The Top 43!

Dear All!

Last week was really amazing in terms of the activity! More than 4500 logo submission and around 3500 EAP Registrations!

As you might have predicted, it was really difficult for us to pick these 43! The reason we are choosing 43 and not 10 (as said earlier) is because of the sheer number of entries we have received. There was a chance of some improvements, changes and tuning which can make the rest (not in top 10) of the logos better. So now here we are!

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You will see our comments on the image itself, so for those who find your entries selected here, please take a note of the comments and send the logos again.

So this becomes the second last phase instead of the last phase. You need to send the revised logo (which you think is the best you can do after looking at the comment (which is really short)) by 27 Wed 11PM (IST). On 28th Oct the final 10 will go live, and we all can vote. (You will notice 2 Notion Ink’s entry as they are the fav among here in the team and in the comments they were popular as well). (Also do read comments on your Logos, as there are a lot of suggestions. My fav words are simple, elegant and with a reason. Please do not submit new entries)

The whole Notion Ink team thanks everyone for the effort they have taken. (I read somewhere, that nothing dies, specially the effort, cos it will always be there for people to see!) We will always remember all the entries and to do so, we will have them printed on the walls of our firm (December)!

Also I read in the comments about the discount which the finalists should get, will announce the same with the results!

There is a lot of work to do now, the 3500 EAP registrations (and growing) requires personal attention and we will be communicating with most of the soon. Since the deadline for EAP is longer (3rd Now) we are expecting it might cross 6000 after which we will have to stop excepting the entries! We wish to select the best deserving candidates as EAP is extremely close to our heart!

With Warm Regards

898 thoughts on “The Top 43!”

  2. 4500 ?? Thats crazy. Wow !

    Congrats to all those 41 😉

    Printing all the 4500 logos on the wall. hmm… great idea. It will be a constant reminder and motivate ppl working at Notion Ink, how passionate are the people out there waiting to see adam and appreciate your work.

    cheers
    Don

  4. I was browsing through all of these really slowly, with a faint glimmer of hope that at least one of my designs would come up.

    I sent three entries. All three are up here. 🙂

  6. By far my favorite. Has what I consider the two most important things: an emblem AND text.

    The four outward arrows are recognizable enough as a symbol, and the company’s name is simple and clean.

  7. Nice logos, please be ver thorough in choosing the logo. Its very important for the brand.

  9. today is saturday…..any other updates………u told working for something special…..shoild we expect something

  10. Indeed some awesome logo’s.
    But the final date is pushed further into the future which means Adam stays a bitt longer in the NI-womb.
    I hope to see second changes pictures today!!!
    I’ll wait for Adam… but not forever 🙂

  14. SInce I guess they didn’t choose mine, here it is:

    About the design:

    The font used for ‘notion’ is derived from DejaVu Sans Mono and inspired by the shape of the tip of a fountain pen. The smooth stroke through ‘otio’ symbolizes the flow of ideas. ‘ink’ is drawn freehand, retraced as one might do for emphasis. The shadow of ‘ink’ symbolizes the ability of an idea to stand on its own once expressed. The logo is bordered by a black box, and a smooth flow of blue that defies the box, symbolizing creativity.

    What do you think?

  18. Hi Rohan, a few points

    1) I love the N factorion thing, I think that logo has promise but it needs to be improved, by alot, but 1% of your customers are going to understand it.

    2) I actually really like the Idea of having the Hindi ‘NI’ or something, if an elegant one can be made itll be by far the best – it’ll speak alot about your company, that while you’re advancing and globailzing, you’re not leaving your indian traditions behind, and still love your country. It’ll make your country proud. however, you have to be careful to not alienate Americans with something too esoteric.

    3) Why don’t you increase the number of people you’ll give Adams to for the Early Access thing? The more you give away, the much, much larger noise you’re going to make about it, making your currently known by only 10,000 people product into known by millions.

    4) This goes without saying, but be sure to give one to Gizmodo, Endgadet and the other popular gadget sites

    5) Please update us on the price/ FCC status/ when it’ll be available in India/US.

    6) I’d just like to congratulate on how far you and your company have come. Please, I beg of you, become a success and show the would what this country is capable of.

    7) Just as an observational note, most of the functional tablets that have been released/ are going to be released, that I have seen, are wayyy more expensive that the Adam, so I was wrong in my initial observation that the delay in the release of the Adam would kill it. First thing, i’m going to buy one, fill it with games and cool stuff and gift it to my nani :).

  20. Nope, it’s kinda simmilar to the Skype symbole. We need something new.

    Geez, one could have thought, that NotionInk would go for these futuristic type logos. Still I went for a rather conservative one. Sad it wasn’t chosen. Here it is:

  21. Very nice choice… a little disappointed that mine didn’t make it 🙂
    I really like the Buddhist style!

  22. Bad with with contests like this is that there is a change that you’ll miss some great designs. Some of the logo’s I see are really unusable as a logo.
    (I’m not just saying this because my logo isn’t picked – although I find it better than most of the logo’s shown here – http://supershackle.com/notionink-ikbenivo.jpg)
    Good luck with the contest and congrats for the ones who got picked.

  24. it’s perfectly possible to have two logos one name and one object, but i do like the line “just think”

    the only issue you might find is with lenovo and thinkpad/think centre but the idea thINK takes it entirely a new direction

    the thINK links to one of the concepts linked to notion

    I especially like the human made of 5 drops of ink (one for the head and one for each limb) that was shown angled in a 3D space. It links with the idea of thINK

    your clearly moving away from lightbulbs, the only one that works with Notion thINK is the cranium image but it’s too involved for easy expression i think

    I also looked at words containing ink http://www.morewords.com/contains/ink/ it might suggest routes to follow

    one image I found actually quite powerful is not listed here and is created purely by chance
    the thinkmap of the word notion http://is.gd/gdWqw-

    It would work with the idea of Notion lINK (link) – the joining of notions to construct ideas

  27. “Also I read in the comments about the discount which the finalists should get, will announce the same with the results!”

    so no discount for fan-boys who are not creative enuf to be in top41 (now seems 43)?

    I’m just trying to make up a case for me 🙂

  28. Im guessing the release date is no longer in november. Maybe in time for Christmas? looking forward to pre-ordering the adam.

  29. ERIC , your logo on N! is absolutely amazing and great work… beautiful concept and suits Notion ink so aptly…… kindly work on the graphics part.. u r sure to be in top 10….

  32. Logo designers, can you make a snapshot of how the logos will look on the ADAM and display it.

  33. Hi Rohan,

    I thought, you are looking for a logo and in my eys a logo is a pictogram wich recoginze if you see it to the related company. No text, only an icon. You see a bite apple and you are thinking on Mac. You know what I mean ??
    All posted logos doesn’t work like Steve jobs apple. The only one which could do it a little is this one https://notionink.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/the-top-41/harun/
    If this one https://notionink.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/the-top-41/christian/ would be in the NI colors it could also do his job.

    So, please think about it. Do you want a “letter head” or in icon which remeber on notion ink ??

    Kind regards
    Harvey

  35. hi,
    is it open for other people to revise these logos and resubmit them?
    thanks,
    Jacob

  37. not at all…i have no idea what standard they use for the final choice…i like your one aswell :)….nice idea mixing those images….maybe liked more squared lines

  39. Thats weird. Last night I saw here some really great ones but sent in the last hours and… well, it’s weird they aint here. And some that should not be here – are. Huh.

    Well. Shame! : )

  40. Hey Mike, thats a cool logo! I seriously wonder why I didnt see it up there. Maybe because yours is optimized for portrait format, and wouldnt really fit in the bezel of the actual gadget?? I dont know, just guessing…

    You have a nice collection of designs on your site. I will check it out for some inspiration if I ever decide to get out of my job and run my own company someday 🙂

  43. Most of logos here are in their best realization. But mine is deformed, and i don’t know why you chose the simple print version of it. So, here it is how it looks normally:

    –
    The point above “i” and the second “o” imagine the thinking/dreaming bubble or “notion” which is result of it all.

    And thats a pity that these have not been chosen.


    Because I think that they are very usable for logo design.

    However, good luck for all.

  44. these were my submissions, sucks neither was chosen 😦

    Out of the options chosen these 3 are the best



    in that order, well done you 3 😀

  47. Yay! Mine was picked. 🙂
    Plus it says ‘only revise if you wish!’ *does happy dance*

  48. Well done with the logos everyone! Rohan please tell me we will still get an update-its been 2 weeks now without one.
    Some new photos or progress report?

  49. Agreed! I really cant wait much longer- Archos 101 is out now and its not too shabby- Would prefer to get the adam but lack of concrete news about a release date and constant delays may force me to buy something else- Very nearly went for an exopc but held off for the adam!

  51. Man too bad Ganzio. i really liked your design the best. I would love to know what was wrong with yours.

    I guess this one is my 2nd choice.

  52. I am wondering whether the final logo selection which are selected are done by a designer? Most of them are not up to the mark… 95% of them.
    Logo should be very simple… wondering whether my logo reached you Rohan?
    A typeface logo should look good for notionink… i strongly believe that….

  53. What surprised me was the same theme logos were selected, for e.g. Logo #1 and #2, Logo #3 and #6 and Logo #4 and #5. It would have been better if single logo of each theme was selected. That way more varying theme could have been possible.

    ~Plug

  55. Rohan give the logo an ancient India script style, why Apple or Windows, let it be different n adam should also be shipped with beautiful pictures of Incredible India+. Adam would be like digital souvenir. Its only a suggestion, all the logos look cool, but the logo has to be a symbol not the texts .

  57. Don’t tell me that this is the weekend special? Or this is so big that we should wait until next weekend? Beside of this i like the idea of competition and all them chosen logo. great work rohan but we need more information about adam more than logos!

  58. I have to agree with Ivo. There are a lot of bad and/or unusable logos that made it to the top 43. I’ve seen a lot of others that are better, more thoughtful and more usable. I’m not saying this because my logos didn’t make it. It’s just that there are designers out there that had way more relevant and better concepts, for which you can see that they really took the time for it to both come up with the idea as realizing it, which would suit Notion Ink and the ideas of the company better.

    Anyway, there are some very nice logos that did make it. So I wish the final contestants the best of luck, and I’m really curious which one will be the winner!

    By the way, these are my (rather simple) logos:
    http://bit.ly/dlfvyw http://bit.ly/b5FqM4

  59. the choice of logo is uber-important, you don’t want to make a mistake as you will probably (hopefully) keep it for years.

    i love the n! idea, it deserves a better graphic treatment…

  60. Congrats! to all the guys who are selected as well as to the guys who are not selected,
    as all of your efforts will be on display in NI office.

    Hey, looks like Rohan will be busy for this weekend, and there will be no specials, so perhaps u guys can look into this interview of Rohan,

    its end of june interview, and from then onwards things on the S/W font definitely has improved a lot, but quite nice some new info.

    http://androidheadlines.com/2010/06/interview-with-rohan-shravan-ceo-of-notion-ink.html

    It seems there will be 4 sensors on adam, the usual suspects like ambient light, accelerometer, proximity sensors are there. But there will be another sensor the so called
    `WATER SENSOR`(i dont know for what purpose). Perhaps this was the secret sensor we dont know about.

    Enjoy the read.

  62. Just out of curiousity, is it possible to see all the logos that were submitted. It will be really good to see the creativity of all the participants in the contest. It will make justice to those who were not selected.

    ~Plug

  63. Pj I agree- This is not an update- Come on Rohan. At least let us now if this is the update so i can give up checking this blog until next week! The reason people get frustrated is because you said there would be more photos which gets everyone excited- there weren’t, also that there would be a big update this week and so far nothing-This just builds already high frustration levels. You are not obligated to show us anything but when you say you are going to and then don’t, that’s when people get frustrated. Just let us know if there is no update! Thanks

  65. have no comments really.am a bit flumoxed.

    some of them are really worth the logo.i like these
    harun https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/harun.png
    and kevin (remind a bit about ubuntu logo,but like the creating figure from bubbles concept,neat) https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/kevin.jpg

    (had thought of n! thing, but then i said niet niet niet,but it can be effective cause the I is inverted,but still niet)

    i really didnt get the concept in this one

    do you see a person dozing or a chair to relax on,frankly thats what i see.

    generally we see at the world from our own narrow perspectives.

    logo is very IMPORTANT.its the current and future value of your brand.

  67. have no comments really.am a bit flumoxed.

    some of them are really worth the logo.i like these
    harun https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/harun.png
    and kevin (remind a bit about ubuntu logo,but like the creating figure from bubbles concept,neat) https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/kevin.jpg

    (had thought of n! thing, but then i said niet niet niet,but it can be effective cause the I is inverted,but still niet)

    i really didnt get the concept in this one

    do you see a person dozing or a chair to relax on,frankly thats what i see.

    generally we see at the world from our own narrow perspectives.

    logo is very IMPORTANT.its the current and future value of your brand.

  68. Rohan, firstly this should be called Identity design. Not logo design. Its your identity that you are designing, not your logo.

    I don’t know your background, but I am thinking you are an engineer. The logo should be selected by an EXPERT Graphic Designer… What about typeface logos… You have selected none of these… Some of the top companies like Nokia have the best typeface logos. (Typeface= Means font, just in case you didn’t know.) Do u even know how font communicate to humans beings and the effort required to design one? by just being one of the youngest CEO’s does not qualify you to judge these logos.

    I don’t want to sound rude, though I feel this competition is turning out to be an insult to the design fraternity in India.

    If you are getting thousands of logos in your inbox, then its just like the saying goes, ‘Its hard to find a real diamond in the coal mine’.

    Hoping, you understand my humble request. I have organized similar design contests for the company I am working for and know how it is like to be from the other side of the court.

    Please do the needful as it is in your own interest.

    Regards,

    Mihir Vaze

  69. These were the ones I had uploaded last night…. and they didn’t get selected. My concept was ‘bursting boundaries’, as NI is doing….

    The blue wavy graphic is the Notion Ink ‘flag’… a concept to symbolise NI’s foray in to the digital world, with its users as its citizens….needs lot more work but I thought the idea was marketable.. anyways, would love to have feedback since these didn’t make it to the finals…

    http://img168.imageshack.us/g/nilogocolourburstinset.jpg/

  71. These were the ones I had uploaded last night…. and they didn’t get selected. My concept was ‘bursting boundaries’, as NI is doing….

    The blue wavy graphic is the Notion Ink ‘flag’… a concept to symbolise NI’s foray in to the digital world, with its users as its citizens….needs lot more work but I thought the idea was marketable.. anyways, would love to have feedback since these didn’t make it to the finals…

    http://img168.imageshack.us/g/nilogocolourburstinset.jpg/
    http://img837.imageshack.us/g/niflag.jpg/

  72. And weeks ago there was a forum that was supposedly in the last stages. It has yet to materialize either?

  73. Did anyone tried adding /forums/ on the developers URL?
    Lrn2read the site source

    Greetings Alnerion

  74. It is a good concept the problem is we have no idea of how they are going to brand the company. Not sure if you have done design before, but believe me man you can sit down work for hours and love what you have done. Once you take it to the client they may absolutely hate it. Logo design is a hard hard task.

    Keep in mind that you were not given the opportunity to properly interview the client before creating your concept. I have been in meetings with several agencies and designers and have seen sometimes 30 iterations of a specific concept all be rejected. And that is after several lengthy client interviews.

    Good work man!

  77. In your own words
    “We will not have Week-End special this time. Working on something special for the next week and it will take a bit of time”
    So where is it??

  79. good designs! i wish i could enter it, but i was already too late 😦

    just wonderin… when is adam expected to release officially to the end consumers? and how much will it cost?

    and .. adam is the perfect example of art meets technology! cant wait to get my hands on it!!

  81. Nothing impressed me after seeing N!
    Its looking good, stands out but it’s just plain. I would like more design on N!
    Top 43 out of 4500 – I won’t buy this. I think you guys just gave a single look. Can’t blame you guys either.

    I liked N! because it would explain more (Advantages, Features of) Notion Ink (the company itself) instead of representing ADAM. (I hope NI has better plans after ADAM).

    Good work guys.

  85. Company’s logo is all very well, but I’m surely not the only passionate end user of the products it is all about reading this blog compulsively… Rohan, what else can you tell us about the Adam? Were you happy with what you’ve got from the factory? Any more changes (after the Adam’s logo and the black border)? Are we on track for the FCC? Is it for Black Friday (maybe pre-order?), before Xmas or later?…

    And any more tale of the making and the wonders of the Adam?

  87. Looks like my older post did not made through. if it appears later, my apologies for posting it twice.

    i am posting it here again. First of all congrats to all the guys who got selected. no hard feelings as none of my 5 designs got selected. But happy that Rohan and NI team will put all the designs in their office. Thanks!

    Since, Rohan and Co. are busy this weekend, i was just going through Rohan s interviews, i found one of them quite nice. Even though its end of june article, and by now lots of new additions and developments and changes must have been made especially on the software side, still quite a nice read.

    One interesting thing was the mention of the sensor, which we all are talking about, and which Rohan did not directly acknowledge in the interview. It looks like some WATER SENSOR will also be there along with the usual other 3 suspects namely the ambient light, proximity and accelerometer.

    enjoy the read.

    http://androidheadlines.com/2010/06/interview-with-rohan-shravan-ceo-of-notion-ink.html

  88. Ok well since we have no week end update. Good luck everyone.

    Rohan does seem to listen to the community so maybe if there is a little digital riot we can get some SLR picts!

    Revise those logos and good luck!

  89. Here are my four main efforts.
    I still like them pretty much 🙂
    Maybe they can inspire some revisions.

    Congrats to the designers of all chosen logos!

  94. Little dissapointed mine didn’t make the cut:

    But glad to see you guys narrowing it down from +4500, that’s a lot wow !!! Good luck to the remaining

  96. I liked many of the logos.. But there are only few that look plausible alone, without the “Notion Ink” text around. A simple, elegant symbol with no text is the ultimate way to stick into people’s minds.

    I think this is a major problem in many of the designs. How can you put such a logo on the cover of the device? Either stylish text or logo only, but both.. just messy.

  97. sorry the above comment was not meant as a reply.wrong place.

    what i wanted to comment though was for
    http://dl.dropbox.com/u/300978/si/ni/index.html
    if the I would have been a bit smaller.the whole N and I looks like elephants head and trunk,which is symbolic of ganesha and yes the dot (in the big logo) would have been important to ganesh as well.

  101. Thanks Ced!

    Im still looking for the one who can give it a good graphic treatment. Its only done in powerpoint. I have no graphic tools. The deal is 50:50 on the prize money. We can not rip the adam of course into 2. Or he can get the LCD screen and I’ll get the PQ screen. 😉

  103. The red is very bright, and the gray is very light and on a white background this makes the red seem a bit too disconnected. I’ve put the same logo on a dark background and it looks much better ( I used dark blue) – everything stands out equally. You could try putting a shape around it. This may also make it look a little less like one of those people icons – but it’s not a bad idea to have a logo resembling a common shape as it gives the company free advertising once it’s big enough.

    Why make a few variations and get some feedback.

  105. needs someone help. cant get a crash course on Adobe’s. Got to finish writing my dissertation. This logo stuff made me preoccupied for 3 days.

  106. I agree,

    that’s why I think putting details is not needed. You want people to recognize the company with very simple one and recognizable one from afar. And when it is placed in the device the mere size would make the details unrecognizable. although mine look shabby compared to the other. cant even get the font i want.

