We like #68 because it's quite different to a lot of the submissions we've received. It's great as a standalone icon. Would also be perfect as an iPhone/iPad app logo (if/when we decide to build one).
The drawback for us is that It's a tad bit too busy and we're not sure it would look as good in situations where we need it in black & white.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, have the same feeling about it - I like the dynamic nature of the design but I have to agree it is a tad busy at the same time.
I'm working on an update to this so might be able to solve that issue. If I crack it you'll see it uploaded.
This simplified version of #68 uses intersecting orbits to create an asymmetrical design - which hints at innovation. The strength is still evident in the cohesiveness of the design. Either in a app-style box or as on white this is eyecatching, memorable and communicates the right message instantly. Your thoughts are much appreciated to fine tune or keep moving on other ideas. Thanks.
I'm quite liking the lower case t - as it seems to make the word look nicely balanced and the "scien" area of the word seems to jump out a tad more.... hard to explain but it just seems to flow nicely. How do you feel about it?
Really appreciate the amount of work you're putting in. Makes us feel bad not ranking you number 1. On that note, we should probably point out anything in the top 10 could get shuffled around given the various opinions and favourites amongst members of our team.
Should probably also explain why we haven't ranked all your submissions; we're mentally grouping the similar ones together and only ranking our favourite for that concept. Otherwise we'd just confuse ourselves more.
Agree with you regarding the lowercase 't'. Think it works better. Also think you've pretty much nailed the font with your latest entries.
#76 is simpler than the previous iteration (#68) and is a good strong concept. Actually really like how it looks, but it's still a bit too geared towards being an iPhone/iPad App logo rather than a company logo.
#74 and #79 are more along the lines of what we feel looks like a company logo. They're also good in that they can be turned into great looking icons (in both colour and B&W) as you've demonstrated.
From a branding standpoint, our reservations are hard to explain given no one on the team is actually a designer but we'll try...
With regards to #79, it's not apparently clear what the concept behind the three hexagons is. I'm sure we could come up with something that makes sense, but it's not immediately obvious. Perhaps we're not imaginative enough (probably the reason we're not designers).
#74 is stronger and as you've correctly pointed out, is eye-catching and communicates the right message. But we can't seem to shake the feeling that it isn't subtle enough. Difficult to explain but it screams 'atom', which leans too much towards being purely scientific (which would be perfect if that was our core business). Perhaps we've also seen too many atom-themed logos around the place.
Apologies if we're being a little difficult. Just trying to provide as much constructive comments as we can because we know you're putting the work in. Even though we didn't put it in the brief, we're starting to realise that subtlety is something we're subconsciously looking for in all the submissions. We know it's difficult to balance a strong, communicative look with subtlety. But that's why you're the designers, not us :)
Firstly, I don't have any problem with not sitting in number 1 - I'll be happy when the design hits the nail on the head.
Yes, type is cooking nicely now.
#76 - yes it's a step in the right direction. I'm still thinking about that one so I might be able to offer another development.
#74 - funny, this is the first atom, or orbiting style logo I've ever done - so it was quite fun to compose it. Yes, it is vibrant and alive but maybe, as you say, too "sciency". Still a great balanced design though.
#79 - okay, what this design means to me - it represents pieces coming together to form a whole, like information and skill coming together to create something which, like most well-designed things, makes people say "wow, why didn't I think of that?". Like most great ideas and inventions, products and processes - a lot of work goes into them but the outcome doesn't seem to be a sum of the time, work and energy put in. This logo reflects that process - simple mathematical shapes in what seems like a rather simple composition. But the shapes stand for all the elements of your business and products, coming together. Hope that makes some sort of sense!
Ok, the main thing though, is that the logo gives you that gut-feeling that it's right. Whichever one you go for make sure it feels right for your team.
I'll keep tweaking and there might be another idea before the end of the contest.
But thanks for putting your thoughts into words. And you're not being difficult whatsoever I assure you :)
Also, just so you're aware - I've clipped the 't's in this design - it's subtle but it gives it a hint at a serif look and feel - something about the word thesiant says it needs something that is not 'too modern'. I'm finding this hard to put into words, but I think that the modified, and lower case, t's give it a quietly confident look - hinting at the "knowledge" aspect of your brief. I feel it gives a recognition to the people not just the technology.
Thanks Michael. Think we get what you mean with #110. But you're right. The font used for #79 works. Without question, you've nailed the font better than anyone else.
The quality of your work is also amongst the best (if not the best) we've seen. The one stumbling block; #79 is not a clear-cut winner in terms of a feeling like it's THE logo. We can't seem to get it past "candidate" status, although it keeps growing on us (hence the move up in position).
We have a really tough choice to make thanks to quality work like yours. Thanks for making our decision so difficult.
Thanks for that - I'm glad I'm making it tough :) No seriously, it's good to really think about the logo as THE logo - you'll get what you want for that reason. My design is growing on me further, as the pages fill up, for its simplicity. But there's a lot of top notch entries - so enjoy the decision-making process. If you have any questions don't hesitate to drop me a note.