Web.” In other words, it’s the next “Flash killer” but, as we all know, it’s rare that anything positioned as a [blank]-killer can actually pull the trigger, so Silverlight needs all the flash it can get. And, by heavens, is that logo ready for 2007 primetime! As an identity that will live 99.99% of its time in online and on-screen applications this new identity excels as a nebulous-abstract-who-cares-what-it-is piece of eye candy that should at least position Silverlight as the media application of the future. (Despite its almost-ten-years-in-the-making ubiquity, Adobe’s Flash Player is looking a tad tired.) While the Blobby Ball of Nebulousness™ keeps my eyes affixed to it, I can’t help but be broken out from its spell by the faux Myriad typeface used for the name — why Microsoft can’t opt for good typography has always baffled me — Gotham, Futura, Helvetica, anything but this would make their design stand out so much more. Wait— what’s that? Mmmmm… Nebulousness. Juicy close-up of it after the jump.
More images, and the unfortunate Windowization of the logo, here.
Jump to Most Recent Comment
Jason B.’s comment is:
Ironically, this "blobby ball of nebulousness™" reminds me of the new Adobe Creative Suite packaging.
On Apr.19.2007 at 08:54 AM
Graham Sanders’s comment is:
Adobe is releasing its new product Apollo very soon and unlike Microsoft they innovate not immitate.
On Apr.19.2007 at 09:24 AM
Chris’s comment is:
Why didn't they just animate it? Then it would at least be a moving piece of crap.
On Apr.19.2007 at 09:24 AM
John Chaykowsky’s comment is:
Wow... looks like some of the stock Mac screen backgrounds.
Great job Microsoft...
On Apr.19.2007 at 09:57 AM
stock_illustration’s comment is:
very ephemeral...but I want to see their sketches.
On Apr.19.2007 at 09:58 AM
Armin’s comment is:
Stock... What would the sketches reveal?
On Apr.19.2007 at 10:02 AM
Patrick Senecal’s comment is:
Microsoft Jellyfish 2.0™
On Apr.19.2007 at 10:02 AM
Seth Aldridge’s comment is:
Wow. I do not consider myself an amazing logo designer but there is nothing unique about this...it looks like they were working on a Mac and "got a great idea!"
On Apr.19.2007 at 10:49 AM
felix’s comment is:
ahhh, and the contact lens solution... a nice cross-promotion with Bausche & Lomb!
I'm beginning to see the future. And I'm blinded by the light.
On Apr.19.2007 at 10:54 AM
Tom Cox’s comment is:
It appears that the TM symbol is trying to slowly step away from the glob.
On Apr.19.2007 at 12:20 PM
rykodisc’s comment is:
hmm...ironic that when i try to view the video on the product homepage it comes up with an unsupported codec error.
On Apr.19.2007 at 12:23 PM
Kosal Sen’s comment is:
I see panties. No. Adult diapers for hip seniors. The type here is actually quite restrained compared to their usual. Everytime I look at a Microsoft logo I'm distracted by the ®s and ™s. From what I remember, Apple doesn't have any ™s or copyright symbols with their logos. Whats the deal? Is it just a confident judgement call?
On Apr.19.2007 at 12:43 PM
Christian Palino’s comment is:
To start with, the choice of an abstract name combined with an abstract logomark seems contrary to trying to make any sense of "what it is". Lets imagine a focus group looking at this and telling us what they think of or associate with it. I would note that at small sizes you lose definition of the image – but clearly there isn't any definition to begin with. This is truly the product of a masturbatory design process… somewhere.
On Apr.19.2007 at 12:51 PM
Paul Riehle’s comment is:
so thats what a silverlight looks like...
On Apr.19.2007 at 12:59 PM
Josh G’s comment is:
part smoke, part lava lamp...who can't see the genius behind this?
On Apr.19.2007 at 01:15 PM
L.Vazquez’s comment is:
I just can't bring myself to care... even after reading Armin's usual spot-on write up. I just don't care about the identity. It doesn't get me excited for the product. It does absolutely nothing for me.
On Apr.19.2007 at 03:05 PM
Tulse’s comment is:
the choice of an abstract name combined with an abstract logomark seems contrary to trying to make any sense of "what it is".
The name is far better than the "Microsoft Vista Home Premium Media Center Edition for One-Armed Latvian Mimes" scheme which is usual for Microsoft.