  107. Damn… My one didn’t make it in 😦

    Oh well, these logos well deserved the places. Guess I’ll need to buy it like I originally planned

  108. Yes, please post all (at least most) of the submissions 🙂 Its a nice sign of the involvement between everyone!

  112. Hi again,

    I agree with some other here. The logo is one part, but the other, very important for us, what’s is the status of the timelime ? We do have the last week of October, so the ADAM should be at FCC.

    So, Rohan, please give us an update about the status.

    Thanks,
    Harvey

  114. I too liked this design. It is very simple and easy to recognize

    Congrats man! and best of luck

  116. I was wondering about the final selection too… at least a third of the logos up there are “throwaway” ideas, things you dismiss at the very start for being obvious, not recognizable enough, already done to death and there’s even one similar to a web template that somehow got not one but two variations in. I’m not saying “they should have picked mine!” but I’m seriously baffled that there weren’t better choices among the 5000 sent in. It’s impossible.

    For example, one of my ideas I was worried about because it depicted a pattern similar to the surface of the brain, heavily stylized. Yet there it is up there, an actual image of a brain, chosen… I’m not bitter, really – just… baffled.

  118. although i am anti-n!.to the knights who say nee i offer to thee the shrubbery (if the curvier exclamation can help).

    please spare us the knights of n!.

  119. congrats for the top 43

    here is my designs if you will have a second look, if not its ok 🙂

    all of them depends on a special typeface designed for notion ink

  120. Hi Mihir – Great post!

    You obviously know what you are talking about.
    I would love to read your opinion to my efforts:

    Don’t be shy – I want to learn!
    If you got time 🙂

    Thanks,
    Alex

  121. Very modern. The trend in logos is going this way. But problem is, if this trend reverses, this logo will look very dated. Understated probably has longer longevity.

  123. I’m doubting whether I’ll revise mine anyway, even thought it wasn’t asked. But there are many good ones up there, and, of course, I want to win! 😀

  125. May be can round up the numbers to 50! Also could have avoided those look alike and resembling pattern… (hahah u got what I mean, I want to in :-D)

  126. Thanks,
    I spent a bit of time polishing the logo and just expected to see it on the blog, only to have an opinion from the community.
    I didn’t know about the only 43 slots available, so sorry about that 😦

  129. How can these appear on hardware?
    What about letterheads and business cards? Don’t you think such logos are good for websites but not for physical reproductions?

    Not an expert. Just my POV.

  131. Actually, yours is by far my favorite. Too bad it didnt meet whatever their criteria. Unfortunately, we didn’t even have a way to know whether our entry was viewed or even received. Heres mine:

    I even submitted early. with explanation.

  132. Totally agree! Show them all!

    Furthermore I agree with the comments of Ivo and Robert. I do hope non of the light bulb designs gets picked as the final logo. With all respect to the designers of those, they state ‘old technology’. Don’t understand why any of those were picked.

  133. Cant believe these are the best 43 out of 4500…….. but NI is still learning to handle the Volumes …. and thats good 🙂

  134. That was exactly my thought when looking at most of the coloured ones. They simply cant be used physically. Too much fluff to be a logo.

  136. My favoritesr:

    I like the notion font – clean, simple, smooth and appealing – how the adam will look. It’s legible on deep and light backgrounds (i take it the deep gray is not part of the logo), and the light bulb/drop can be used separately as an almost round emblem.

    The font is really important – if the logo is the face, the font is the personality – formal, frivolous, complicated etc. The font for the remaining logos I have chosen have no personality – but being the superficial person I am I’ve selected based on good looks.


    Great logo – needs a better font.


    logo is great – simple, and when viewed closeup appears to hide a deeper meaning, almost zen. Not sure about inc unless the company changes it’s name. The font is too BBC news for my taste.


    Super simplistic logo – I love the minimalist approach where the shape is implied and the mind has to fill in the gaps. I like that the letters match the proportions of the logo. But again the font is too BBC news for my taste.


    This would also be a good logo for a social networking site – it exudes dynamic interaction, probably because the shape is looks like it’s about to roll. Again I think the font is a let down.

    What I would suggest is that each person puts a link to few variants and gets some feedback.

  140. Rohan should have a look at this. None of the designs i have seen in the final 43 come even close to for example the one of Apple. Now that’s a professional logo!

  141. no. He specifically asked for no new submissions and that would count as something new.

  150. great post! no offense meant to Rohan and team, but i’m beginning to believe he has already taken care of that and this is just to keep us occupied.

    Rohan, please prove me wrong!

  151. Logo is beyond fancy fonts.

    what are we aiming for (as somebody said) a letter head or a brand identity.

    when you have fresh start you have n! ways.but theres something beyond n! > infinity ( https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/phunti.jpg?w=680 ) .so do we want to go ahead or <<< https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/marcin.png?w=680 (although it can mean NI is greater than the past,but what does <<< represent)

    For the david aiming for the goliath(s) he will have to be smart else he would be like hundreds others who had the same aspirations with their bones ( https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/pocha.png?w=680 ) crushed.

    Come on David wake up from your slumber https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/thonapa.png?w=680 ) ,change your T-shirt ( https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/giuseppe.png?w=680 ) and wear the battle gear. nothing is stopping ( https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/pratik1.jpg?w=680 ) you.

  152. We want to hear more instead of giving big hand on logo. Rohan show us more update of the product.Logo is just picture/sign on the cover. Please give us more about how it work, it will work etc.

  153. Ok, I’ll try.

    Write me an email (m@ganzio.org) so I can send you the stuff I’ll produce.
    Maybe send me in the source files if that’s not a problem.

    Cheers,
    Michael.

  154. I see you have never made butterfly from ink on the paper when you were a child:)
    I like this logo because it is different from other concepts picked to competition, but like they wrote – author needs to revised it.

  155. rohan, i sincerely hope you’re reading this because with all due respect. don’t think you really know what you’re getting yourself into with these logos. you should really consult a firm about design brand strategies and identity. you’re taking this SIMPLY as a logo design … it’s more than that, it’s your identity and will go on everything !!! i’m sure you got other more important things to deal with, but please do take consideration for the following.

    vector:
    some logos are probably made in paint or photoshop, which is not vector format. Off the bat that means you got trouble … all designers know this. raster means you can’t scale the size of the logo and it will get fuzzy if you do. vector format is what you need it in (adobe illustrator) !!!

    scaling/size/shape:
    many of these look great now on the screen or on paper, but try to scale it down later on a tablet, letterheads, business card, binders, checks, faxes, embroidery, newspaper ads, invoices, and all other corporate materials … if it’s not going to look right by that time, you can’t make changes.

    color:
    a logo should look good in black and white alone before it’s added any color (one colored printing). need a quality black and white version of your logo that can reproduce as a halftone grayscale, or in the cases of low-resolution bw reproduction, a linear version. most of your selections does not fall under that. If you take the colors and fancy shading effects away … you don’t have much to look at. have your designers send in black and white versions as well. you’ll see the difference !!!

    typography:
    choose a good typeface. typography is an art, just google it 😀 helps improve readability despite it being something others may not even notice. also help improve the overall design making it more desirable.

    theme:
    many of these don’t have a theme and clearly doesn’t portray what notion ink is/does … and that was one of the things you wanted right?

    please look into it rohan. you’re making a great product, putting your name on it is a big deal, don’t take it lightly. it might come back and bite you when having to reinvent yourself within 6 months to a year.

    if you can hurry up with an update, that would be much appreciated … i’m really lacking sleep here. oh and please respond with your iconic singular smiley face to let me know you at least read this 😀

  156. Please say that this isn’t the big weekend update that we’ve been waiting for…

  158. Thanks tarwinia, I always have trouble understanding rules
    but does this apply to someone revising one of the logos that was entered by someone else and made it to the 43?

  161. Seems like I didn’t make it. Anyone want to critique mine?



    My favorite out of the 43 is the one with the bulb and ink drop, made to look like a pen. So much symbolism, yet it stays simple 😀

  162. My favorite:

    International, unconventional, and something cheekily game-changing and Taj Mahalish about it.

  163. I like your product very much but i think this contest is a big mistake.
    Honestly, is it serious and professionnal to work like this ?

    Do you respect your brand ? Do you understand the importance of design, creative brief and communication ?

    Why don’t you paid a professional graphist able to understand your needs and draw a effective logo ?

    Your logo is probably the most important vector of communication you need for your futur branding. Don’t underestimate it.

  164. From what I have read and seen so far I can tell that a lot of people (myself included) have spend a substantial amount of their free time creating these logos. I know that some even spend days creating theirs. Like someone said in a previous comment, “we didn’t even have a way to know whether our entry was viewed or even received”. I really thought I would receive some type of automated/generic email thanking me for sending in my work (PR 101), but I was wrong. As far as I can tell a lot of the entries where not even looked at. As a fan of NI all I wanted for my effort was a sentence acknowledging they got my logo.

    Anyways, I really like some of these logos although I also think that most of them would not look good on actual hardware.

    If anyone is interested this is what I submitted:


  165. agreed with mahir on this one, this contest was water downed with some average designs. please have your investors hire a professional firm, it’s in your best interest especially when you are going to go heads up with apple, hp, samsung and other giants. your brand needs to be memorable. none of these cut it, sooooooo please hire someone professional and surprise us because right not this is surprisingly not so good !!!

  166. Dear Rohan,
    We thought it will be nice thing to see best logo. Within a short time of dateline of logo submission, your result is out. Within that time frame you might not able to check carefully to judge those 4500 to figure out the best one. It seems like random sampling. It is like you are pressing damage button the blog(you will know if you read all the comments here). Please give us more update. We have been waiting more details but whole concept of the week is only your logo not much other thing. You can put any logo what you feel good. We want to know what work, what not, how, when, available etc. All these questions are still no answer exactly at all. We will buy adam based on the way it works, not the way of logo.
    Thanks

  169. I like hiran. Simple and can be described in words..supposed you want to tell someone on the phone how the logo is..this is a good test for simplicity!

    That is why many chosen are not suitable as they are complicated to describe or not easy to describe!

    N! is not too hard (if you are not a mathie you can say it is an exclamation mark) but still doesn’t look simple to (my) eye!

    Jason.png is too Hollywood like and nothing unique to describe.

    The hindi like NI is not understandable to non Indians? But it is simple and Indian.

    ok..enough..my two choices are: the original 41.png (got selected again) and hiran.png with hiran slightly more favored. (Even a child can draw this!)

  171. Bjorn’s logo can be easily adapted to

    1) Mouse pointer
    2) GPS app direction indicater
    3) Rotary dial pointer/needle( Like in a clock )
    4) App Store Icon
    5) Wait cursor (rotating around the center)
    6) 3D icon
    7) Leaves of trees, Eve’s Eyes, serpents head, pear(instead of apple) in Eden
    8) Balloons in ADAM launch graphic or website or expo booth
    9) Tilak or Bindi
    10) Jewelery( Pendant, earrings, ring )

    and hence gets my final vote!

  172. @Rohan,

    I like several of the logos and look forward to the official vote.

    In the mean time, are you going to post more photos of the adam (possibly with the updated pantone choices), or tell us more about the camera, maybe continue your comments on the UI, or anything else you have been eluding to?

    Many of us were really hoping for another weekend special post, other than the one on logos…

    I know you are super busy and understand that you can only do so much. And we all are really grateful for everything you are doing. But if you have some time and can do another weekend special post so we can learn a little more about the adam, we would all really appreciate it while we wait anxiously to be able to buy one. Thanks!

  173. Exactly, but if you see some of the logos that made it to the top 43 may not look good on hardware but looks good on website e.g. logo #9. And also all the logos that have drop shadows will not look good when they are on hardware – it just looks good on webpage. Check the 43 logos and see how many of those have drop-shadows.

    ~Plug.

  174. Wow.. Knockout Stage !!

    I guess it should be very easy to take out TOP 10 from these 43 ( Keeping concept+design in mind )..

    As of now my top 5 are these:

    I) https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/thonapa.png
    II) https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/thonapa2.png
    III) https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/christian.png
    IV) https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/jason.png
    V) https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/vincent1.png

    Cheers & All The Best !!

  175. All the selected logos look great. However, I’d like to know what the selection criteria was. I thought mine were decent enough to be selected. I don’t want to brag but I thought mine was very original. I used the “N” and “i” in the shape of the Adam. Take a look and let me know what you guys think.

    [IMG]http://imgur.com/OGpsd.png[/IMG]
    [IMG]http://imgur.com/fqU6V.png[/IMG]
    [IMG]http://imgur.com/rn1xs.png[/IMG]

  176. Tweet from Andre Rodrigues: “Eden UI is finally taking shape”

    This was 23 hrs ago! So the UI is not yet ready?

    ~Plug

  178. agree with all the graphics technicalities.but some shortlisted ones are just plain fonts (although some big companies do have plain font logos).i guess a safe bet is being played or that the person shortlisting them has a very narrow perspective/doesnt understand logos/brand identity.

    its such a waste of opportunity (creating a identity) where you aim to REDEFINE the market.since we have spent sometime defining it ouselves it seems a waste of time that the ones selected are not better than you have or just better in itself.

  180. Some very wise words there David.

    In particular, the versatility of a logo to be reproduced in different sizes/mono/reversed etc is very important.

    With this in mind there do seem to be some strange choices in the final 43, that would be very impractical in the real worlld.

    Disappointed mine didn’t make the cut :o(

    Tony

  181. I think the concept was good, with a man sitting in a position forming the word N and his head along with his body makes the i. But needs refinement to make it look better visually. I think it would be really good if improved upon…..

  184. I already read this but its nothing new we knew (at least me and the other people looking after adam) everything said in this posts we need at least specs or more picture or even adam working around in THE Eden! Don’t you think so?

  185. @Greg said
    Exactly.This is my school holiday. I am almost 24/7 (except a few hour sleeping time) opening my computer, checking this website almost every 5-6 minutes to see if any update. I check this website at lease a few hundreds time daily I guess. Some more information help me to sleep peacefully.

  186. It´s hard to believe that the chosen 43 are the best out of 4.500. Probably my imagination is insufficient but in my opinion there are only a few logos nearly suited and stay in mind.
    Most of them are not really exciting and do not transfer the emotions I associate with the outstanding product of the company. I am definitely a little disappointed.

    But this is only my opinion and there´s no accounting for taste 😉

  187. You don’t need to check it.
    You can subscribe to the site “Send me site updates” so you’ll get a mail, each time rohan publishes a new post.

  188. Hi David,

    I think you are quite right and would like to know how you judge my designes:

    I won’t get offended – just want to learn!

    Thanks,
    Alex

  190. Same feeling here. I am not saying that Rohan is not busy but everyone here will agree that we all were were waiting for weekend special and not just the logo competition. Even Rohan told that he was working for it .. but no updates.As an avid fan of Adam it’s now turning out to a frustration.I was waiting for some pics, or some small video of UI etc. I reckon those things are much important than the logo right now. I really want to know are we on the track. when is the FCC. when is the launching date for US as well as India.There are many questions asked by different members here which are still unanswered which in my opinion are much more important than the things which are going right now( i am not saying that selecting logo is trivial but we are still waiting fro much more important things which really matters for the potential customers of it.
    Can we get an answer from Rohit about it.

  191. With all due respect, I have to completely agree with a lot of people on this board. It looks like you took a few ones you liked, but then completely randomly selected other ones. Take this one here:

    (No offense to the creator of this one. It isn’t terrible, as I have seen much worse.)

    I know for a fact that I have a few submissions that were better than that. Although typography can be effective, I used almost this exact font, as well as adding an image to relate to. Also, mine are high resolution images, rather than low-res files. I just don’t understand. Here are my submissions…





  194. I feel you. I am no pro (not at all) but your design deserves to be up there instead of those simple “notion ink” in just plain writing.

    Here is mine

  197. That’s my fav too. I would so like to see that on the top left-hand corner of the adam!

  199. My Top 3

    1. “n” grey/silver symbol in a white square background. Also, shown in opposite colour.

    There is an element of origami with folding on “N”. The logo is clear and crisp with good colour co-ordination.

    One thing to remember is that logo will not only be seen on the device, but also will be seen on their stationary, building, packaging etc. I feel this logo offers cross over to other areas beside the device. In addition, there is scope to change colours in the future e.g. they might change colour for a limited addition device.

    2. Indian type Logo

    The Indian element does please me. However, the feather maybe perceived as too “girly”. My suggestion is to do something else, maybe a hand.

    3. “ni” in a grey oval background. with wording at bottom

    The logo shows stability and strength with the two pillars at either end.

    The logo can be very powerful over time. With careful marketing and effort, this can be easy recognizable as the coke cola symbol. There is scope for some improvement, maybe bring the same pillars down to the wording with the fonts slightly larger than the other words.

    p.s I am unable to find those logos to attach. They are in Rohans slides above.

  200. from the article we have to ask ourselves

    why have these GLOBAL majors gone for a logo change?
    what was the need to change the Logo when they were succesful?
    what were they defining with their logo?
    whats the cost of redfining that identity?

    …many more questions.

    Do the Logos represent Notion Ink?

  204. Hi David,

    You are spot on and reflect the true sentiments of an ardent, yet practical Adam fan-boy !

    Rohan,

    While as fan-boys of this revolutionary device, we might get carried away with all the excitement surrounding the fact that we are actually able to contribute in some way or other to its development. However while selecting the logo, I am sure you would be spending enough time to evaluate it from all perspective other than just aesthetic or visual treat. Kindly do so. The aspects mentioned by David are a good set of inital check points.

    All the very best,
    Arun

  205. Most of logos here are in their best realization. But mine is deformed, and i don’t know why you chose the simple print version of it. So, here it is how it looks normally:

    –
    The point above “i” and the second “o” imagine the thinking/dreaming bubble or “notion” which is result of it all.

    And thats a pity that these have not been chosen.


    Because I think that they are very usable for logo design.

    However, good luck for all.
    Btw: I have been trying to post this comment for a long time. What is with system ??

  207. @Plug
    I certainly hope that it means that they are going to release the SDK and UI details!

  209. Mine didn’t make it either. I have a feeling that there were many that ended up having similar concepts, so the competition for some was about who refined the idea best. The light bulb/fountain pen tip combo was an idea that seemed to occur to many of us at the same time. I actually think that your entry is “better” than some of the other entires that explore other concepts, but I don’t think it’s the best of the bulb/fountain pen entries. I saw variations on my ideas in the slideshow as well – mostly I agree that they chose entries that were better than mine – but I still really like my designs 🙂

  211. Me too – though nik makes a good point (PG-13.) I didn’t see it before, but I see it now

  212. Very good idea. As simple as they wanting other ideas more.

    BTW.A very cheap way to get outstanding logos, the same strategy with a lot of art contest organized by companies here. Instead of paying market price for an artist work, organize a contest and pay only for the best one, at half or third of the market price of a standard work(artist could be inspired this day or not).

    I’m upset not for being rejected too, but for them adding a “need revision” in a lot of this outstanding work–>Adding even more competence and work to the artist, abusing them. If you said you were going to select 10, and choose from them, do that. If you change conditions, adding work, improve what you offer too.

  213. That is EXACTLY what I wanted to do! EVERYTHING! Unfortunately I am not a designer so I could not manifest my fantasy but you did! The box idea is great in my opinion. When they engrave the logo onto the adam they could put the box up top with just the logo and no text!

