Why do so many brands change their logos and look like everyone else? This is a question that has been on the minds of many people, especially since a trend in logo design emerged around 2017-2018. It seems that many companies have decided that being unique is a handicap and that it is better to blend in with the crowd. This trend initially started with fashion logos, as they dropped all their quirks and idiosyncrasies and replaced them with a simple sans serif font.

Kazuki Nakayashiki

Hatched by Kazuki Nakayashiki

Sep 15, 2023

4 min read

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Why do so many brands change their logos and look like everyone else? This is a question that has been on the minds of many people, especially since a trend in logo design emerged around 2017-2018. It seems that many companies have decided that being unique is a handicap and that it is better to blend in with the crowd. This trend initially started with fashion logos, as they dropped all their quirks and idiosyncrasies and replaced them with a simple sans serif font.

Sans serif fonts are fonts that do not have the small features and details that serif fonts possess. While the simplicity of sans serif fonts makes them readable and versatile, it also limits their options for differentiation. Logos are supposed to be instantly recognizable, different, and memorable, reflecting the brand's values. By blending into the crowd and adopting a generic sans serif font, brands fail to achieve these goals.

The use of sans serif fonts can be traced back to 1816 when they were first created for advertising and display purposes. Their clarity and legibility at a distance made them ideal for printing very large or small. In the past, serif fonts were used to compensate for ink spread and aberrations caused by imprecise letterpress and inconsistent paper surface sizing. However, with advancements in technology and a shift towards digital media, sans serif fonts have become cleaner, more legible, and better suited for various platforms, especially online.

The adoption of sans serif logos allows brands to become empty vessels, ready to accommodate rapidly shifting trends. While the logos may look similar, what they offer is completely different and effective, and that is what ultimately counts for the consumer. However, it is crucial for brands to not completely discard their distinguishing features and to maintain some level of uniqueness.

One of the main reasons for the sans serif logo trend is readability, especially on mobile devices. With the increasing use of smartphones and the dominance of mobile browsing, it is essential for logos to be easily readable on smaller screens. Additionally, the preference for standardization among consumers may also contribute to the popularity of sans serif logos. People are accustomed to seeing similar fonts and designs, and it creates a sense of familiarity and trust.

While the trend of sans serif logos may have its advantages, it is important for brands to strike a balance between simplicity and differentiation. They should aim for legibility and readability, but also retain their unique brand elements that have been built over decades.

In a different realm, creators have been exploring the world of social tokens. Social tokens are a way for creators to engage with their community and monetize their work. However, creating a social token is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in getting it accepted by the community, and this is where strong token economics come into play.

Tokenomics, a combination of the words "token" and "economics," refers to all the factors that enable participants to contribute positively to a project. For creators, it is essential to gather a strong community around a joint project that goes beyond themselves. This project should require collaboration and the collective effort of fans to be achieved. By involving the community in the creation of a platform, challenges, and resource gathering, creators can build a project that is bigger than themselves.

When it comes to token design, creators are advised to opt for a fixed supply unless they have expertise in token economics. A fixed supply allows for better usability, lowers entry barriers, gives community leaders full power over token distribution, and does not require a community ready to pay from day one. While the standard supply is 10 million, successful communities have thrived with both less and more supply. The key is to find a balance that aligns with the project's goals and community dynamics.

Another crucial aspect of token economics is how to reward early believers and incentivize them to continue building. There are two main ways to allocate tokens to community members: bounties and budget allocations. Bounty hunters participate flexibly on an ad-hoc basis, while core contributors and staff are more committed and involved in the long-term vision and operations. Having enough treasury to reward active community members is crucial for the sustainability and growth of the project.

The financial aspect of social tokens is also of utmost importance. With a highly volatile token, contributors may be hesitant to invest their time and effort. It is crucial to consider every person to whom a token is given as an investor. Token price fluctuations can be influenced by factors such as liquidity pools and the tokens with which they are bonded. Therefore, creators should carefully consider these factors when creating a token's liquidity pool.

In conclusion, the trend of brands adopting generic sans serif logos may be driven by readability and the preference for standardization. However, it is important for brands to retain their unique elements to stand out and be memorable. Similarly, creators venturing into the world of social tokens should focus on strong token economics to build a thriving and sustainable community. By involving the community in a joint project, considering token design and distribution, and providing financial incentives, creators can create a token that is accepted and valued by their community.

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