On Apr.19.2007 at 04:32 PM
Dale the Somewhat Merciless’s comment is:
i suspect the product may be just as fleeting and have us much impact as this nebulous puff of smoke logo suggests..
On Apr.19.2007 at 07:19 PM
J levi’s comment is:
jellyfish...
On Apr.19.2007 at 08:24 PM
Jaime’s comment is:
I love the TM symbol on the right side, it's like We don´t know what it is, but is ours.
On Apr.19.2007 at 10:32 PM
Frank’s comment is:
This is not a logo in any sense.It's the product name in boring typography with a crap clipart piece next to it.The only thing it actually reminds me of is the shape of an old imac.
I dun get it.
On Apr.20.2007 at 12:06 AM
Calvin Ross Carl’s comment is:
Nebulousness™ has been pretty popular lately. I think it will be replacing the tired "shiny aqua ball" look. Typical Microsoft. Horrendous typography with a logo that could nearly pass as clip art. I just want to know, who are the damn goons that are getting paid for this at Microsoft? They need to be fired!
On Apr.20.2007 at 12:52 AM
Fabrice’s comment is:
One of my art teacher's always told me that when you don't have any idea you easily end up with a blob, a smooth semi-round form. You can add all the special effects and gloss you wan't it is still a blob.
For the typography part, this is easy. Apple has been using a faux Myriad for quite a long time now, and more and more Microsoft products are using a faux Myriad too, but unlike Apple it looks odd and is never exactly the same…
On Apr.20.2007 at 02:49 AM
marko’s comment is:
Apple has been using Myriad Pro since they switched from Apple Garamond in 2002. The major difference is they have someone to kern the ghastly problems. Microsoft is happy with a knockoff all around.
It's kind of ultrasound sci-fi fetus.
On Apr.20.2007 at 07:06 AM
L.Vazquez’s comment is:
Blue alien jellyfish... didn't I see that on Star Trek once?
On Apr.20.2007 at 08:04 AM
Frank’s comment is:
Am i the only one that really sees a blue iMac in the bubble/smoke/whatever ?
Maybe the "logo" is really an inside joke of the designer who commited this, who knows...
On Apr.20.2007 at 08:23 AM
Exigent’s comment is:
Absolute crap. Microsoft has failed before they even started.
On Apr.20.2007 at 09:26 AM
Seffis’s comment is:
I think it's successful, because I immediately recognized the representation of a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications (RIAs) for the Web.
Ya right.
At least if it doesn't work out they can regurgitate it as the new amoeba assistant character replacing that sodding paperclip in the next version of Office.
On Apr.20.2007 at 09:38 AM
stock_illustration’s comment is:
Armin...just being sarcastic about the sketches. This just doesn't look like a concept that was roughed out and refined into the final product. It looks like it sprang whole from a 3-D program's loins.
On Apr.20.2007 at 10:35 AM
Tony Goff’s comment is:
I admire the work thats gone into it but it does seem to be saying hey look at us we're trying to be all cool and new media. Shame its about two years too late but hey, such is life.
On a related note does anyone miss the old logo from Macromedia Flash? I've just seen the new CS3 packaging and the lovely round logo seems to have been replaced by a big red box. Great work there Adobe, really pulling out all the stops...
On Apr.20.2007 at 11:44 AM
Michelle French’s comment is:
Am i the only one that really sees a blue iMac in the bubble/smoke/whatever ?
Frank, I thought immediately of the hulking, dead monitor that was attached to my “blue box.”
Or does it look like Rick Moranis’ helmet on Spaceballs?
On Apr.20.2007 at 12:48 PM
Drew Pickard’s comment is:
There is some sort of recall back to the early web days when every other designer was rendering bizarre abstract imagery in 3D programs.
This is another example of it.
Regardless - it looks in-line with Vista's visuals and their sad attempt to replicate the OS X glossiness and glow.
Sadly, they continually leave out the other half of OS X's brilliant design: How it works!
On Apr.20.2007 at 02:38 PM
krunk pony’s comment is:
I feel like there is a bit too much visual room between the g and the h. And all the ®s and stuff look unconfident. I could zoom into it and make a mac background. Also a little wierded out that the name says silver but the logo is blue.
On Apr.20.2007 at 03:28 PM
julian’s comment is:
"For the typography part, this is easy. Apple has been using a faux Myriad for quite a long time now, and more and more Microsoft products are using a faux Myriad too, but unlike Apple it looks odd and is never exactly the same…"
Well, Apple started with Myriad. Then they had it modified and used their special modified Myriad. Then they had some ligatures added, and last I heard their version is called "Myriad Set". They do recognize that it's not the same as the original Myriad, but they also do have it modified for reasons. (Steve Jobs, apparently, was very particular about the 'ffl' ligature for the "iPod shuffle" branding).