  214. Same here mate. I can’t understand how some entries with just a dropshadow and a different font made it to the top 43. No offense to the designer..!

  215. Suggestion – add numbers (1-43) in the slide show.

    (Other suggestion was in the previous post – imagine whatever is chosen in sizes from 1/2″ on a business card all the way to 20 feet high; also in B&W not just color…

    RT

  216. I like the n! and ni (indian font). A slight modification to indianish letters would be a break in the horizontal continous line between letters and the color being orangish. The color here is dull a bright color is good.

  217. I he read my explanation about the one with waht looks like a tilde over the n. It is actually very creative. I can see that one making the last 10. Besides, even if you didn’t think about it, a few hundred million people will familiarize with the logo.

    I hope I’m making sense.

  218. Thanks, that’s mine ^^

    I did it in last minute (that’s why i’m the last in the list i presume).

    Now i have time to work it more deeply… And i have something in mind that should be interesting.

    Full vector of course.

    Vincent.
    (from France)

  220. I am not a developer and no nothing about the developer URL. I’m just a simple-minded mom who needs a clearly marked “button” labeled “Forum” that I can click on the adam website!

    Where do I find this newly discovered forum? How do I get there? And wouldn’t it be much better if it was accessible to anybody who googles “adam” and finds themselves at the official adam website??

    Does it have a FAQ section yet?

  221. Corrections of last post. It should say:

    Remember my explanation about the one with what looks like a tilde over the n (looks like the Spanish ñ.)? It is actually very creative. I can see that one making the lasts 10. A few hundred million people will familiarize with the logo. Other languages besides Spanish use the N with different kinds of tildes over it.

    I hope my explanation is cohesive enough to help.

  222. I’ve got to questions:
    Is the forum at the developers website official yet and are we aloud to ask Questions or is it still beta (it seems to be ready)
    Does anyone know the url of Genesis? The develops say it has begun some minutes ago, so i suggest there should be one (Try some combinations but had no sucess.

  223. As Rohan explained before, Adam will go into production after FCC approval.
    I don’t think the logo adoption process will push the release date further. On the contrary, doing this now will probably save them time. Don’t you think.

    Personally, I’m enjoying this ride. Viva la openness!

  225. @Lita what we are talking about its really in the preliminary stage thats why we Rohan has not yet announced anything about forums. they are trying there best to make something useful for anyone just be a bit more patient and we will get public forums 🙂

    best regards
    Pj

  227. I love it! specially the feather (A stylus in its place would also make a point.) anyways, Really creative.
    But so far almost everyone seems to like the choices they made.
    Consolation price for a few logos that never made this cut? Maybe
    Hey, at least it will be posted publicly (and yours is been seen by a lot of people right now.

  228. I think the butterfly logo has some potential.
    If the body of the butterfly becomes the “i” of ink and instead of the complexity of the wings, it is reduced to a few strokes in different colors, it could be a good logo.

  229. i saw those dots as human silhouettes not as arrows, they reminded me a bit of the ubuntu logo

  230. Wow, I really like this work. Definitely qualifies to be up at the top 41. Did your entry make it iin time?

  231. with a success rate of 100% and a probability of close to 70% my bet is you will be up there in the top 5 if not the top 3.

  233. I like the explanation for

    but don’t forget that it also resembles a cigarette. If the Adam will be sold in the United states, it will be a bad idea.

    I like these now, but will add some more as I study them:



  234. This was another one of my favourites too. Simple and clever, especially the NI included as a reflection writing within the ink drop. Superb!

  235. I already looked at logo thrice but kept on ignoring this one. But suddenly I feel this is he one which feels good if you look at it instantly.

  236. After having participated in the ILLUSION called the Logo Contest heres what i would like to say.

    GROW UP.

    Do not create ILLUSIONS.
    Be TRUE to what you SAY.

    i would prefer to count millions rather than $25 bills.

  237. I read what I could in the article.
    I believe they are assuming. Rohan has not mentiones any release date.

    But, if there were anytruth in that neas, then January in deutschland means December, or even November in US, India…??

  238. 🙂
    Thank you, thank you. I hope so.

    Though if, and that is a big IF, I do make it to the top 3 I won’t like to be in the second position because as Jerry Seinfeld says, the guy who wins the silver medal is like – of all the losers, he comes first. He is the head of losers.

  246. Some time innocents letters don’t help in foreign language.

    Please note “ni” in French means “neither”
    Therefore I vote against any logo using the “ni” acronym.

    sincerely

  247. WOW…

    like many here I’m puzzled…

    4500 entries and a top 41 instead of a top 10, a lot of the logos I bet I gonna see are up there but there are also a lot I question why they are up there and in a top 41 I’m missing some I’ve seen here in the forum. To often the same concepts which are not necessarily representing notion ink. I hope the team thought carefully about the selection, because I got the feeling you got overwhelmed by the amount of entries and you took to little time to take a look at all.

    There are some nice logos up there but until now I don’t see one which I want to have on my adam…

    And I’m not saying this because none of mine got selected, because also with mine i always had the feeling they are not representing that new idea which notion ink stands for. Which doesn’t mean that I wasn’t expecting at least one of them to hit a top 41 (otherwise I wouldn’t have submitted them ;-))

    Besides all that I wish all the designers good luck in the poll!!!

    just for reference my entries:

    http://s1022.photobucket.com/albums/af350/xtremedf/

  248. What about those who didn’t get any logos in but participated by writing explanations to some of them, encouraging, and defending NI + Adam?

    I feel that the most important aspect of all this is that we are helping create a new culture here: openness!

  249. Well I was there and posted a message in a thread. All the WordPress comments about any and everything is hard to sort through. Opening the forum up offcially needs to happen soon.

  251. I think the butterfly logo has some potential.
    If the body of the butterfly becomes the “i” of ink and instead of the complexity of the wings, it is reduced to a few strokes in different colors, it could be a good logo.

    An example of this:

  252. Great work! Congratulation to every one who participated. There’s a few I like



    I would love the following if th ink splater would resolve in a brain or something poetic like a birds or butterflies

    I also like the following but I couls swear that I’ve seen it somewhere else

    Oh! And I also love the idea behind the n! one. It has awsome potential in my opinion but needs a lot of work.

    Now that being said, it’s all well and beautiful but I was expecting more pictures and videos of the prototypes. How about a more detailed introduction to the UI, please?

    Anyway congratulation to you Rohan and to your team. Keep up the good work. Feels good to see the amount of thoughts put in the device design, would like to hear more about it (and did I mention the UI?).

    I also have a question: Will the SDK ever be open to hobyist Android developers? Professionally I work almost exclusively in Windows environment. I started learning Android development at about the same time I heard about the Adam. I registered for the EAP but it’s not like I had an actual project waiting. In my case it’s mostly for learning and experimenting.

  253. The colors and black represent the pixel Qi screen; grayscale AND color.
    The butterfly is for an emerging product/company/technology that is ready to blossom and fly.

  254. Of this bunch this is the best.

    Just the symbol though, the slogan is kind of eh & the color scheme could change, but the “N” & “I” in an arch is good.

    Maybe put the lettering of “Notion Ink” along the arch? For explanation then later it could be phased out when the logo is more recognizable perhaps.

  255. Thank you Alnerion! Your links are awesome (the second I already know)
    But it’s still unofficial, isn’t it?

  256. You are a hard worker. I spent 10 minutes and gave up. My daughter got one done in 5 minutes, but didn’t want to publish!

    My consolation: I tried to encourage some people here.

  257. Same here …

    They didn’t select many 2-lines logo. Maybe it’s too height.

    Yours is still great!

  258. Yup those are not officially announced yet. But they were mentioned in the source code of the developers page, which was announced.

    Greetings Alnerion

  259. Thanks for your comment @Pj.
    I am also eagerly waiting for the weekend update, if not more than you. and perhaps thats what making me search some other latest news from anywhere in the web. Of course this post is not meant to replace weekend updates, but i am sure some guys would like to read it and the purpose was to share among ourselves some news which at least to me is new.

    What i found about this post that, first of all it is a very recent one (a week or so) and Rohan does answer 2 questions if not in details but something.

    first one – 2.2 android is not best for tablet- Actually Rohan told that everybody experimenting with it, and NINk handles this with a heavily customized UI and hence also some OS tweaking. and i think this is what is taking some time for UI development.
    perhaps not too much new info. but many guys ask Rohan to give some comment about it.
    This gives me at least some confidence that NI is just not dumping us with 2.2 but it will also work well. Reports suggests that samsung UI is also working quite well on 2.2. Of course this is due to their prior experience with android os on mobile phones but i think they have invested lots of programming manpower in developing the 2.2 OS itself. and definitely those codes were not open source.
    i dont know how many android programmers worked to develop 3.0 OS from 2.2 to realize tablet specs, but i think with 50-100 odd android programmers, and 6 months time (remember delay has allowed NI S/W people extra time to work on the android), it is possible that you modify the 2.2 OS such efficiently that you dont need in principle 3.0 gingerbread OS update. and here comes your answer to some other questions regarding upgrade to 3.0 OS in future. I know from Rohan s previous interviews that they have trained 50 graduates exclusively for android programming and they are hiring more guys aggressively. so we can expect better results with 2.2.

    Second one is connection between advocating an open system, while building a proprietary app store- Rohan gave a small but some answer- recently Rohan has never replied to such posts. and also- as a future plan, NotionInk may be open to licensing both the Adam UI and the proprietary app store, Genesis to other tablets.

    Now, this are my thoughts and i may be wrong, but i like this type of news based on some info. even if not total but partial. it keeps me positively excited.

    regards

  262. The whole contest was a EYEWASH,

    a ILLUSION.

    Social Marketing gimmick.

    and yes i was part of the ILLUSION.

  263. Yes, Elmelao you make perfect sense and I remember your comment from the last post. 🙂
    And thanks again for the appreciation.

  265. Hope the weekend special is a sunday special. I feel like an addict. What kept me going this week was the hope of seeing the ui on video finally..

  267. Thanks Suhas & Santos.

    @Santos said “I would so like to see that on the top left-hand corner of the adam!”
    I think that is the single biggest motivator. The prize money will be spent, but it’d be the joy that the designer would feel when he sees an adam owner using the thing and walks up to him/her saying, “you know, I designed that logo!”.

  268. I agree too – I’d love to see everybody’s work! Plus getting the logo posted/viewed/commented on by a large audience might make those not in the top 43 feel a bit better 🙂

  270. I see that. But it looks like there are already just 10 they’ve picked — those that have comments “Revise only on your wish”. I think they’re already the top 10 in my opinion.

    But I too don’t understand this revised invitation for the rest of the logos. That would be 33 second time rejections before the vote. Doesn’t look very good. Just say no for those 33, period.

  271. What I like with the n! idea (other than the reference that I had to have explained to me by my partner who has a PhD in mathematics! maybe to be put between ( ) or [ ] to give a hint?) is that it would work well with the device’s name: n! adam, n! eve, n! whatever…

  273. Hey Rajendra,

    Like your logo man, the 1st and the 2nd looks better than most of the 43 logos selected.

    Good luck to you.

  275. Mine didn’t make it either – oh well! I was going for simple, but I might have gone too simple.

    Here were my ideas:

    From the ones chosen my favorites were:


    Those are the ones that look the most polished and professional to me.

  277. My thoughts partially.. I initially thought that they were just looking out for ideas and that the team would build on it. But, it seems, IMHO that they are looking for the finished product..

  279. Butterflies can be symbolic of flights of fancy, imagination, and creativity. It has potential. It’s just a tad too “messy” right now (though the chaotic nature of the ink is one of the nice things about it it requires a certain kind of balance between less chaos and the ink).

  280. Or he may be resting his eyes and his gray matter this weekend after seeing so many logos. Surely, he must be seeing logos everywhere.

  281. hi,

    the chief content of the article is:

    one of their readers had e-mail contact with ni and got at these way the info adam will come to germany in january

    if anyone like i can try to translate the whole article but my english is not very well… *shame*

    greatz

  283. Tony,
    I like your design a lot, simple but professional. No stupid lightbulbs and such. It reminds me a bit of the Apple logo which is not a bad thing. I really wonder why yours wasn’t picked. Either the people at Notion Ink have used a dartboard when picking the 43 designs (which is an insult to all the people who put a lot of time & effort on designing their logo) or they have rather bad taste (which is not a good sign for things to come…) 😉

  284. Haha!
    And the thousands of emails from so many developers (big & small).
    And the team cheering every time they see an email from a big name developer.

  285. Okay seems I have won a prize far bigger than the Notion Ink team is offering.
    Just got an email that said *Congrats, you’ve won!*

    Opened it to see this – Congratulations, you have emerged winner with the reference number(Chev100910) in the Chevron Texaco Oil And Gas Company of $850,000.00 price.

    :/ :{

  286. Mihir, I completely agree with you. One can only hope Rohan understands this. Judging from the selection of the 43 chosen, I am not too sure about that – sorry if I sound blunt, Rohan, but I would rather not sugar coat my thoughts on this issue.

  292. It is me again, I guess my other comment made the impression I don’t think that any of those logos would deserve to be in the top 43. That is not the case, but the comparison of those so differently composed logos seems impossible to me and most of them are in the current state impossible to use. Not mentioning the lack of representing notion ink’s values in some cases, which we all appreciate so much.

    OK so to get those selected logos somehow closer to enter a proper poll. I’m going to try to give some ideas/suggestions to improve them… here we go:

    First I have to say everyone should make their logo in a basic version – black and white- without any special effects, because they won’t be applicable anywhere (e.g. on the product, on paper) except in the internet and movies (ads). Otherwise it is hard to get a proper solution with the upcoming poll, because a lot of people will be effected by those special effects which are redundant for most uses.

    Logo no 1.

    First I would get rid of the texture and the color blue of the drop, because the basic use of the logo is going to be in black and white anyway and it somehow refers to water.
    Second I would work on the font, it is to narrow to be easy reconised which should be the aim of a logo, mab reduce the hight so it appears more wide.
    Third work with a blank backround, because it needs to be adaptable to all kind of things ( e.g. when you want to engrave it somewhere or put it on a piece of paper)
    Fourth the line starting from the lightbulb, what does it represent, if it is supposed to be a pen then make it more look like a pen.
    Fifth can get the bottom of the lightbulb more round so it supports the form of the drop more.
    Sixth get rid of the lightplay on the font, because in the basic version it won’t be able to get produced like that ( e.g. when you want to engrave it somewhere or put it on a piece of paper)

    Logo no 2.

    First I question why we have that idea here again (no offence it is brilliant) but I think one version would be enough.
    Second since it is here I would suggest to get rid of the backround because of the reasons stated above
    Third get a good readable simple font and get the name notion ink somewhere, for the start we will definitely need the name with the logo, I would even suggest to write it straight in a light color horizontal into the middle from one edge of the drop through the lamp over to the other side.

    Logo no 3.

    to make it easy I only going to concentrate on the black version because it is closer to a usable logo

    First get rid of the backround because of the reasons stated in the beginning.
    Second get rid of that light/shadowplay on both sign/font because of the reasons stated in the beginning.
    Third because of the lack of light/shadowplay and backround you have to have a different approach to separate the I from the n, the only way is with black and white

    Logo no. 4/5


    Besides wondering why we got again pretty much the same logo twice here are my suggestions

    First regarding the missing explanation, here are a few things I think about looking at it. The Drops are standing for the ink, no doubt about that. The circle of the drops pointing to each other represents the community which is taking part in the decisions here and creating something new together.
    Second instead of putting the written part so far away integrate more with the logo. I would wright it small, maybe you find a roundier font and put it on the bottom corner of your drop circle so the n of notion sits right in that corner of the bottom and bottom right drop.
    Third I see a problem with the grayscale in those drops maybe you find a solution to make a simplified black and white version

    Logo no. 6

    Besides wondering why we got a similar version towards logo no. 3 here are my suggestions

    First get rid of the light/shadowplays
    Second get the backround shape black and make the ni sign white
    Third now you have to separate the dot of the I from the n because without the special effects and all in white you don’t see it anymore
    Fourth the writing on the bottom is to small compared to the sign, make it bigger so it covers the whole bottom of the backround shape and I would look for a different font wich fits to the backround shape

    Logo no. 7

    drop and lightbulb again I really wonder if that is such a good idea for representing the values, anyway here are my suggestions

    First get rid of the backround and all the shadowplay
    Second make the noti n black and now I think you got a problem because you have to make the rest in a grey tone which won’t be applicable for most occasions.
    Third I would get rid of the ink font and would make it the same as noti n because you already having the drop and the lightbulb, otherwise it is overloaded.

    Logo no. 8

    like I posted already on the blog I like the simple idea, although I liked the other version way better, because of my above stated reasons, it was for everything applicable, so my suggestions
    First take the other more simple version, get rid of the backround and the shadowplay, so more solid edges
    Second now the font and sign has to be in black
    Third like I said on my post work on the font it is looking to cheap/thin

    Logo no. 9

    It is a nice Idea but just not a logo surprised it got in

    First you have to get rid of that light effect on the right
    Second those ink spots are way too many makes it impossible to use it, get rid of them and maybe arrange three bigger ones on a corner of ink
    Third change the font of ink, keep the strong separation of both fonttypes (round, edgy) but give the ink font a more solid and not so narrow look

    Logo no 10

    I would be also very interested in an explanation I couldn’t come up with anything, only that it possibly has the golden ration in it…

    First get rid of the blue color, make that part white
    Second now you can think about if you put a boarder around that top bit which was blue or if you just leave it blank… I would leave it blank
    Third you have to arrange your notion so it sits properly in the middle, although I would think about taking the writing out of there and align it nicely on the bottom, which would make it more clear

    Ok that’s ten… next ten will come soon…

  293. this is such a great point. any logo that has letters is specific to a certain language. the logos that have been discussed, like the apple apple and the microsoft windows, have no words. They are universal, not language specific. Th notion ink logo therefore should not incorporate the letters NI, but rather use a symbol.

  294. any logo that has letters is specific to a certain language. the logos that have been discussed, like the apple apple and the microsoft windows, have no words. They are universal, not language specific. Th notion ink logo therefore should not incorporate the letters NI, but rather use a symbol.

  295. Congrats everyone! It’s a wonderful selection. I also subscribe to the idea of making all 4500 available as a reminder of NI and adam’s making-history and tearing down of walls between producers and consumers. I really think this is an amazing thing! Maybe someone could compile one large image based on all the logos and then publish it? Could it be one of the available backgrounds that adam is shipped with?

    In terms of logos, I am in favor of the ones that convey the words in pictures. I think it’s important to have a small, elegant symbol that tells the story (notion ink) without spelling it. I want people not to wonder who Notion Ink is, but rather to have a feeling of familiarity and be comfortable with the logo… I don’t know if this makes sense, Rohan, you might have different ideas in mind, but that’s what I think would work best…

    As for the logos themselves, here are my 2 cent comments (and yes, I know it’s a LOT easier to criticize than create, but as long as it helps even a little…)

    – I like the brain in a bulb that looks like a pen at the bottom, but I would have it as is, without the letters, and DEFINITELY in a different color scheme, maybe give it a 3d perspective
    – another amazing one is the ni that looks like a sitting person. It’s just great, and only needs a few touches
    – also love the white/blue bulb in a pen! Do you think it might work to give it a sense of motion? Maybe place it upside down, “melt” the bulb as it gets to the tip of the pen and have a small drop coming out…?

    anyway, I sincerely hope these comments help. Otherwise just ignore and move on with the amazing work you’re doing!!!

  296. Most of the logo´s can´t be used as a corporate logo. It has been noticed by others but there are all kinds of restrictions on detailing, color, subtlety etc which you have to take into account.

    Most of the 43 can´t be shrinked to a usable size without the name NotionInk disappearing, some needs colors and shades which are very hard to control between business cards, packing material, and actual products.

    Everything is possible on the web but corporate reality is very different.

  297. It is me again, I guess my other comment made the impression I don’t think that any of those logos would deserve to be in the top 43. That is not the case, but the comparison of those so differently composed logos seems impossible to me and most of them are in the current state impossible to use. Not mentioning the lack of representing notion ink’s values in some cases, which we all appreciate so much.

    OK so to get those selected logos somehow closer to enter a proper poll. I’m going to try to give some ideas/suggestions to improve them… here we go:

    First I have to say everyone should make their logo in a basic version – black and white- without any special effects, because they won’t be applicable anywhere (e.g. on the product, on paper) except in the internet and movies (ads). Otherwise it is hard to get a proper solution with the upcoming poll, because a lot of people will be effected by those special effects which are redundant for most uses.

  298. Logo no 1.

    First I would get rid of the texture and the color blue of the drop, because the basic use of the logo is going to be in black and white anyway and it somehow refers to water.
    Second I would work on the font, it is to narrow to be easy reconised which should be the aim of a logo, mab reduce the hight so it appears more wide.
    Third work with a blank backround, because it needs to be adaptable to all kind of things ( e.g. when you want to engrave it somewhere or put it on a piece of paper)
    Fourth the line starting from the lightbulb, what does it represent, if it is supposed to be a pen then make it more look like a pen.
    Fifth can get the bottom of the lightbulb more round so it supports the form of the drop more.
    Sixth get rid of the lightplay on the font, because in the basic version it won’t be able to get produced like that ( e.g. when you want to engrave it somewhere or put it on a piece of paper)

  299. Logo no 2.

    First I question why we have that idea here again (no offence it is brilliant) but I think one version would be enough.
    Second since it is here I would suggest to get rid of the backround because of the reasons stated above
    Third get a good readable simple font and get the name notion ink somewhere, for the start we will definitely need the name with the logo, I would even suggest to write it straight in a light color horizontal into the middle from one edge of the drop through the lamp over to the other side.

  300. Logo no 3.

    to make it easy I only going to concentrate on the black version because it is closer to a usable logo

    First get rid of the backround because of the reasons stated in the beginning.
    Second get rid of that light/shadowplay on both sign/font because of the reasons stated in the beginning.
    Third because of the lack of light/shadowplay and backround you have to have a different approach to separate the I from the n, the only way is with black and white

  301. Logo no. 4/5


    Besides wondering why we got again pretty much the same logo twice here are my suggestions

    First regarding the missing explanation, here are a few things I think about looking at it. The Drops are standing for the ink, no doubt about that. The circle of the drops pointing to each other represents the community which is taking part in the decisions here and creating something new together.
    Second instead of putting the written part so far away integrate more with the logo. I would wright it small, maybe you find a roundier font and put it on the bottom corner of your drop circle so the n of notion sits right in that corner of the bottom and bottom right drop.
    Third I see a problem with the grayscale in those drops maybe you find a solution to make a simplified black and white version

  302. Logo no. 6

    Besides wondering why we got a similar version towards logo no. 3 here are my suggestions

    First get rid of the light/shadowplays
    Second get the backround shape black and make the ni sign white
    Third now you have to separate the dot of the I from the n because without the special effects and all in white you don’t see it anymore
    Fourth the writing on the bottom is to small compared to the sign, make it bigger so it covers the whole bottom of the backround shape and I would look for a different font wich fits to the backround shape

  303. Logo no. 7

    drop and lightbulb again I really wonder if that is such a good idea for representing the values, anyway here are my suggestions

    First get rid of the backround and all the shadowplay
    Second make the noti n black and now I think you got a problem because you have to make the rest in a grey tone which won’t be applicable for most occasions.
    Third I would get rid of the ink font and would make it the same as noti n because you already having the drop and the lightbulb, otherwise it is overloaded.

  304. I think everyone’s in agreement that while some in the top 43 are gorgeous, some just seem randomly chosen and not polished/unique enough. That being said, I really like your “notioninkall4colorwzdu” and “notioninkmodoverlay26yb” – I would vote for those over some of the ones in the top 43.

    I think a better way to have narrowed it down would have been to put all the viable submissions on a page with a “thumbs up” icon or “+1” icon below each, and then let everyone vote for their favorites, and then the top 45 with the most “+1” clicks get voted on again. I know that probably would have taken more time than they had for this contest, but I definitely think you would have had some different results if it were done that way.

    Ah well – hopefully the most deserving designs will be in the top 10.

  305. Logo no. 8

    like I posted already on the blog I like the simple idea, although I liked the other version way better, because of my above stated reasons, it was for everything applicable, so my suggestions
    First take the other more simple version, get rid of the backround and the shadowplay, so more solid edges
    Second now the font and sign has to be in black
    Third like I said on my post work on the font it is looking to cheap/thin

  306. Logo no. 9

    It is a nice Idea but just not a logo surprised it got in

    First you have to get rid of that light effect on the right
    Second those ink spots are way too many makes it impossible to use it, get rid of them and maybe arrange three bigger ones on a corner of ink
    Third change the font of ink, keep the strong separation of both fonttypes (round, edgy) but give the ink font a more solid and not so narrow look

  307. Logo no 10

    I would be also very interested in an explanation I couldn’t come up with anything, only that it possibly has the golden ration in it…

    First get rid of the blue color, make that part white
    Second now you can think about if you put a boarder around that top bit which was blue or if you just leave it blank… I would leave it blank
    Third you have to arrange your notion so it sits properly in the middle, although I would think about taking the writing out of there and align it nicely on the bottom, which would make it more clear

    Ok that’s ten… next ten will come soon…

  308. Hi Rohan,

    I don’t want to be rude, but none of the logos are actually good.

    Your best bet is just give that prize (adam) to the winner but don’t use the logo. NI needs a professional logo, like everyone here has pointed out.

    Good Day

  309. Hah! I don’t know what country that your from but I’ve never heard of any $25 bill!

  312. If i do have to vote I vote these, I don’t know of they were selected:

    They are not mine. Just saw them in posts above me 😀

    Good luck

  313. Aw, lol. I guess you should stick to that then and retreat from the contest- you know, give us all some more chance to win. 😉

    Which logos are yours btw?

  315. @pj – thanks. I was interpreting that I needing to go to the developer’s website or something to see the forum?

    Sorry for my ignorance…. I really feel dumb when I read some of you folks’ comments here, and I promise I am NOT dumb!! I just know very little about technology! I want/need something easy/simple to use, and I’m hoping adam will be IT!!

  316. Agreed; +1.

    I’d modify a couple things, (the top I’d make the middle cut slightly more rounded on all edges, only slightly!

    But it’s definitely my favorite most of all.

    Seems the concept behind it is the seed of an idea is sprouting and like all things, it starts small.

    It’s not distracting, can be minimalized and placed anywhere around the text and not lose it’s impact, it could be imprinted on the center of a device or on the side without any issues..

    It’s simply great. 😀

    I don’t often agree with other’s designs, but I would most certainly buy a product with that on it.

  317. Logo no. 11

    there is not much I can say to that, than that it looks like mine just a bit overloaded with the I underneath the n and minus my thoughts behind it. Have a look

    so instead of revising take mine 😉

  318. logo no. 12

    that must have been a lot of work with the brain, looks good but too complex for a usable logo

    First
    Take off the backround and make it black an grey instead of color

    Second
    Make that brain way simpler I didn’t come up with an idea yet sorry.

  320. Logo no. 13

    First
    Take off the backround grid and shadow
    Second
    Take off the color, just black on white
    Third
    Maybe think about getting those inide ends of the n parts towards the point of the I more pointy like the outside ones

  321. Logo no. 14

    First
    I would align that splash of ink properly into the drop
    Second
    i would make it black and grey

  323. Logo no. 15

    First
    get rid of backround and the color make it black and grey
    Second
    I would consider to fill the first o as well, so it fits more together with the thought bubbles underneath
    Third
    Maybe change the font so it is all the same

  324. Logo no. 16

    another version…

    First
    I would make that i smaller so it fits proper in the n and take off that side part of the i which will stick out on the side

  326. Logo no. 17

    another version

    First
    I would get it in normal perspective
    Second
    I would get the filling out of the frames
    Third
    Get it in grayscale

  327. Logo no. 18

    another I in the n…

    First
    I would just invert the colors so you don’t need the dark backround
    Second
    I would change the font so the end of the n is in line with the edges of the shape

  328. Logo no. 19

    it is hard because the idea behind it is that the notion is not filled with ink, but in that way it is not applicable.

    First
    I would get rid of the shadow
    Second
    I would get a light frame around notion in black, so you still have the shadow effect but more simple. And the frame also just with a black border instead of the shadow.

  329. Logo no. 20

    First
    Get rid of the surrounding shape and change white into black
    Second
    It looks like you got some shadowplay in the lightbulb, I would get rid of that.
    Third
    Change the font into something more easy readable

    twenty next ten will follow…

  332. Thanks for liking two of my entries. The second logo looks funny due to re-sizing, though.

    This is how it should look

  333. I don’t agree. Some of them look really professional. What have they less than other famous brands? For example, someone mentioned Nokia here: I personally believe that’s a good example of a really crappy logo.

  335. I´m confused about this statement from Rohan:
    ¨Also do read comments on your Logos, as there are a lot of suggestions. My fav words are simple, elegant and with a reason. Please do not submit new entries)´

    Are there comments send to the designers? (I didn´t participate). The only thing I can see are mostly ´needs revision´ without a hint in which direction.

    Also every logo has now one entry which normally would not be the case. You want samples on different backgrounds to judge flexibility, in black and white and in different sizes.

    In my experience with normal corporate identity developments these are all part of the presentation. Sometimes a flashy designer convinces the board of his beautifully sketched logo after numerous flip overs to explain and build up to this logo by ´identity´ statements.

    When the board of directors is flabbergasted by all these great words like ´empowering´, ´international´, ´targeting the new markets and the young and trendy´etc they almost cry of joy hearing all these great things and applaud when they finally see the handcrafted sublimation of all these buzzword in some overly detailed impossible to reproduce ´brand´new ´visual identity.

    The design department of the same company then is expected to make a stylebook, make versions for all purposes etc. and they bitterly complain about the hopeless piece of junk they get delivered in some AI format with custom gradients which only worked on the overhead presentation in the fashionable designer office.

    Been there, done that 🙂

    So one word of advise to notion ink. If a logo needs explanation (and I noticed you asked for it sometimes) don´t go for it. In the end you can´t explain all these great ideas and projections and brand images etc which were in the briefing.

    Your customer doesn´t get these any explanations. It either works or it doesn´t. Never believe that by using blablabla you will project anything. The end user will form a mental image from your company without the attached briefing.

    Furthermore don´t fall for´indian´themes when you want to operate globally, don´t strife for an ultra hip and trendy image as that only means that it´s currently used a lot so will be outdated within a year and usually you still want to sell products after that.

    Be aware of your target groups: you need to convince your investors with your projected image, but much more important is to attract your customers.

    Not only the early adopters on this forum but also the future buyers who need to use it for work f.i. Not everybody wants to be associated with a multi gradient, a bit childish corporate logo.

    Realize that your products often becomes very popular in completely different markets than you originally assumed. Adam won´t be your only product and even that could be used unexpectedly by f.i. all staff at UPS and the likes of them.

    For all these reasons normally you present different versions on a range of output (adam, business card, ad, logo only webshop usage and shipping bill) to very diverse focus groups.

    It really is an extremely difficult process which you now need to compress in a short time so be aware off all the pitfalls.

  337. Some of these designs make me immediately think of existing products. Please make sure you don’t get something like the ‘nook’ logo (Barnes&Noble) or give the wrong impression eg. showing a pen/quill that looks like you’re promising a stylus. Make sure that the logo itself is an simplified as possible but recognizable so that it can be printed on a page or milled out of aluminum. Versatility is the key to a good logo. After that, it won’t matter whether you apply texture, colour or a gradient cause it will still be recognizable.

  340. Rohan,
    I agree with Max3d, you have to remember that it doesn’t matter whether you like it or not (no offense), this is really about the general public (your customers) you liking the logo will not get you customers, your customers have to be the ones who like the logo.
    Also you seem to be heading in one direction only and, even though this sounds weird, you need to go into several. You need to give a variety of logo styles and themes to the public.
    I also agree with Dominic Fath ( he sounds like a real professional, someone that you should really listen to ), if you need an explanation to really like the logo then you should not even consider it, because after all, your customers wont always be able to ask the designer about his intentions.

    regards,
    Jason

  342. you are rit…….rohan did say about weekend special…..i too was expecting sometin big…..but no one really mentioned any such thing……all are busy with logos…….its bit frustuatin…..rohan plz reply

  343. My comment from hours ago didn’t seem to go through – sorry if this is posted twice!

    My logo didn’t make it either – oh well! I was going for simple, but I might have gone too simple.

    Here were my ideas:

    From the ones chosen my favorites were:


    Those are the ones that look the most polished and professional to me

  344. Logo no. 21

    There is not much to add. I would get rid of the backround and maybe think instead using the vee-v on the bottom you could also use ^ on top.

  345. Logo no. 22

    nice idea with the ink and the community

    First
    I would take of the color and make it in gray scale
    Second
    I have the feeling the sign is not properly aligned with the writing.

  346. Logo no. 23

    I guess the circles stand for the thoughts?

    First
    I would get rid of the shadow makes it easier readable
    Second
    I would take a different font where the n doesn’t have the little part sticking out on top. That could give it all a more roundier look

  348. Logo no. 24

    First
    I would change the Font into something more readable
    Second
    If you want to have the T over the writing then put a normal T in and make the top line longer, when it is not connected it is very confusing with the I

  349. Who’s whining? People are just wondering what’s happening. The dialogue between Rohan and us is part of what’s keeping us waiting for the Adam. As Andrew said, he’s not oblgated to show us anything. Or to give us a new weekend update. We appreciate that he gives us those. However, it doesn’t help when he says they’ll be a big weekend special and then there isn’t one. If there’s not going to be one just say so. Most of us understand how busy he is! All we ask is that he be upfront with us. If there isn’t an update we won’t lose interest. So just say no update this weekend. We’ll say that stinks because we love your updates. But we look forward to when you do post the next one!

    And as a reminder, click the notify me buttons. You’ll be notified by email when there are new comments and when there is a new post. This way you don’t need to constantly refresh your browser. Since my smartphone is set to check email periodically I find out about new comments and posts wherever I am!

  350. Logo no. 25

    First
    I would take out the effects on both fonts
    Second
    I would get rid of the backround and make the fonts black
    Third
    I would get a border around the I point so you can make it appear white

  351. Logo no. 26

    I just put it down to show that I didn’t miss it, but there is nothing to say to that.

  352. Logo no. 27

    this picture looks nice but to be a logo it needs some changes

    First
    I would get rid of the backround with all the smudged colors
    Second
    I would make the lightbulb bottom part black and the top part surrounded by a black border so you still can keep that wave in the middle of the bulb
    Third
    You need to get the name there somewhere, I would suggest to put it in the bulb itself and you could get notion and ink separated by your wave and you could write notion in white on the black backround and ink black on the white backround

  353. Logo no. 28

    it takes quite a while to recognize it with knowing the name the double usage of the letters is not recognizable which is a problem. Sorry I don’t see a solution regarding the idea. My suggestion for poll purpose

    First
    I would get rid of the backround and the color making the blue part black

  354. Logo no. 29

    if intended it could be a nice combination of thought bubbles and the ink drop…

    First
    I would get rid of the backround
    Second
    I would change the white parts to black
    Third
    I would make the lines of the drop and thought bubbles thinner and move it above the i of notion
    Fourth
    I would make the font thinner

  355. Logo no. 30

    I can just say that the right version got chosen, because it is applicable everywhere, but it looks a bit too much alien which is in my opinion not really supporting the values of notion ink. Sorry I didn’t come up with any improvement.

    30 done 13more to go…

  357. yeah that looks more applicable

    the only thing you could look at if it makes any change in a good way is to change the font of the n so it doesn’t have that little part sticking out on top so it is more round and therefore in my opinion fits better together with the thought bubbles and don’t forget the rest of the name 😉

  359. It was good to post manoj! There are a bunch of us who are keeping up to date on adam. But there’s also a bunch just getting here. And even keeping up with the Adam I still enjoyed reading it. So again, thanks for posting it!

  360. Nice, it works.

    I do appreciate all your very positive comments and suggestions.
    I miss however the brand image evaluation and that´s especially true of this design. All light bulbs as representatives of the thinking process are enormously outdated.

    http://www.google.es/imgres?imgurl=http://www.comicsreporter.com/images/uploads/ggshelper_thumb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/fff_results_post_100_nobody_gets_you_quite_like_i_get_you/&usg=__7OMs2ZDqV4BJg2q3C9Ye5DTFNA0=&h=294&w=335&sz=38&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=RU_69vTpoFHqAM:&tbnh=138&tbnw=136&prev=/images%3Fq%3DLittle%2BHelper%2Bgearloose%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D904%26bih%3D708%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=304&vpy=71&dur=5230&hovh=210&hovw=240&tx=140&ty=122&ei=jGXDTLfBD8_tsgbr7KGvCA&oei=jGXDTLfBD8_tsgbr7KGvCA&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0 this is Little Helper from the Donald Duck introduced in 1956.

    Why reuse that extremely outdated concept for a 2010 brand?

  362. This is all well and good, but whats the deal Rohan? I (like many other visitors to your blog) want to believe in you and everything you promise us with Adam. But if this IS the “big weekend update” then its a “Collossal disappointment”. Or at the very least a major understatement on your part when you said you were working on something big for the next post. You’re not to blame. Maybe those of us who are so anxiously waiting for any breaking news regarding Adam, have set our expectations too high. Of course, its also possible that opening up the development phase to the public like you guys have so generously done was a mild mistake. Either way, I believe we all were expecting a much more revealing and device oriented post this weekend. I guess theres always tomorrow. You have some very lofty expectations to meet with this device.

    Along these lines though; I am beginning to feel less and less inclined to purchase Adam straight away when it FINALLY DOES become available. Can I trust Notion Ink? Can I honestly drop several hundred dollars on a product and just assume that a start up company will deliver on all their grand promises? Seems rediculous I know, Im just trying to figure out why my enthusiasm for Adam is drowning. Im leaning more toward purchasing after some major reviews have been released by reputable names.

    Cheers, from the central US.

  364. You actually are completely on topic although you didn´t intend it that way. Questions like ´Can I trust Notion Ink´ ´just assume that a start up will deliver´ should have been part of the briefing for the visuals of the corporate identity.

    You are ´trying to figure out why my enthusiasm for Adam is drowning´ and your hope of endorsements by ´reputable names´ are clear signs that the community development process has its boundaries. You want reassurance that this a real company with a real product which will really ship and believe it or not a nice little apple on a prototype held by a guy in a black collar would do that trick.