It does, however, officially originally come from Myriad. That's why I have a hard time with the name "faux Myriad" for it.
On Apr.20.2007 at 06:01 PM
Kid B’s comment is:
Like Kosal, I too am reminded of Depend Undergarments.
On Apr.20.2007 at 06:14 PM
Quesero’s comment is:
This was clearly inspired by Claes Oldenburg's Soft Toilet... or maybe a bedpan.
On Apr.20.2007 at 09:32 PM
Mark.S.’s comment is:
The jellyfi-cation of logos!
They're graceful in water, but not so good on land, like any invertebrate lacking in spine!
On Apr.21.2007 at 08:14 AM
Gene’s comment is:
Arial... Swiss... whatever this Myriad clone is...
Microsoft obviously has a culture of copying, from software to typefaces. They never seem to lead, they only copy the work of others than alter it slightly to slap their brand on it. I find Microsoft's design work adequate for their purposes -- wide dissemination to a common denominator of the market -- but so obviously derivative. Let others define a new look or live on the cutting edge, and then once it has seeped into the collective consciousness, Microsoft will co-opt it.
Penfold’s comment is:
The font Microsoft have been using for all their recent products is called Frutiger. Indeed, it is somewhat similar to Myriad, and Microsoft actually got in a spot of bother with legal issues on how it's a nigh-on rip-off.
On Apr.21.2007 at 05:29 PM
Didden’s comment is:
Never one to follow the crowd I guess, I have disagree with the sentiments here and state that I rather like the font and typography.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of the evil empire, but if this slapped on another company, I think we'd barely notice or comment.
Whether it's Myriad or Frutiger, both of which I have used in the past, they are very similar for good reason, although I must correct you Penfold, Frutiger is the original created in 1976 of which Myriad is, shall we say *cough* a blatant copy *cough* created in 1992.
It seems font houses have been copying each others assets a good deal longer than Microsoft has copied Apple's.
On Apr.22.2007 at 01:46 AM
Von Glitschka’s comment is:
The logo looks like a reject from a glass blowing class.
Once again Microsoft gives the finger to established technology in favor of their own proprietary methods that will only muddy the waters for creatives world wide and probably cause security vulnerability as well.
iPod has nearly 80% of the market so do they develop an online store iPod users can use? Nope they do a cheap ass rip-off and it falls flat on it's face.
Flash player saturation is nearly 100% but instead of adapting to that they decide to create another rip-off.
I still find it ironic that the majority of Windows GUI's and icons are done by designers working on MACs.
On Apr.22.2007 at 02:14 AM
disgruntled designer’s comment is:
forget the ™ on the blob, what about the size of the ® on microsoft and why does it fill in like that in the upper section?
penfold, this is defintely NOT frutiger that they are using. frutiger has squared dots for the i's, this typeface does not. if you use the default system myriad that apple includes it is much closer to what they have here. just fug up the letterspacing and you are good to go. there's a city block between the "l" and "i" and the "g" and the "h".
On Apr.22.2007 at 07:05 PM
Dale the Somewhat Merciless’s comment is:
also, myriad is a rip of frutiger.. not the other way around.
microsoft's font is however neither frutiger nor myriad.. it is another frutiger rip called segoe.
On Apr.22.2007 at 07:59 PM
flyermoney’s comment is:
Am I the only one that finds the blob looking strikingly like a graphic definition of vaporware? At least it looks better than the awfully shaded blue Vista interpretation of an Aqua drop...
On Apr.23.2007 at 06:36 AM
C-lo’s comment is:
Looks like a soap bubble popping and deflating. Just as microsoft's hope and dreams to do anything worth while, inspiring, or decent looking. Their art director, if they have one, Must've help up a certain box that can be found in most art departments and said "That! I want that!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeXAcwriid0
On Apr.23.2007 at 02:25 PM
Bobby Henderson’s comment is:
I agree 100% with Kosal Sen's comment.
That "Silverlight" icon conjures thoughts of panties or diapers. It's the very first thing that came to mind when I saw the icon for the first time. I'm not sure why. Maybe the negative areas just reminded me of leg holes. And then there's the blue color, like what you have in some toilet bowl cleaners.