    So Rohan start shopping for a ´brand outfit´ for your presentations (don´t do the collar please!) and select the most adult, reassuring visual identity you can find as you will need it to convince all people like T. People who were not even aware of your product and unlike T. were not already inclined to buy it.

  365. WOW, this is crazy. I am speechless about the people’s creativity around the world.

  366. Hey Rohan,

    I am really and I mean REALLY dissapointed… I sent 5 concepts of an idea and none of them were selected. I mean like are they that bad: http://picasaweb.google.com/Vaarnold.Leroy/NIConcepts?authkey=Gv1sRgCN7YnfGp6-aflAE&feat=directlink

    I’m even wondering if NI received my entries, because I asked for a confirmation and I got nothing back.

    I also think it’s ridiculous that some of the logos in the top 43 are just plain text with different colors and nothing else.

    The last thing I have to say is. If this is the big update we we’re all waiting for, well it sucks. It seems like NI is letting more and more people down. Also like many people already said different times is that it’s almost 2011. That means CES is coming up with a lot of new tablets.

    Also making promises about sending new pictures and that kind of stuff and not doing is not not a good presentation for yourself, your company or the adam tablet.

    The only thing I have left to say is. Rohan don’t let us down after all this time we have been supporting you and let the top 10 be WAY BETTER then this…

  367. I’m totally with you
    I skipped that (brand image evaluation) part in all my comments as I don’t see the point after they got apparently selected from the company and they seem to like it. That however doesn’t mean I support that lightbulb idea, what I’m trying is to get the best of what we got. If you look at my entries they are all kept very simple and because I also think a lightbulb is outdated I just made one picture to see how it looks with a energysaving lamp 😉 … but came to the conclusion it is to complex and no one will understand it.

    I would really like to see what those 4500 entries were, that idea with thumbs up/down would be great because I have the feeling it costs rohan and the team too much time, which I guess they don’t have at the moment, to spend the necessary time on this topic.

  370. Same here, but it wouldn’t be a problem if there were automated confirmation emails. I can admit that maybe my artwork wasn’t in line with their vision, but there is no such comfort.

  373. @Lry*
    I agree on the first part. The organization wasn’t the best, there should have been put more thought behind it.
    Regarding the update I would wait to the end of the weekend.

  374. Lydia,
    its not bad or worthless, but not great too.

    remember, we are not talking about a piece of art. a logo is nothing but an identity. just like a name, just making it easier to remember and identify.

    ok i wont say this again, but, just understand, the logo is only as good as the company/product to which it is attached.

    so, to all the people and Rohan… FOR ADAMS SAKE, STOP THIS STUPID LOGO CONTEST AND GET SOMETHING USEFUL DONE. HALF OF THE SELECTED ONES ARE FUGLY..

    Phew! that felt good!

    Rohan, if u gotta keep your word and give away the prize, just select this, clean it up and use it. https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/thonapa.png?w=680 and get it over with..

  376. I agree. I like “Harun”.

    Though I think it could be improved by centralising the dot of the i and making the gap in between the n represent the body of the i. It could then look like the head of a person too.

  377. I like “Harun”.

    Though I think it could be improved by centralising the dot of the i and making the gap in between the n represent the body of the i. It could then look like the head of a person too.

  381. I like your logo more than most selected. You did a great job. … From the selected ones, my first choice is n factorial

  382. First, it is david, not David. Second, I would like david to comment on your logos. it should be interesting.

  384. I’d like to start another subject for you guys. What is your favourite logo(s) of all time? Personally, I like the Twelve South logo http://www.twelvesouth.com and Fedora Linux logo. Other cool ones include Fedex for being witty and the venerable Apple logo for simplicity and recognition.

  385. I see an X too. It’s not my favorite but I’m curious to know the concept behind it. I know the dots being ink and forming into people holding hands to signify community and collaboration. But I do not see Notion…maybe the dots represent think bubbles? Should it need a dot in the middle?

  387. That logo is not practical if you look at the bigger scheme of things. It’s expensive to make for one thing and it will not show very well when reduced to a tiny size like in a stationary or a future 7″ Notion Ink eReader.

    Notion Ink is going into the future and beyond so going old-fashioned is a no-no. Besides a feather symbol doesn’t remind one anything like a high-tech company.

  388. Well, let’s see which ones make the top 10. I think they will make great choices for their firm.

  389. HAHAHAHA. People like T. Thats funny. Making blind assumptions is no way to end a reasonable comment.

    To clarify; Im not out looking for people to give Adam two thumbs up. I just want to see it in action from other people in the industry who know more than I, and get a more diverse look so I can make an informed decision. Of course Notion Ink is going to hype THEIR product. Of course all these product features will make some tech bloggers and tech blogging trolls pee their collective pants. But until I see it in action Im not jumping to any conclusion about this being a superior device.

    I dont leap to purchase any expensive product without researching it. And yes, I dont care what sells for more or how “reasonably priced” the Adam will be. Im generally strapped for cash, like a lot of people these days, and following a budget and planning for purchases is the norm for a lot of people.

    Most interesting to me with all of this excitement and attention spent on Notion Inks Brand Identity is this: A common practice is to have that in place BEFORE you ever present yourself OR your product (prototype or otherwise) to the public. This early public access to the development of Adam truly is wonderful but as you said, it has its drawbacks.

    So now, what we (as potential comsumers) are left with are TWO Notion Inks. The one we were all promised (the one we follow daily right here). And the other; the one which will be unveiled to us with this “New brand identity”. Who knows what that company will be like hahaha. This is all very unsettling purely because of its timing. Brand identity wont sell me squat. A quality product will. The concern though is that getting this rare glimpse into the emergence of a new company makes you wonder; “If this is how they operate now, what kind of product are they really making? What kind of company are they going to be handling all these post purchase issues?” So yeah, maybe I am a little curious as to the “identity” of Notion Ink. Which Notion Ink will we be getting?

    Also, as someone else has mentioned; CES is around the corner and we can all expect a lot of announcements there. Im in no rush to buy a tablet. I could really use one for work and play, but I dont need it right now. Whats upsetting is being led around on a string of promises that have to this date been unfulfilled.

    Again, I want this tablet. But I can wait. Its very possible that the big Weekend post will happen tomorrow. This could be a moot point. Maybe all our questions and concerns will be quelled in the subsequent posts in the next couple weeks. But then again, theres no release date. Might take a couple months to get that.

    Sorry, Ive been following this since last year and I rarely post, but thought I needed to make a point because Im tired of biting my tongue. No disrespect to Notion Ink, Rohan or you Max. Just a guy venting.

    cheers

  390. Logo no. 31

    I like the roundish floating touch of the shapes reminds me of my swingdrop version

    First
    I would change the font to a more roundier floating type to match with the shapes.
    Second
    I would adjust the shapes so they are more aligned to each other. So that one drop gets affected by the shape of the order and adjusting to each other. I would pull the tips of both drop more into the corners to make it more fully looking.

  392. Logo no. 32

    quite like the shape putting together the N the only thing is that Inc is a interesting wordplay but it would get a wrong name out there

    First
    I would change it to Ink
    Second
    I would invert it so you have white backround
    Third
    I would change the font of the word Notion Ink so it is not so edgy and goes better with the shape.

  393. Logo no. 33

    without the writing I don’t think it would be recognizable

    First
    I would invert the picture so you get rid of the backround

  394. SuperK,

    To be true, your submissions are good for Adam, but not for Notion Ink as a company as they might diversify later and have more products.

    cheers

  395. Logo no. 34

    reminds me instantly of a language school otherwise I would just invert the picture to get rid of the backround

  397. Logo no. 35

    first thing that came into mind was HSBC (Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation)

    http://www.hsbc.com/1/2/

    it looks too similar, because of that I don’t see the point of revision sorry.

  398. Your number 4 looks very similar to one of my many submissions where none where selected too 😦

    But I do like number 10 because I also thought about using the upside down on/off button symbol as reference but replacing the line with a fountain pen head/point.

    Nevertheless, I had fun conceptualizing and working on my logos, even though i spent hours. I didn’t know I had this drive to create something, not only because there is a prize but because it served a purpose. I’m not a graphic design pro but I use graphics programs so I thought, why not.

  399. Logo no. 36

    The pink lets it stand out but because of that I had to immediately think of a girls jeans brand or something like that.

    First
    I would take off the background get the notion and squares black and the Ink with just a black border to let it stand out more.
    Second
    I think the second small sign is unnecessary I would take it off

  400. Logo no. 37

    I don’t know the concept and so I have no idea what to say to that, only that like this it is impossible to use as a logo

  401. @Lry* no disrespect to you or those people whose designs didnt make it but stop hating on those whose designs did! Its no surprise that you think your design should make it. Ofcourse you do-you created it. If they picked the worst one (in our opinion) they would still be well within their rights because after all its them doing the choosing not you! If they don’t like your design, or rather if they liked it, but not well enough to make it to the top 43 then thats no cause to be carrying on that way.

    the only mistake they may have made is being so kind hearted and allowing 4x more finalists… and they still get flak for it cause the other 4,000 didn’t make it. If you are anywhere close to the graphic design world then you must understand the difference one pixel makes and having to submit great work only to have it ripped to shreds from the client. That’s just how it is.

    Rohan and team, learn this lesson…make a decision and stick with it. Give them an inch and they will take a mile. 10 submissions means ten submissions. Your kind-hearted nature lets me know you love what you do, but please remember that you cannot please everybody. At the end of the day – you are the decision makers. We are fickle!

    I apologize in advance if I offended anyone – that was not my intention.

    Keep up the great work Notion Ink Team! Can’t wait to get my grubby paws on one!

  402. Logo no. 38

    it took me a while to figure out the sitting person, but that’s just me 😉

    First
    I would make it all the way black instead of grey
    Second
    The edges look crispy/not smooth I would make them smoother
    Third
    The head is in my opinion to long I would make it more round, maybe that makes it also easier to recognize as a head.
    Fourth
    I wonder if it also would make the legs more coming out if you would put a fine line in between the bottom part of the legs
    Fifth
    The font does somehow not fit to the thick appearing N, maybe you got something more strong/wide?

  403. Logo no. 39

    I had the same idea with the hindi letters, but after realizing there is no proper alphabet and it is really hard to recognize and people from other countries will have a hard time bonding with it I skipped it. The idea with the hindu religion on the other hand raises a religious conflict regarding the whole product line of notion ink. In my opinion it doesn’t make sense to have a hindu religion incorporated into the company’s logo while they are talking about Genesis, Adam, Eden etc.
    So for me no point in revision, because after I finished there will be nothing left of the concept, sorry.

  405. Logo no. 41

    First
    I would get rid of the color and change the grey into black and the blue into white with a border of black
    Second
    I would turn that I of ink around because you already turned that drop around, it is getting too much
    Third
    I would change that k back into normal it is too disturbing

  406. Logo no. 42

    First
    I would take off the filling of the circle and make the border black
    Second
    I would change the notion into black
    Third
    I would get rid of the effects on the ink writing and make it simply black
    Fourth
    I would put the drop and the top part of the I of ink a little bit to the right so they exactly fit the circle and also the bottom of the n should sit right on the border of the circle

  407. Logo no. 43

    First
    I would get rid of the Shadow of the N
    Second
    I would change the grey part of the N into black
    Third
    I would change the color of the Shape behind the exclamation mark into black
    Fourth
    I would change the exclamation mark into solid white
    Fifth
    I would align the !NK with the writing underneath (NotionInk realizing dreams), the K looks further away from the bottom then the start of the N, maybe it is a visual effect.
    Sixth
    I would put the writing all in black and change the notion into small capital letters to get the contrast towards ink

    So that’s it from my side I hope there were some helpful ideas for all the designers…

  408. Thank you, Dominic! You have generously given a lot of time into giving feedback. You knew exactly where I was trying to go with the logo.

    You’re right; this one is tricky to do without the drop shadow, because the concept is that the word “notion” is cut out; it is not on the paper because it is the idea that is not yet written or realized, while the word “ink” is printed.

    I am thankful for the feedback, and I have tried a few ideas. Any further insights would be greatly appreciated. https://www.box.net/shared/zx9oouoqqu

  410. @Pratik I liked your logos. Guess your Seinfeld comment was light remark. Other wise in a way you may be calling all the people who did not submit as losers 🙂
    If you are so bent on winning, take heart; you will still be a winner coz many people have already put your logo on top 🙂

  411. I see your concept, it’s an ink drop and light bulb at the same time. The NI reflection is an interesting touch but it will not be recognizable when the logo is reduced to say…a calling card. That is something you should factor in when designing a logo.

    Needless to say, the ink drop and light bulb combination would remind people mostly of a utility company…oil or water company meets electric company.

  412. I think the Indian style font of Lord Krishna/flute should be perfect as it gives the blessings of lord( Indians have a tradition to request blessings, they performed pooja for adam too) and has a unique look.
    If the color can be made little orangish it would be the best of all. Next is n!(requires revision)

  413. I totally agree with you. I have been following the adam since months but never posted here. I admire the work done by NI but am disappointed by whatever information has been posted here recently. I know that Rohan is a very busy person, but he could have at least mentioned that he wouldn’t be posting a weekend special. So many visitors have posted legitimate questions regarding adam and while i understand that it is not possible to address each visitor’s queries, the least he could do is address the general questions in his blog. By ignoring the users, he is hurting his most critical base. I have been waiting patiently for months but can’t wait much longer. Looking for alternatives to adam.

  414. How about a light bulb in an upright position using an ink droplet as the filament?

    You know…i’m sure with over 4,500 entries (and some probably even sent a little late) there are people who sent very similar designs. Now I don’t know how they would determine which one to choose in that case. Will they choose the one that has better graphics done by a pro over the amateur who never designed a logo in his life?

    I did not do any fancy graphic effects in my submissions, just plain black and white (and grey) because I want to see how a logo would actually look like in just a solid color —that is why the Apple logo is quite successful by itself— unfortunately that may have diminished their attention grabbing factor so the fancy professionally done ones were selected instead. Oh well, at least I had fun.

    I’d like to see how these 43 logos would look like in plain B&W with no fancy drop shadows, shadings and other effects.

  415. I line the indian fon logo. its simple and different. I think blue would be the right color for it as it has been used by notion ink a lot and it goes well with the theme.

  417. Big +1!!! As a designer (No I didnt submit) I agree. You’re spot on. To be honest, you have to detach yourself from your work. All of it. It isnt your work. Its the clients. All these submitters have nothing to lose. Notion Ink has everything to lose.

  418. You can easily see the inspiration behind the logo…ON/OFF button!

    Kidding aside, its a fountain pen tip, ink droplet, and light bulb in one. Lots of information. In contrast, another logo just have an N which is a simplistic minimalistic approach. Both are good but it will all depend on what direction the company wants to go.

  419. Market research is almost as important as the results you come up with on your own. People like certain logo and corporate images for a reason. Given the choice, wouldn’t you rather be one of the ones that are appreciated?

  422. I feel like I’m throwing a pity party here, but I didn’t post my logo on the blog before and thought I might as well. Thought mine was a little better than some that were selected but of course I’m sure all of us who didn’t make the cut think the same thing.

    http://bit.ly/bi5Hez

  423. Fantastic! This is the best set I have seen.. may bet they could have chosen these if it had the ink drop shape instead of the ellipse..

  425. I liked my logo but after seeing what everyone else submitted I see why I wasn’t in the top 43 🙂 I don’t have the tools or the talent. Good thing I don’t do it for a living

    But for the f* of it and the ridicule of my peers here’s what I submitted.

    .. be gentle

  426. you are getting closer but to make all my desciptions visual I uploaded the version of yours with the changes I mentioned.

  428. Hey marcus
    I would say it was a bit to complex. I looked at it for a long time and came up with different possibilities. So you got to n which are going into each other and in the middle is the i upside down? Or is that in the middle som kind of bird with one eye? It is very hard to get a message out of this. It could also be a n wich goes into the i but then the thing in the middle doesn’t make any sense. In my opinion after a short time looking at it there should be at least the ni or the name recognizable. I guess that’s why they didn’t choose it.

  429. Um…looks the same to me – just smaller on a larger background. Deciding which is best is going to be a hard choice – maybe I’ll roll a dice. Though I do like the font on the first logo I posted – the dice may be loaded.

  430. Not bad. I like the exclamation sign. And the font too.
    But honestly I can’t tell if it is NI or NJ. A little confusing.

  433. I wonder what the response would have been if Notionink was instead called Apple and someone came up with a logo of an apple with a bite taken out of it – no medical bills, more money for tech. In hindsight the apple was a great idea. Whenever I see an apple there’s an involuntary connection to Apple – damn it. Then maybe the stop sign is not such a bad idea – except people don’t like them.

  434. I’m one of those who think letters are a great way to tell what you have in mind. And it came out very good there. The only thing off was the underline falling out. Perhaps no line is better. Also, the dot over the i is actually fine, just a little too big. Otherwise, nice concept. But that is just me, a simple language teacher.

  435. Well I immediately recognized it – and so did you. The minimalist approach where the mind completes the picture is very clever. It would look good embossed on the back of a cell phone (without the writing). So it’s on my shortlist.

  438. I like it the way it is – symmetry can be too static. The dot one one side is more dynamic, like it’s moving around the n. Banks should be static, technology companies dynamic.

  439. That logo that looks like a man sitting on the ground. I don’t get it too. I have a better concept than that but I just didn’t have the time to explain since I submitted so many.

    Yea, just like some mentioned, they are not disappointed that none of their submissions were selected but because a few of the selections were not even very good.

  440. @marcus

    Don’t give up buddy. I think if you clean it a little it would be much better.
    If it was your first logo, is great. Other logos you create will be better, I guess.

  441. Hello,

    thankyou for the suggestion. i did think about that alot. I believe your right. the best logos are the ones which do not require words. Its a difficult task for a name such as “notion ink”. HP is a good example of a company that uses letters in their logo. I do not quite understand your suggestion. would you please clarify?

    Thanks,
    Christian

  442. The dot is fine where it is – more dynamic. Symmetry can be very static – which is good if you want to say dependable like a bank, but the main aspect of tech is it’s always changing and the dynamic element conveys that well.

  443. Thinking the logo contest idea didn’t quite get the response Rohan expected here.

    Good luck to all participants. And hope this project gets launched in a timely manner.

    Signing off until the project is ready for pre-order.

  444. Thats a nice one. The judges might definitely have a tough time select 43 out of 4500.

  445. Well not bad or worthless is something. 😉

    I was surprised to see it in the top 43 since I made it in about 15 minutes… got the idea, photoshopped it and submitted it.

    I’m definitely not saying mine is best (personally I like nr.1 a lot) but I think it’s simple and maybe with some modifications it would be something people remember?
    And to be honest I’m also a bigger fan of my logo with the rest of the name behind, so I don’t think I’ll be using this.

    Another question, though… is there anyone who looks at this logo and says: “Man, that reminds me of something… I know there’s something… hold on, it’s at the tip of my tongue…’ ? Cause that would not be very good. (Just asking cause there actually were quite a few of the selected logos that did that to me.)

    Anyway, I know my logo can be polished up… I mean, I’ve never designed something before so I guess I’m a lucky girl eh. 😀

    P.S: Thanks for the comments Dominic. 🙂

    P.S: Actually… https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/girish.png?w=680 I keep reading ‘notiononk’ with this one. Sorry.

  446. Yeah i agree totally. I am so disappointed this week. Archos 101 is going to get my money very soon if there is no concrete information.

  447. This is my fav. I believe that it represents the out of the box thinking that Rohan & his team incorporated into the adam.

  448. Congrats to all the participants. I’m an artisit and was excited to share my opinion with all you guys. I found the below 3 as best of the lot:

    https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/jason2.gif?w=680 – The caption is super nice. But the Label is little bland, it needs some further eye catching elements. But overall its decent and class.
    https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/ronwe.png?w=680 – The Butterfly got be in eye catching colors not to loud not invisible.

    The logo is very apt, but the font and graphics could be lot better. They are not upto the standard.

    Rohan, If you see this comment, may be you can club some of the designs.

  450. @Pratik
    No offense bud but your logos should not been up there. they have nothing to do with anything. I am not saying they are ugly or bad, I just dont see the point in them, what do they convey? the one doesnt even look like a box like you said. there are only about 5 logos up there that have to do with notion ink and I hope they win.

  451. Yea…I really think yours is better than some of the chosen ones.

    For example, the one that formed a butterfly with an ink splat which formed a light bulb inside the butterfly wing. Rohan said it’s great but that’s way too complicated and expensive to make. Good for a stationary but not an icon on a tablet because it’s way too busy. I think less is more.

    Then there is that one that Rohan said it’s great too but it’s just an N and I shaped like a man sitting on the ground. What is the concept behind that? Then there’s one with just a plain tilted bulb that looks like it’s incontinent. The brain inside the light bulb looks surreal. One design that Rohan said reminds him of MSN icon looks like a man…but why? There is another that needs explanation…so why did they select it when they don’t even understand the design concept?

    Then there are the logos with no icons but just the company name. It doesn’t speak anything of the company, i.e. Maria, Maz, Nikola, Marcin, and Jeff. No offense to those guys but I believe an icon is needed because Notion Ink is a startup company, it’s not a Sony.

  453. well it might look good to the eyes.. but i agree with Dominic, it has a religious flavor
    If any brand incorporates jesus cross in their logo that will give me a strange impression of the management running that company… i would prefer to stay off from sensitive issues like religion…

  454. Check out Christian vs. Bas and Ian vs. Nikola. They are very similar that it looks like they copied from each other. At least only one of them should be selected but not both because they just look like a variation of the other. Then there is Jason and Jason2. The Jason2 is very good and it looks like an improvement of the Jason. A couple of the finalists are just a light bulb done with graphic touch to it, where’s the originality there?

    I did the shotgun approach hoping that one of my entries gets selected. I didn’t do any graphic touch to them so I can send as many entries as I want. But I guess that backfired or maybe they never made it in time (slow email delivery) because I sent them within the last hour.

    It also helps if you explain your concept behind your design like the N factorial submitted by Eric which I think is the best concept in any of them. However it needs a graphic touch. I say we scrap everything and re-design a logo based on the N factorial. The Hindu font is also a very good concept (I’ve thought about that too) but it needs work because it looks archaic and considering that the Adam is a Christian character.

  456. Here is a link to a not so circulated video. It gives a good perspective on the changes and challenges that happened since this video especially since they seemed pretty confident about a July launch in the US. Interesting info and video nevertheless

  458. I agree that it has potential. The butterfly needs to be more stylized. It is too complex and busy that it loses the impact. This is not even workable if reduced, it will be unrecognizable.

  459. He did say prior that one may win the contest but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will use it. It could be that the are just looking for ideas and can use that idea to create a more professional logo.

  460. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell some people here. Sure it looks good on the web but when designing a logo you have to think beyond your monitor. You have to envision it reduced to a calling card size and stripped of all graphic contents and color. Then you’ll know that your logo works! I think the best ones in the finalists are the simplest ones.

  461. You are absolutely right. I am following Notion ink adam for almost a year. I check their website almost 3-4 times a day for any update. Although I was very excited to see adam, my interest is slowly waning away. The following factor makes me nervous to invest such a big amount in adam:
    0. This endless delay and never ending teasers with nothing substantial to show, except couple of snaps and lot feel-good messages. It almost feels like a wild goose chase. A specific release date would certainly improve the confidence, but that is not forth coming

    1. The chaotic approach is adding to this nervousness. The website reeks amateurism. And the market place and the developer site are nonexistent, the legal agreement (for developers) has wrong content (which was later corrected), the product is in pre-production mode (as per earlier post), and the company is launching a “design-my-logo” contest. I would rather expect these infrastructure and framework to be in place well before the pre-production. This makes me wonder what will happen to post-purchase product help and support. Will that too be this chaotic?

    2. Beside, the more I follow, the more I feel it is like one of those uncoordinated open source projects on the first unstable release. Yes, eventually the open source product will mature, stabilize and do great. But till then I will follow the product, play with it in a sandbox, but will hesitate to use it any production server.

    3. I wish to be proven wrong. I mean it. I want Notion Ink to succeed. But as of now I many not rush to buy adam. I will probably wait for couple weeks/months for the feedback to come in, before coughing up couple of hundred $$ for it.

    Cheers
    -Aster-

  462. Great advice…and I kept all those in mind when I designed my logos. Most of the finalists did not take into account some of the criteria in logo design especially what it would look like if scaled way down, in halftone greyscale or black and white. I think Rohan should have told everyone that he required black and white or greyscale entries to put everybody in equal footing. Using colors, shades and shadows can be done later when the finalists were selected prior to actual voting.

    Also…I don’t think Rohan hasn’t decided on what typeface to use. I think he might do the changes once the winner is selected.

  463. I like the thought bubble concept. It’s more modern than the retro light bulb and the ubiquitous ink droplet or blot.

    However, the N factorial beats everybody in design concept. If we vote on concept alone…that one will win hands down….by a huge mile.

  465. Disagree…the response has been great. Only a few copycats witting very long and / or repeated statements didn’t like it.
    Notice that most people are already reading the newer post? Because that is what they want…buy the adam and enjoy the ride.

  467. Rohan put captions on each of the finalists. He only explained why he selected a design in only one of them…the N Factorial. I wish he explained it for all the other logo designs too.

    Yea…I can’t fathom why that one by maz was selected because there are other much better. I think it was random and any simiilar design that came later was not considered. Maybe first come first served. But I doubt if all 4500 entries were even scrutinized or arrived in time for them to look at.

  468. There’s no variety here – all the lines have the same thickness – like a government stencil warning people not to entrain or detrain the train while in motion – boring (much more exiting jumping off a moving train). And the thought bubbles are all touching like a bubble bath. Maybe the notion could be finer – being more nebulous, and ink more concrete. And separate those bubbles – shouldn’t they represent clouds drifting off into thought space?

  469. That one by Vasko looks familiar. I’ve seen it somewhere before. I don’t get the concept behind it though so I wonder why it was chosen.

  470. I like your logos Pratik (the last one looks like i’ve seen somewhere before). However, what is the concept behind them? They are great if the company is like Sony or IBM where the company name itself is recognizable. We are talking about a small startup here so just saying NI in the logo may not be enough.

    I do think they look understated yet elegant, I have designed some too that just said NI but no concept behind them and maybe that’s why none of them got selected. But all three of your submissions got selected…that’s awesome! 100% batting average.

  471. The logo is clever but that’s it. Who would get the name right if they had never heard of the company? Usually the company will use the logo either by itself or with the company name when necessary – if it’s not obvious from the logo. If you stuck the company name under this it would look odd.

  472. I do think that when the logos are up for voting that they should all be stripped of color, drop shadows, and other special effects. Just plain halftone grey scale. This will eliminate any unfair advantage. I would like to see all on equal footing and see them in their barest essentals since most likely once this logo is put in the Adam, it will just be in chrome or in one solid color.

  473. one of the logos that i liked

    it has lot similarity to nook (Barnes & Noble ereader) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezlLHKktf9I

    also the concept of this looks like one of the icons of nook.

    HSBC Logo rotated 90 deg.

    I have a sneaky feeling i have seen this concept in some logo (human figure from the bubbles) and the concept is similar to ubuntu logo.

  474. Can some graphic artists please do some graphic on the N Factorial logo? Most everyone like the concept including Rohan who included it in the finalists only because of the great concept. It needs a lot of work and maybe we can just ditch the others and make another poll on that design alone. I want it to win!!!

    Please post your designs here for the N! logo. Thank you 🙂

  476. hey thanks for ur comment….n yeah i sort of agree with ya on the complexity part lol….
    anyways so will think abt refining it now even thou i cant submit it….cheers

  477. thanks for ur comment….will def try to simplify it now s evey1 seems to vote on the complexity part….

  478. well its just not abt whats better and whats not.Besides the thing is that i came to know abt this contest just a day b4 the deadline so i would def say that its not ma best work yet….so i hv ma fingers crossed that this contest get extended lol….

  479. Even though I did use a light bulb myself I do agree with you. A notion can be represented in many ways – I also used lightning.

    I particularly like

    because there is the notion of an N there which the mind has to figure out, and it has concrete form which looks like an i. Not only that, it is simple to identify even when shrunk down and embossed on the back of a cell phone.

    I personally would only consider those logos that have an emblem and writing as they are more versatile.

  480. oh n well i agree with ya regarding how letters can represents ur visualization of things n thts what i was tryin to achieve here but for some reason its always a lot harder to convince ppl to follow the same path u hv been….lol

  481. Why would you base the whole logo on the ‘n’. What does that ‘n’ mean? Is there any conceptual thought behind this? Search for a logo that symbolizes the vision of the company, and the soul. (does the letter ‘n’ do that? I don’t think so!)

  482. Well said. It’s good that the company is reaching out to it’s potential customers, but there is a time and place for that. For example a school teacher that tries to befriend the students too much loses credibility and respect. In Notionink’s case there is a risk of looking unprofessional if the logo selection is not handled properly – if all the points that are being raised are not addressed – and that may chip away at the company’s credibility.

  483. To the few who have questioned why my design was selected:

    Not that I need to explain myself here, as my explanation was done to Rohan in my email, which he obviously agreed with to some extent as he selected it.

    The logo you see here was just part of what I sent in. A few things you need to understand before you dismiss mine.

    To put it into context, see this link.

    I posted this link in the first page where everyone discussed their logo’s, and it was received with welcome and praise, yet now it’s being dismissed as inferior to others.

    While that may be the case, any design is subject to opinion and nothing else. No design is ever right or wrong, but simply viewed and interpreted.

    Please don’t take this the wrong way, as I do not mean to offend you or anyone else, and I have no idea who you are or your expertise, so I will only try to explain my idea with my expertise.

    I am a professional graphic designer. I have a University degree in Multimedia Design, and professional work experience. I have studied design for years, including typography and physical product placement/packaging design, so I believe when it comes to this, I guess you can call it an expert opinion to some extent.

    As I said, there is no right, and no wrong design, just opinion.
    Many designs here are absolutely fantastic, but as Rohan said in the main post, while they are beautiful, they are not necessarily appropriate for the medium, and here is why I believe that to be so:

    A logo for “on product display” is completely different for web/print or any other form of media. You are limited by production constraints, costs and most importantly public branding techniques.
    While many people in these last few blogs have been praising, criticizing logo’s and comparing them to others such as apple, they have missed the point on what the essence for this particular project is.

    Notionink is not an apple, or a pepsi, or any thousands of other well known logos.
    It is a startup company with only ONE product that will make or break it. This product is a physical product, and its single greatest advertisement is itself.

    With this fact, the one main driving force behind this logo constraint is the readability of the name.
    Noone but geeks will know who notion ink are, and to become a major player in this industry you need to be known by everyone. The people you want to appeal to for this product are your average office person/etc.. If an average person on the train coming home from work spots someone using an Adam, they will go home and google “portable computer” or if they have any idea “table”. What’s the first thing thats going to come up? Apple iPad. End of story. You have just lost your product to the competition. The main point is:

    You cannot google a logo.

    You need word of mouth spread, visual identity to the name of the product if you are unknown to the masses. In the same arguement, if that same person spots someone using the Adam and there in plain, big enough (not too big) are the words NotionInk clearly spelt out, then you have a great chance of them googling “Notion Ink”, or asking someone “have you heard of “NotionInk” whats that?
    Suddenley the product becomes a brand.

    This is why a gorgeous logo of Notion Ink with bits and pieces/designs/colours, or a Beautiful big logo and tiny words can actually detract from your products impact on the market.

    If you do some research into the history of each famous companies logo, you will see they all have changed over time. They lose the “necessity” and move to the “aesthetic” because they can when they are well known. As I hope Notion Ink will do so in the future.

    I hope you find this informative.
    There is a reason minimalism is a movement that always is around. And that is because it is necessary so often. The more you put into something, the more specific it gets, and dated it can become. While simple will/can last as long as you need too. See Microsoft. They are nothing but the words, they never changed, because they didnt need to. (They did subtle, but nothing major) Even apple suffered from 80’s rainbow syndrome, as they will no doubt with the chrome in 10 years time.

    This is just my opinion, and i hope people find it educational.

    Rohan, If you can be bothered reading such a lengthy post, i sincerely hope this post doesn’t influence my design in a positive or negative way, im merely trying to pass down what I was taught when i didnt know.

    Regards
    Maz

  484. 1. it would be ugly and much more agressive.

    2. it’s coherent that way, plus it equalize a bit the shape of the logo, plus small détails do the différence.

    3. on this one i agree with you, this was too much. My new revision si already with a k in normal position.

    The new revision will be 10x better, i did this first try in a rush after seing this contest at last minute.

  485. I see that for many of the logos you are suggesting to remove the colour and other eye candy. It may be necessary for the company to have a logo that can be in gray scale and embossed in aluminum – the logo should be flexible. But for the competition not everyone is thinking professionally, and the eye candy may win the day.

    It would be better if these logos were shown adapted to different environments, then we can make a better decision – this point has already been raised – I hope Rohan will listen.

    Personally I like this logo – in its simplicity it looks professional while the curves give it a personal touch. The dot of the eye is dynamic – moving around the n – which a tech company should be. I consider the background as the environment and not part of the logo.

  486. as said earlier…. i guess if a snapshot of how the logo (all selected logos) will look on the ADAM is available. it will allow people to perceive better…

  487. Hello, thank you for all yours suggestion. I’m glad that my logo is a theme of discussion. It mean that it is worth to work harder and better to make my logo more simple and more recognizable. I like suggestion given by adil – I think I will go in this direction. THX.

  488. @levpius
    What I meant was, people will only remember the ONE winner. The guy who makes it. No one remembers the silver medalist, the bronze medalist, the consolation prize-holders, those that get the participation certificate.

    I think everyone wants to win, that’s why they take part in contests. But being in top 43/top 10/ top 3 doesn’t matter because the winner takes it all.

  490. I thought it was an held close to someones eyes underlining the idea that it would be difficult to read 🙂

    Personally I would sit on that cushion figuring as a head, much more comfortable.
    The two ´feet´ should be dropped in a revision, but I don´t understand why it got a ´wonderful concept´. It would be a great start for a logo for a car accessories dealer of a garden set manufacturer, but I can´t see the association with the Notion Ink I know, nor with the briefing.

  493. All three entries from me.
    I have revised the third one (abstract ‘N and i’ was replaced with a bold and curvy N)

  494. I agree – a complicated logo or one difficult to read won’t help the company. Most of the logos I have shortlisted have a simple emblem and clear writing – except for one which was my favorite but in the light of what you are saying will have to go. My criteria for choosing them is they look professional in their simplicity yet appealing (that conveys a sufficient message for me) and be easily adapted to different environments. Which is your logo?

  496. The more I look at your logo the more I like it. So clever to put a notion of an N in the space, and have the i solid – though I didn’t make the connection with the i at first as it hardly looks like one – if that was your intention. I am not sure why you chose notion to be more solid than ink since notions are more vague and ink more concrete. But from a design point it looks fine. To be honest I don’t have any suggestions but will gladly comment if you post any variations. Good luck – it’s in my top three.

  497. 🙂
    The best example of playing with ‘negative space’ is the FedEx logo.


    Can you spot the arrow between E & x?

  499. @Mindview – I absolutely agree with your take..

    i.e.
    1 and 2 – leave as-is.
    3. conventional “k” to avoid distracting from the inkdrop and i.

    But I could have have lived with your original design even if it was last minute.
    kudus.

  501. There are several logos in the list that look too much like other companies logos
    Like both from Pratik that msn lookalike logo and the one with the purple letters.

  502. hello

    If anyone can explain to me a comment: “Fonts for notion and ink are not seamless,” I do not know what this means in practice

    Thanks you in advance

  504. One could interpret it as a coconut too by that kind of stretched imagination. Or an Avocado!

  505. Revised logo:

    Now demostrates the exact proportions of the adam tablet (as per the notionink.in specs for h&w) in a simple refined logo that i believe does not detract from the text nor it’s readability.

  506. But it still remains unique and the most useful/scalable/adaptable/recognizable/memorable of all submissions!

  507. If you can be bothered, please read my very lengthy comment down the bottom of the page (post 480 or something) It will explain my reasoning, and I can only assume was the reason behind the selectors decision as well.

  508. Your input makes a lot of sense. I’m glad you took the pains to type it all out(or copy from the email to Rohan 😉 )
    I wish Bjorn’s and yours could be combined side by side!

  510. Sorry to disagree Maz. Your original submission was more readable when viewed through your own “googlling” explanation.

    Cheers!

  511. I know, and mentioned that in the revision submission. This is only one revision that I submitted. I still think my original is my best, but he asked for a revision, so I had to revise 🙂

  515. Wow – I’ve never noticed that before, and I’ve shipped a lot with them when in the USA.
    I’m glad yours is a revise only if you wish – hopefully it will make it to the final 10.

  516. I completely overlooked your logo. I like it a lot. It’s professional but not impersonal, simple but not boring, easy to read and pleasing on the eye. The shift from light font to bold conveys the message, but also creates movement as the eye, naturally starting from the left, is drawn to the emphasis on the ink – this makes the logo dynamic which is important for a tech company. And like the apple logo it exudes simplicity and class which is how we want the products.

    The only problem is that people may vote for eye candy without considering all the other aspects of what makes a good logo – like how adaptable it is to different media. The way you presented it was good for people in the know. Perhaps you need to take one of the forms and contrary to what Dominic Fath has been saying put it on a media that will show it off at its the best, like you have done by putting it on the adam.

  517. I didn’t recognize this as a butterfly (I thought it was a flower vomiting), but I like the design. You have to be careful with butterflies, though, since a butterfly is the logo for the Mirasol screens, which the Adam obviously isn’t using. (Those screen aren’t in production yet, and to judge from the online videos – not necessarily a good way to make a judgment – the colors look weirdly metallic.)

  518. @ Kurma
    In other words, a good logo can’t consist of lines with the same thickness?

    Let me try to put this into perspective… For example:

    One might comment: “There’s no variety here – all the lines have the same thickness – like a – boring. And the icon is touching the text. Half of the letters look alike they all have circular shapes! Maybe the icon could look more shoe-ish and the text more sporty.”, so on and so forth…

    Truth is, simple logos can be and usually are; flexible, memorable, timeless and easy to reproduce (about 30 out of 41 designs are not versatile). Often to the inexperienced eye a good logo may look so simple that it’s like it was put together in a matter of minutes.

    I (and along with me, many designers) believe that simplicity is key to a good brand. That’s the reason I sent such a minimal version of this logo; to show Rohan it’s potential (even when plain and single-colored). Of course the full-color, stylized version will come to life a lot more and thus attract a blog’s passers-by.