The next problem is Microsoft's obvious and shameless need to copy that "aqua" stuff from Apple's OS. That only goes to further prove the "aqua" thing is really old and dated now. Even Apple needs to get rid of it. Perfect time to ditch "aqua" now that Windows has so much of that style copied into its interface.
As to any touts of Microsoft developing a "flash killer," no one should hold their breath waiting. Microsoft doesn't understand creative workers and their workflow needs, such as the need for various applications to move artwork from one to the other. They'll only be able to pry my Adobe applications from my cold, dead fingers.
On Apr.24.2007 at 12:12 AM
Sarina Butler’s comment is:
Unoriginal, undefined, unworkable, unanaimated, and just globby. What were they thinking! They should stick with their day jobs.
On Apr.24.2007 at 10:43 AM
Corey Buckner’s comment is:
I actually like the logo a lot. I am willing to bet if you walk into any MS office that THING is nothing more than a ribbon-like image that constantly rotates on flat screens all over the place. I don't think it was created to be a stationary logo, but for boxing purposes they chose this frame of the loop. That's going to look great when we finally get to start up the program.
On Apr.24.2007 at 11:15 AM
Simon’s comment is:
It looks like a jelly fortune cookie. If it gets animated it could look hot.
Some fun:
Stevie Wonder’s comment is:
I Love It!!!
(look at name if you don't think this is funny)
On Apr.24.2007 at 05:42 PM
Ferro’s comment is:
What's the design studio/company behind the brand design, Kontrapunkt? In House?
On Apr.24.2007 at 06:03 PM
Simon’s comment is:
Stevie Wonder, yur killing me smalls.
On Apr.25.2007 at 01:22 PM
diane witman’s comment is:
Von-
I was going to say that it reminds me of the glass-blowing process.
Where is the silver? Am I missing it? It looks blue to me.
Stacked version:
Stacked version on black background:
alphadg’s comment is:
I am reminded not so much of diapers but a jock strap. A very flimsy, nebulous jockstrap...
Bobby Henderson’s comment is:
I still think the blue toilet bowl water is a valid observation.
On Apr.25.2007 at 09:03 PM
Dan O’Leary’s comment is:
Lucky they trademarked it... just in case anyone else was thinking of using a blue piece of shit as a symbol.
Did they pick it up at one of those 'design-a-logo' shops?!
That type's pretty shocking too... could they get 'Microsoft' any closer to 'Silverlight' without it actually touching? I just don't understand why Microsoft can't find any decent designers... is it because designers hate PCs so much?
On Apr.26.2007 at 03:05 PM
Dan O’Leary’s comment is:
And for the record, it looks like a frickin' space-age croissant.
Silverlight, my arse!
Patrick’s comment is:
I would love to hear the designer's rationale for this. Better yet, I would love to see Microsoft's creative brief for this. What brand attributes do you think it's meant to embody? Innovative? Passionate? Revolutionary? Ubiquitous/Engaging (hence the blob)?
Whoever designed this, am I too far from my guess of the brand attributes?
On Apr.28.2007 at 01:51 AM
Drew Kora’s comment is:
I still don't understand why Microsoft has to have TM and R marks on everything.
On Apr.30.2007 at 10:11 AM
Anonymous’s comment is:
I believe Razorfish Avenue A is responsible for this, as they are responsible for many of Microsoft's identity projects. This identity fits a format that Razorfish has established for many Microsoft brands including the Expression series. The goal of making the multitude of Microsoft's brands consistent with one another is a good idea, however the system they devised is crap.
This is just one more example of the "it-doesn't-need-to-be-reproduced-in-black-and-white-because-it-lives-on-screen" logos. I don't care if it lives primarily of screen. When I need to make a poster with this I need a 500+ MB Tiff file! And that's a compressed Tiff file! It makes working with your system a total pain in the ass, and the absolute low point of my day. I know because I've used this system.
Total crap!
On Apr.30.2007 at 11:41 AM
rae’s comment is:
I think the form vaguely resembles a pair of underpants. Maybe the problem is that MS tries to art direct their designers too much...?
On May.05.2007 at 07:47 PM
Mark’s comment is:
attack of the blob, this is what happens when somebody wants to make something "pretty"
sigh, wordmark would have been better.
On Jun.16.2007 at 06:48 PM
Colorful Numbers’s comment is:
It looks like a crumpled, used --
(let's keep this family friendly)
-- balloon.
On Oct.25.2007 at 01:27 PM
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