    @ Dominic Fath
    Thanks for your comment on my submission. It’s nice to have someone take the time to write down a ‘typical customer’ opinion.

    It was intended to create a symbol that translates to notion and ink in a very simple manner, yet remaining a SINGLE object. I agree with your First remark and I did sent multiple versions of the logo to Rohan. He picked one and used it in the blog post. Your Second remark goes hand-in-hand with the First. Third and Fourth are interesting thoughts which I had indeed started working on immediately after I had already sent in my first batch of concepts. My revisions will include them.

    Nikos

  519. “It’s chic, it’s attractive, it’s pleasant and user-friendly appearing. Doesn’t look intimidating.”

    I like that kind of comments about my logo. 😀

    (The guy that said that said only one of Pratik’s logos could compete with mine- but since we’re sending Pratik away because he won that huge sum of money already :P, let’s just say I won. 😉 )

  521. OK guys so need some advice.
    I have sent a revised version of the orange ‘Ni’ (abstract triangles) one and wasn’t looking to revise the other two. But some people have been saying they don’t understand the open box idea in the first one. So should I change it to this?

  522. I agree – the original has more class. The dynamics were good – the eye is drawn to the ink without obstacles. The revision looks more exciting, but that smooth dynamic has gone. If your going to revise it I think it should be subtle.

  523. Hi all,

    I was wondering how the logos are choosen, as i see some of the designs are vector templates and many are not good and i guess i had sent better designs and see the top 43 i felt mine will be there atleast but its very sad i didnt see it there, but tat’s no matter, but the logos they’ve choosen arent tat good…

    these are the logos tat i had sent…



    its not like am boasting or anything, i really feel unjust coz my logo’s are lot better than the one’s they’ve selected there

    thanks n regards

  524. To be honest I liked the first version better- I think you should leave it the way it is.

  526. @Maz

    Your logo is explicit, simple, readable, very pleasant typeface and leaves nothing to imagination as you have already produced it on the product. I think it would look equally good in all other mediums (print, web, stationaries) as these would be less complicated than a three dimention physical product.

    As the company grows and become more famous, it can always revisit and use a symbol that’s less explicit.

  528. +1. Do not change Prattik. The original was better. By the way your third one is quite cute too.

  529. Personally I feel that the significance behind the logo is irrelevant – so what if it represents the company name in some abstract form which most consumers won’t even appreciate. What is important is what impression it leaves on the mind. An ink splat – sure it represents ink, but it also represents chaos and carelessness. Is that the message the company wants to convey?

    No matter what the design, the logo should say something about the company:

    Its professional, well organized (a well structured logo)
    It cares about its customers (capital letters look too formal and impersonal)
    Its products are cutting edge (a logo that shows innovation)
    Its products are a pleasure to use and look at (a simple aesthetically pleasing logo)
    Its dynamic (a logo that has some movement)
    And is here here to stay (something timeless – the light bulb isn’t going to work).

    Plus it should look good on any media.

    But that’s just my opinion, maybe an ink splat is just what is needed to get noticed when everything else looks smooth and professional.

  531. Oh Damn! I totally agree in your critiques of all these logos. First off, I would get rid of all the shadow/light play and work with just a basic black and white because a designer has to look at his logo first in its simplest form….like if someone made a photocopy of the logo, how would that look like. Some people vote merely on the special effects of the design and doesn’t look beyond it so those overdone ones will have an unfair advantage.

    And why do we have multiple versions/iterations of the same logo (Bjorn, Christian, Jason) thereby doubling their chances (or splitting their votes therefore reducing their chances of winning)? That is not fair for those who were not selected. Some even have very similar logos which I think only one should have been selected.

    Yea, the graphic treatments are great when making a Powerpoint presentation, using it as an station ID on TV or intro in a movie or as web advertising but they are unusable in a business sense because most of the time, these logos will be used in a solid color with no special graphic treatments. I really think that Rohan failed to see this on some of his selections…for example that logo #9 by Genta. That is not a logo. It’s the most unusable of the finalists. Logo #10, the Notion Ink name is unusable when you scale that down to a business card plus I do not see the concept behind the design and how it would define what Notion Ink is about.

  532. I do not see why the NI logo that looks like a man sitting on the ground is a great logo. What does that say about the Notion Ink company? That they are a bunch of slackers?

  535. First off….I want to see all these logos in basic black and white. Then I’ll know which one actually stands out.

    I kinda like Bjorn-Maatman’s logo because it is very useable. He got the best ink droplet and lightbulb combination logo design. The only thing is the shape. It looks weird. I don’t know how to put it but I think its the fountain pen look that’s giving it the weird illusion. Your critique will definitely help. I think this will make the top 10 but he has two entries so the votes may be split between those two. Which brings us to his 2nd submission.

  537. I think two (or three) selections from one person is one too many. I think Rohan and company cannot decide which one to choose from the same person and that explains the 40+ finalists.

    I prefer this over his first entry. It’s simpler and the shape doesn’t look weird. It’s the simplest combination of Notion Ink icon/symbol. I think it should be in white against the black background. I could see this in solid chrome and it will stand out on the Adam tablet. My critique is that the bulb is upside down. I prefer the logo shown in the opposite direction where the ink droplet is going up (symbolizing that Notion Ink defies gravity) and the light bulb also facing up which symbolizes an idea (facing down just basically means a light bulb in its socket). I see this in the top 10 too.

  538. The simple use of NI without telling much about the company is quite elegant. The minimalist and understated effect of this logo says that the company is quite serious and have big ambitions. The typeface and the quarter round dot on the i gives it a hint of interest and perhaps quirkiness about the company. Spelling out the company name in the bottom complements it well. Despite the fact that there is no concept (or is there?) involved behind this logo

    Pratik got all three of his entries in the finals i’m definitely impressed by his work. They are all different so I don’t think the votes on his three designs will be split among them. This one I think will make the top 10 over the others 2.

  539. @ Kurma
    In other words, a good logo can’t consist of lines with the same thickness?

    Let me try to put this into perspective… For example:

    One might comment: “There’s no variety here – all the lines have the same thickness – like a – boring. And the icon is touching the text. Half of the letters look alike they all have circular shapes! Maybe the icon could look more shoe-ish and the text more sporty.”, so on and so forth…

    Truth is, simple logos can be and usually are; flexible, memorable, timeless and easy to reproduce (about 30 out of 41 designs are not versatile). Often to the inexperienced eye a good logo may look so simple that it’s like it was put together in a matter of minutes.

    I (and along with me, many designers) believe that simplicity is key to a good brand. That’s the reason I sent such a minimal version of this logo; to show Rohan it’s potential (even when plain and single-colored). Of course the full-color, stylized version will come to life a lot more and thus attract a blog’s passers-by.

    @ Dominic Fath
    Thanks for your comment on my submission. It’s nice to have someone take the time to write down a ‘typical customer’ opinion.

    It was intended to create a symbol that translates to notion and ink in a very simple manner, yet remaining a SINGLE object. I agree with your First remark and I did sent multiple versions of the logo to Rohan. He picked one and used it in the blog post. Your Second remark goes hand-in-hand with the First. Third and Fourth are interesting thoughts which I had indeed started working on immediately after I had already sent in my first batch of concepts. My revisions will include them.

  541. Like I said, Rohan and company could not decide which one to pick, otherwise we will have less than 40 finalists. He likes the concept of an ink droplet in a circular arrangement to signify community and collaboration but i think the droplets should all have varying sizes to make it look like it’s an ink splatter, otherwise, at first glance it looks like a flower and it’s similar to someone else’s logo I just can’t pinpoint what company.

    I don’t think this will make the top 10 because his two entries are quite similar where one was just given a different angle. His votes will be split between the two.

  542. @ Kurma
    In other words, a good logo can’t consist of lines with the same thickness?

    Let me try to put this into perspective… For example:

    One might comment: “There’s no variety here – all the lines have the same thickness – like a – boring. And the icon is touching the text. Half of the letters look alike they all have circular shapes! Maybe the icon could look more shoe-ish and the text more sporty.”, so on and so forth…

    Truth is, simple logos can be and usually are; flexible, memorable, timeless and easy to reproduce (about 30 out of 41 designs are not versatile). Often to the inexperienced eye a good logo may look so simple that it’s like it was put together in a matter of minutes.

    I (and along with me, many designers) believe that simplicity is key to a good brand. That’s the reason I sent such a minimal version of this logo; to show Rohan it’s potential (even when plain and single-colored). Of course the full-color, stylized version will come to life a lot more and thus attract a blog’s passers-by.

    @ Dominic Fath
    Thanks for your comment on my submission. It’s nice to have someone take the time to write down a ‘typical customer’ opinion.

    It was intended to create a symbol that translates to notion and ink in a very simple manner, yet remaining a SINGLE object. I agree with your First remark and I did sent multiple versions of the logo to Rohan. He picked one and used it in the blog post. Your Second remark goes hand-in-hand with the First. Third and Fourth are interesting thoughts which I had indeed started working on immediately after I had already sent in my first batch of concepts. My revisions will include them.

  543. This is too similar to logo #3 and I prefer that over this one. I don’t like the lettering on the Notion Ink, two small and wrong typeface. Some people like this but if you look at it in black and white, it’s a poor man’s version of Bas’ design. It also looks like a combination of logo #3 and logo #18 (background). Those two logos were posted earlier for everyone to see and both got rave reviews from the community. I wonder if this designer saw those two logos and merged them to come up with this concept. That is the reason why I am biased against this logo. It’s unoriginal and could have plagiarized the design from the other two.

  544. I’m not big on the light bulb facing down (which is actually the natural position) or laying down because it does not connote an idea. It means just an incandescent bulb. I like the play on the typefaces to make NOTION and INK standout. I like the contrast of the modern font and the handwritten font. However it looks like there is one too many going on. And if you scale this down to business card size, it may not work. Maybe if you increase the size of the ink droplet. The word INK should start from the droplet (would look like it’s coming out from the droplet) showing under and partly covering the last N. Rohan said it needs to be more seamless. I want to see it in black and white though. With a few revisions, it may make the top 10

  546. This is my favorite by a mile just by the concept alone and I have a feeling that it will be the winner if only it was given some graphic treatment (because most people’s voting decisions will be based on how it looks good on the web or in an advertisement / commercial).

    I encourage others to play around with this logo and give it a graphic treatment. I think there is huge potential in it. I’m not big on using the quill as letter I because it makes NOTION INK like living in the past. A stylus would actually tell more about the company and a feather would mean it’s old and not innovative.

  547. This is the most unusable logo of all the finalists, no disrespect to the designer, just keeping it real. It will not work on a device. How would one incorporate those pixels scattered all over the place to form the word ink? It’s a nice play of the old (ink written using a fountain pen) and the new (pixels of a computer screen), it has a concept and it works as titling for web design just not for a logo. It also reads like MOTION INK.

  548. I don’t think anyone knows how this logo came about. I’m not even sure why it was selected when Rohan didn’t even know what it stands for or what’s behind the concept. If you put this logo in a business card, you will not even see the words Notion Ink, they will just be a line.

  549. LOL…

    Tell me Mr/Miss/Mrs Kurma, what do u ‘read’ from the Logitech logo?

    You all talk as if a logo can make a company successful.
    But i say if a company is successful, the logo will become a ‘hit’, especially for a hi-tech company. This is not a pizza joint which needs an exclusive logo to promote its product.

    Just dont select something repulsive — like say, the photo of Bin Laden, and you willl be fine.

    If you are spending effort on making a great logo, then it better be great, coz all of them seen here are jus average.

  550. ‘if a company is successful, the logo will become a ‘hit’’

    I completely disagree. A brand identity represents what the company is all about. Good, professional logos send the right message to the consumers/investors etc. It’s all about first impressions.
    In a world when shitty products are shoved up people’s by using clever marketing, a great logo is indispensable.

  552. When I read that there is a butterfly theme in logo (displays logo) I was little angry – but I will work harder and make extra design which will be immediately connected to Adam PC. Right now I have so many ideas that I will make up something special.

  553. Most of logos here are in their best realization. But mine is deformed, and i don’t know why you chose the simple print version of it. So, here it is how it looks normally:

    –
    The point above “i” and the second “o” imagine the thinking/dreaming bubble or “notion” which is result of it all.

    And thats a pity that these have not been chosen.


    Because I think that they are very usable for logo design.

    However, good luck for all.

    I have already posted this comment, but I am begging for some response :/.

  554. Funny, I was just looking at the Logitech logo a couple of days back and wondering if it was designed by a five year old. You’re right of course, the logo doesn’t make a company successful, just as a suit and tie won’t ensure that you meet the president, or a business degree won’t ensure that you’ll make lots of money.

  556. mine did not make it to the top 43,so im posting it here….

    Explanation

    At the outset it depicts the letters “ni” in small case,N in black, I in white.
    Reasons for chosing black=notion or idea is always blurry or dark,until v put it on papers,thereby i-ink puts our thought into reality.
    Hence the darkness paves way for light or it bcomes Illuminated(justifies choosing white)..
    Yet the darkness still remains in black bcos ur entire idea hasnt been materialised to the fullest,thus the “i” also depicts the light at d end of the tunnel.
    If u look at the bigger picture,the whole image shows the nib of a pen, symbolizing that the ideas are going to b converted to reality by it.
    One more thing to be noticed is,the “i” looks lik a person at the centre, symbolizing customers participation as the vital/central part of the product,which i believe is what notion ink is doing right now.:-)

  557. Thanks. Informative. This clearly explains what pitfalls to avoid.

    I do believe that the logo should represent the company – if your going by buy a pair of shades get ones that match your personality.

  558. So what’s next…are we going to have a slogan contest? I like Sony’s slogan MAKE.BELIEVE and it’s so simple yet it works great. How about…

    Creation.Innovation

    It’s creation by innovation. That’s all what Notion Ink is about. It has reference to the bible (as is Adam) and they just don’t create a product that is the same as everyone else’s or a copycat of another but an innovation or improvement of what is currently the best out there. Another slogan that would work…

    Creation begins…

    This is a take of the first words of the bible in Genesis (In the beginning…) and is in keeping with the bible theme. Notion Ink represents God. It creates products like the Adam tablet, the Eve/Eva smartphone, the Eden multi-tasking feature and perhaps future devices named Cain, Abel and Seth or software, features, and projects named after angels Lucifer, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Suriel and Phanuel or books of the bible Enoch, Jubilees, Isaiah, Leviticus, Ezra, etc. Anyway, this brings us to another slogan…

    The Revelation Begins.

    It’s a play on the word revolution but in keeping with the bible theme, Revelation is more appropriate. Notion Ink is a revelation in itself for making products that are innovative and revolutionary.

  559. Yes there is a meaning behind the N! (factorial). Read Eric’s (the designer) comment in an earlier post. His concept behind it explains the identity of Notion Ink and that is why many loved it and that it is the basic reason why Rohan selected it as one of the finalists.

  560. Ok its time for my mega revised logo:
    Coment under my work was – Wonderful Concept! But needs a lot of revision – so i revised and revised and ……
    I hope I didn’t make to much – but now I fell that this is it. Now is time to rest and think.

  561. I like the 3rd one but it needs a dot to represent the I in ink. Logo is like a take on the word infinity. Just black and white is good. No color because it will mostly use in black and white. Color is secondary to the logo which will come later…Notion Ink will decide what colors it should represent (probably saffron yellow and grass green to represent the Indian flag)

  562. Thanks for the input. I guess that’s what I was looking for, for people to tell what needed to be changed so I could change the way I create logo’s in general. Thanks again.

  563. I like it but it needs an icon. I don’t think typeface alone is enough to represent Notion Ink. Apple has both. This can probably be combined with one of the entries that has no company name to go along with their icon.

  565. All finalists…please read this. I cannot stress this enough:

    “A major indication of a poorly designed logo is graphic effects that can be added in Photoshop like 3D embossing, shadows, glares, or photo imagery. It’s important to know that simplicity does not mean that the logo is missing anything. In fact, to aid in functionality, the logo must be simple.

    A great logo must have the ability to be printed or used in all of the contexts mentioned above and still represent the company effectively. A few things that are important when talking about functionality are the simplicity, scalability, color, and depth. It’s important to the functionality of a logo that it’s not too intricate and that it doesn’t incorporate things like gradients or shadows as integral parts of the design. When the logo is reduced in size or placed on a loud background, it should retain its integrity. In addition, the logo should allow for two color presentation, such as black on white, as it would be on a t-shirt.”

  566. I like your version better. Logo #11 looks like a person. Why a person? What does that have to do with Notion Ink? Even Rohan said it looks like MSN logo. this is not one of my favorites but some like it for some reason. I don’t like the shape, it looks weird. In fact if you’re more imaginative, it would look phallic. The red N looks like the head and the body of the I looking like the shaft while the dot, if it’s any smaller, will look like…you get my drift? The letters also are too small, it’s disproportionate to the icon.

  567. The brain looks surreal. It’s too literal and gory. It can probably work if it’s more stylized but a brain inside a lightbulb? Shouldn’t the light bulb be outside the brain…you know like in a thought bubble? It’s interesting but it doesn’t represent the company. It’s not a MENSA club. Ink is not represented. The light bulb is an outdated form for a logo, it just doesn’t represent the company as forward thinking. Not so sure why Rohan wants to go in this direction.

  568. I believe this logo will make the final cut. It’s simple yet, because of the dot which — like Kurma said — has the illusion of moving around the N, gives the logo dynamism. But we do like to see all of these semi-finalist logos in just their basic form which is black on white or white on black. Then we will know who actually would stand out without any eye candy.

    I agree, the inside part of the N surrounding the dot should have the same pointiness of the outside edge.

  569. Thank you, it is nice to see that there are others that look a bit more critical at those logos. If you read my explanation of my thoughts behind my logo you will see that at the end I also saw a person in my version. I think it has a lot to do with notion ink. Besides the two obvious connections
    notion and ink
    which every finalist logo has somehow corporated this company has in my opinion a much greater value which really needs to be represented, because that is one of the values which are the huge difference to all the other companies and that is

    the interaction with the community here, the people

    As much as I have in my head now there are only two out of 43 final logos which are incorparating that value which makes me really wonder if the final logo will represent the values which make notion ink stand out of the crowd…

  570. When did I say that I didn’t like the top 43. I said I didn’t like everything from the top 43. Which proofs that you have a problem with reading -_-“.

    I’m not hating on anyone. I’m just saying that the top 43 could be much better and that i’m dissapointed that none of my designs were chosen. That’s all I said.

  571. I think it needs a totally different way of splash altogether. The logo doesn’t do anything for me. An ink droplet with a splash, i guess that’s unique that’s why it was selected. The logo reminds me of a printer or printing company more than Notion Ink. Next…!

  572. This is a clever way of spelling out Notion Ink. I might add to your critique that the first O should not only be filled but should be circular like the 2nd thought bubble. Either that or change the typeface. Select a typeface close to what he has now but one that has a perfectly round O.

    I noticed that the 1st smallest thought bubble is flatter then the 2nd medium size one is a circle and then culminating into the large O which is an oblong shape. I see that that was intended but it would be better to have them all just solid or hollow circles.

    I kinda like it except for that tiny detail. This is similar to another entry but only one of them will make the top 10 finalists.

  573. I like the thought bubble concept. Maybe the largest bubble would turn into an ink droplet, ink blot or ink splat but that would defeat the simplicity of this logo. Very legible in all backgrounds and scales. I agree to just put in normal perspective and without the angle because I don’t think it would position well in the corner of the Adam.

    The slogan is a copycat of Nike’s. How about Think Innovation?

  574. Ya! u see they r looking only for the single color simple one. that’s the criteria. As they have printing issues for the multicolor.

  575. This one is definitely better in version #1 than #2.

    However, you might try playing with it to convey an image of transition from physical world to digital world. When I look at it, I’m expecting something to be pouring out of the titled part on top of the “N” and digitizing the word ink.

  576. These ideas are pretty much right on. I think the main issues are that it’s first impression is a good one. Not that it’s memorable or conveys a message but that it doesn’t convey the wrong or a negative impression. For example, an old fashioned, ugly, poorly designed or sloppy image all leaves an immediate first impression that is poor. So, you’re not necessarily shooting for something amazing, you’re shooting to remove negatives.

    Second, it needs to be relevant. That is, you should be able to see the logo for 1 second and know the company. So, it needs to be simple and easy to read. Most important, it needs to have the name in it.

    Third, it should be unique. It should have some visually unique imagery so that it is not just another such and such. That’s why a light bulb should not be used.

  577. hey! ganzio…osumn job man. Sadly mine din’t get selected too. But, not even close to yours. Let me say i’m impressed with effort u have put in. Your work inspires me. Even if it din’t make through. Maybe because of the multicolor I guess.

    Man u have my word. Once i receive my ‘adam’. First thing i’m gonno do to it is customize your version of the logo onto the body.
    Well! If u agree with tat.

  578. hey! budo nice 1. Like your work!
    I too did have a thought before, on something to do with the brain & idea conection. But, couldn’t make it as a lack of skills or rather not a pro.
    But, surely would like to know how do u make these. How do u conceptulize it to start with & what is the process to create them & with which software?

  579. Does Jason have 3 entries that made it?! Wow! That’s as impressive as Pratik. But two of Jason’s logos look very similar where they are just different versions.

    Anyway, my other suggestion…leave the I where it is, mirror it so it will be symmetrical with the left leg of the N. Then make the arch symmetrical as well making the whole logo a stylized version of NI. I’m not a fan of the ellipse background. A circle is a perfect shape and like Notion Ink’s products, they are perfect. Make the Notion Ink lettering bigger so the Icon doesn’t drown it. Maybe the icon should just be twice the size as the company name. Try placing the company name place on the right side like it should show on the Adam.

  580. This is my favorite one but I think it might be better without the drops of sweat coming off of the wings, and also without the support strut in the front wing (the whole inside should be black). Also, the curlies in the front don’t go at all with the straight lines in the butterfly; something straighter and less “artsy” would be better, I think.

    This is *potentially* my favorite, I mean.

  581. Of all three entries by Jason, this is the one I like the best. I don’t think I would change anything to it. It’s already in grey scale, maybe just make it black and white with the background being grey and make the white canvass more square, meaning equal in length on all sides but keep the rounded edges? Not sure what the concept is behind the logo but just like SONY, the typeface will define the company. I think this will make the final cut.

  582. correction: the curlies in the FONT (not the “front’) don’t go well with the butterfly.

    Am bad proofreeder.

  583. There are some pretty decent designers out there, but I didn’t see any really great logos. I don’t see anything that really connotes a transition from the physical world to the digital world. I don’t really understand the whole explanation what the name notion ink represents–writing on a paper challenges you every day and that notion ink represents putting ink to paper. I just don’t get what that has to do with designing the next great tablet device.

    This company seems to be more about building devices that think about their user and design around their needs and uses. Improve upon existence. Apple is all about elegance and simplicity. They want to make devices that people are proud to carry around because they are beautiful. They want the user interface to be simple and intuitive; something I could teach to my 5 year old. Many of the things that Apple gets highly praised for are “duh” items. You look at what they are getting high praise for and you say to yourself, “well, duh, why didn’t all the other devices to that”. They were the first company to make significant use of the mouse as a simpler user interface, graphical user interface simplified usability, touchpad on a phone improved usability, etc. Steve Jobs’ vision is simplicity and beauty. Make electronics fashionable rather than functional, but make their functions simple rather than technical.

    What is Notion Ink about? I think if you answer those questions, you’ll realize that ink is probably not relevant to your logo. I think if you’re looking for something that tries to convey more about your company and its products, I’m leaning toward the logo that has ink on top with a blue background behind the ‘i’ in an architectural type drawing and it transitions to white, gray then black. I think it needs a lot of work and should have fewer colors, but is an interesting idea.

    I also like the concepts that have the thought bubbles going into the “o” connoting an idea but doing so in a creative way. They both could use some work but have an interesting idea.

    And, for just a simple idea is the one that has an ‘n’ with a circle in the middle and under the name says “enlightening expectations”. The design is interesting and could be the basis of something interesting.

  584. Just like the previous logo this one defines the company identity through its typeface. I still think that Notion Ink needs an icon. I think this is a good complement to other logos that did not include the company name.

    I see the idea…cutout NOTION (the background color or texture showing through while the INK is filled with ink. In its simplest form without any graphic effects how would this look like? Can it still stand out or will it look to bland and boring? I like the modern font very much so that in itself adds interest.

  586. Devoid of graphic treatments, I see that you are trying to make NOTION a cut out to see how it would look like on the Adam. The Adam is black so how would this work?

  587. Hi inmypjs, you´re right in quoting that part, but I think all professionals in this thread have repeated this over and over again in different tones.

    Several finalists have send in different versions to show exactly that but in the 43 only one of the set seems to be taken. In most cases from what I have seen not the basis ones, but the fluffy versions which were probably meant as illustrations what you could do with the basic logo.

    So the question is does NotionInk knows all of this otherwise the list of 43 could have been presented in a different way. Furthermore the problem remains that the end jury will be consumers who will not be aware of the basic logo restrictions. So I sincerely fear that the wrong ones will be among the top 10 and the most fancy will win.

    It won´t be good for adam´s success and that will be crucial for the survival of notionink. Someone suggested to just give out a price and use a completely different design from a professional bureau but there won´t be enough time to go that process.

    I don´t participate in this contest but know the corporate identity process in-and out and have been involved in all roles over the last thirty years. There is just no way you can go through all the briefings, sketches, focus groups, refinements, tests etc before adam will be manufactured. So somehow something sensible has to be chosen out of the current 43 and from then on notionink can always give the price to the publics choice and use a different one for production.

  588. It’s busy and doesn’t do anything. Look at it for 1 second and then tell me what it said to you? What company was it? I think you’ll realize then that it isn’t conveying much information.

  589. Not one of my favorites. A simple bulb and it doesn’t really give any connotation about being an idea. In fact to me, it’s just a plain old light bulb…leaking fluid. The font leaves much to be desired too, it’s too 70s i think. The ink droplet on top of the I makes the I look like a candle. And what is the concept behind three rounded corners while leaving one on the bottom right square? If this is put on the Adam, the Notion Ink name will be on the right side…then that destroys the designer’s concept of a bulb leaking ink.

  590. I like these:

    https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/maz.jpg?w=



    The first one of my choices is my favorite out of the entire bundle. It’s clean and simple, reminds me of the ASUS logo/name. If I had to choose one out of these 41, it would be

    None of the logos that are in these do anything for me that say I am simple and can stand by myself for a computer company logo.

  591. Correction in the right place (it got placed in the wrong thread; sorry):

    … the curlies in the FONT (not “front”) don’t go at all with the straight lines in the butterfly.

  592. OH MY! (As George Takae would say) Why do you like that logo?

    Don’t say this is a stupid logo contest. You’re just being impatient. Whatever is keeping them, they may have no control over it. This contest is just a way to keep consumers involved, besides it’s the interaction, community and collaboration with its consumers is what keeps NI apart from other companies. We also do not want a half-baked product full of bugs.

  593. definitely agree. It’s like the ink. There’s too much emphasis and focus on these things but I don’t see how they represent the company’s vision at all. At its most basic concept, the company’s vision is to build products that eliminate ink and make digitizing your life viable.

  594. I actually like your logo. I think it should be there. with the top 43.

    What I don’t get is this rule:

    “There are so many reasons that why so many logos were not selected, like being similar to a lot of existing logos, extremely difficult to print in one-two color, using proprietary images from the net (serious issue)”

    I see some logos there that has more than 2 colors there. I kinda wish this rule was stated before this contest started.

    Anyway. Congrats to everyone who made it in the top 43. I kinda wish NI had more time to look at at all 4500 logo submission. Kinda seems like it was “flipped through the pages”. I actually submitted mine too, but I don’t think I made it in time since I didn’t get a reply from NI that they got my logo. Oh well… Awesome work everyone. Now let’s get this logo out and done with. And we want to see more Adam. 🙂

  595. Jeff I would stay with the original design or the other design with the Shadows. I would say yours is the best out of all the 43 logos. As for changing the background color it completely loses the design with no shadows and a grey background. Lets say they choose to do the logo in the middle of the device on the back and light it up with LEDs. So if it is done similar to how Apple does their logo, I can see the shadows show up some with the definition of the word “notion” being lit up. If you look at the apple when it is lit up it kinda has a shadow around the edge.

    So keep the shadows and the font. If you follow Dominic’s suggestions then I will have to find a different design to choose. His suggestions loose the whole essence of your design. The shadows give the “notion” enough of a definition thats its cut from a material. Adding a black line around the letters would not help it, if you cut a letter from a material you don’t see a thick line around it you only see the edge and shadows behind like your original or the other with shadows. Keep eith one of the those two and you have my vote for sure.

  596. Hey ppl! HOW ABOUT THIS…..even better. Must read very Important!
    LOGO CONTEST!

    “RESOLUTION AMONGST THE FANBOYS vs NI”

    U all say u want all the works to be displayed, apart from those 40’s selected.
    Many who aren’t up there, had also put quite an effort with very impressive works.

    I say what if we fans persue team NI with the resolution below:-

    Apart from the finalized Official Logo on 28th Oct.
    What if we persue NI to come out with a scheme of “Special Limited Edition Adam’s” buy outs espically for those fan’s who have all participated & contributed for the ‘LOGO CONTEST’. Give them all (participating fans) a choice to choose from some 100 logo’s filtered out of those 4000 by NI team. If not the discounts which is left for those 40’s.

    The fans won’t mind spending some extra BUK’S for those “Limited Editions” & get their choice of Logo’s (Maybe a choice to select even their own) printed
    ‘ALONG WITH THE OFFICIAL LOGO’.

    This way it’s a WIN-WIN situation 4 all those fans who are not-selected/ selected & NI.
    Every 1 goes happy! Notion Ink is hailed by its fans! And the word spreads even faster in the Tablet’s market, of the Cool looking limited Adams! Notion Ink gets even more famous with such marketing plans & the word spread outside through fan’s.

    Plz! Vote below if you agree with this. And make your point heard to Rohan! 🙂

  597. It’s suppose to be an eye? A half-moon and a sun formed into an eye? The old version uses a red arrow for the red speck so I don’t know what was that about. Now it’s just red speck for some weird reason. I think it wants to look like a palm where the center is the mouse track ball and the three (why 3?) are suppose to be fingers. The red one is the clicking finger. I’m jsut trying to make sense of it.

    Overall, I think the logo has nothing to do with a mouse which was the original product that Logitech made. The typeface is one of the worse too.

  598. Hey ppl! HOW ABOUT THIS…..even better. Must read very Important!
    LOGO CONTEST!

    ——————————————- @ “RESOLUTION AMONGST THE FANBOYS vs NI” @ ————————-

    U all say u want all the works to be displayed, apart from those 40’s selected.
    Many who aren’t up there, had also put quite an effort with very impressive works.

    I say what if we fans persue team NI with the resolution below:-

    Apart from the finalized Official Logo on 28th Oct.
    What if we persue NI to come out with a scheme of “Special Limited Edition Adam’s” buy outs espically for those fan’s who have all participated & contributed for the ‘LOGO CONTEST’. Give them all (participating fans) a choice to choose from some 100 logo’s filtered out of those 4000 by NI team. If not the discounts which is left for those 40’s.

    The fans won’t mind spending some extra BUK’S for those “Limited Editions” & get their choice of Logo’s (Maybe a choice to select even their own) printed
    ‘ALONG WITH THE OFFICIAL LOGO’.

    This way it’s a WIN-WIN situation 4 all those fans who are not-selected/ selected & NI.
    Every 1 goes happy! Notion Ink is hailed by its fans! And the word spreads even faster in the Tablet’s market, of the Cool looking limited Adams! Notion Ink gets even more famous with such marketing plans & the word spread outside through fan’s.

    Plz! Vote if you agree with this. And make your point heard to Rohan! 🙂

  600. Hey ppl! HOW ABOUT THIS…..even better. Must read very Important!
    LOGO CONTEST! Great work to all you guys! But, read this..adressing to all participants.

    ———————————————- @ “RESOLUTION AMONGST THE FANBOYS vs NI”
    @ —————————————————————–

    U all say u want all the works to be displayed, apart from those 40’s selected.
    Many who aren’t up there, have also put quite an effort, few very Impressive Works.

    I say what if we fans persue team NI with the resolution below:-

    Apart from the finalized Official Logo on 28th Oct.
    What if we persue NI to come out with a scheme of “Special Limited Edition Adam’s” buy outs espically for those fan’s who have all participated & contributed for the ‘LOGO CONTEST’. Give them all (participating fans) a choice to choose from some 100 logo’s filtered out of those 4000 by NI team. If not the discounts which is left for those 40’s.

    The fans won’t mind spending some extra BUK’S for those “Limited Editions” & get their choice of Logo’s (Maybe a choice to select even their own) printed
    ‘ALONG WITH THE OFFICIAL LOGO’.

    This way it’s a WIN-WIN situation 4 all those fans who are not-selected/ selected & NI.
    Every 1 goes happy! Notion Ink is hailed by its fans! And the word spreads even faster in the Tablet’s market, of the Cool looking limited Adams! Notion Ink gets even more famous with such marketing plans & the word spread outside through fan’s.

    Plz! Vote +1 if you agree with this. And make your point heard to Rohan! 🙂

  601. @ andrew

    that excactly shows the weakspot which so many of the chosen 43logos have. They are not applicable or lose their specialty when you try to make a simple version for an everyday use, because the logo is going to be used more on other things then on the adam. That’s why I guess if Rohan doesn’t make the rule that everyone has to change their logo into a simple black and white, the poll won’t give him a usable logo.

  604. Here’s a graphic treatment of the N factorial that Eric is requesting everyone to help him out with and I urge everyone to do so. The good thing is that it’s already in a shirt!

    thoughts?

  606. @ Andrew. I agree with Dominic. It shows the weakness of his logo. If you cannot transfer this to other media then it fails in its purpose. The logo should work with the media, not the other way around. So not voting for this logo means you are right because you said that it doesn’t work for you.

  607. It’s a stylized pen, but it also looks like a pencil or a crayola. I have mixed feelings about this logo. Make the background white and also make one that’s inverse.

    Some people may read the INK as ONK. So my suggestion is to keep the width of the I the same as NK.

  608. This might actually make it to the top 10. Using ink drops of varying sizes to represent people holding hands to symbolize community while the arrows in the negative space connotates going one direction in unison. I suggest a dot in the middle, but that’s just me.

    Make NOTION in black (dark grey right now) and all the others in grey/silver. Need to see an inverse version too since the Adam is black.

  610. I like the thought bubble idea, like i said before. In addition to Dominic’s suggestions, I think you should have different treatment for INK to separate it from the word NOTION.

    If you take out the ear from the N inside the thought bubble like Dominic said then it might work. The N placed in the 2nd thought bubble and ending in nothing may not work. The typeface kinda look like the Nook also.

  611. I like your logo better than any of the “Top 43”. I felt the same way at my rejection (with out so much as a reply thanking me for my submission.) I could accept defeat more easily if most of the top logos were of the same calibre as yours (although, of course, I expected mine at least to make it to the finals), but the choices made seem almost arbitrary.

    Oh well. I was never any good at losing.

  613. What is the concept behind this logo? A stencil font? Isn’t this kinda military? I can’t even tell what the word is because I cant see the T and instead see two I’s.

    The designer should explain how he came up with this. What does the triple less than sign mean…isn’t that the symbol for sergeant? Rohan, can you explain why you selected this? If you want this to win, what kind of corporate identity are you trying to convey? I’m very surprised this even made it considering the thousands of entries with better concept.

  614. Also not one of my favorites. Not sure what the concept behind it. INterest is created by lifting the ink higher than NOTION, emphasizing it by making it bold & different color and using a different shaped dot for the I.

    I think the typeface is boring and it would look even boring without the graphic treatments. It needs an actual icon to catch attention, otherwise it looks ordinary.

  615. This is an iteration of other logos with the NOTION in a thin font and the INK in a bold font. It actually looks nice when placed on the Adam (as Maz showed later to explain his design) but what it does is just create a typeface that would identify the company. An icon I think is necessary to identify the company without having to include the name. This might actually work well combined with the other logos that didn’t use the company name like logos #1 and #2.

  616. Plz! Explain the concept. I don’t understand 1st & the 2nd Logo.

    Why is the ‘I’ on top of the ‘N’ there? What does it signify?
    And what are those ‘Symmetrically Arranged Scalene Triangles’ there for? So, where is the I & N in there?

  617. Dominic and inmypjs
    I didn’t say his has a weakness. I can easily see his logo being used without changing it, using his second logo on his new post. Its already in black and white, so its boiled down as far as it can go.

    I think a location of the logo is the other giant part of the look of the logo too. Is it gonna go on the back of the product is it gonna go in the upper corner like others have shown theirs on the adam, it a big decision for Rohan and the rest of Notion Ink.

    But the real decision doesn’t lie with us it is for Rohan and the rest of NI. So I will have to wait till the final 10.

  618. the third with a dot would also look kind of similar to mine, just a bit more wide

    but it is definitely better than the hbsc version before, if that was the one before revision…

  619. I like the font better now – it’s more readable. I don’t know why the butterfly has lost its rounded shape. If you want something timeless then what could be more so than something that doesn’t change – the actual butterfly. I am curious what the significance of the logo is – not that it’s of much consequence.

  620. I love the transformation.simple yet effective.the previous one with just the curves can be a good logo too.how about in the centre.

    but still i have issue with a butterfly.as gecko himself had said its logo of mirasol.

    butterfly is too gentle.its always associated with with Nature Inc related companies.

  621. the Second and Third suggestion was just my opinion, but the First part is a must.
    No company will print everything in color just because they don’t have a black and white version of their logo. Don’t forget the Adam is not the only place where this logo will appear.

  622. I agree, if you can’t find any that really wows you go for the sensible ones – easy to read and clean looking. I like your first choice but wonder how it would be modified for printing on shipping carton. And for the fifth one I wonder if the the name notion ink is that obvious to someone who hasn’t heard of the company before – printing the full name together under it will look dumb. Three of the remaining four are in my shortlist of five.

  623. agree with you.do not change the original design drastically that it becomes a new design.

  624. These are all very nice but lack that certain quality that would make them memoreble., They are o’k but easily glossed over.

  625. I also think that the light bulb idea is archaic for the new millenium. This one is just a plain light bulb without the colored background effects. You take that away then we are left with a light bulb with a wave inside. I’m scratching my head why this was selected because the samples that Rohan presented to us in the previous blog have better light bulb renditions.

    First thing that came to mind…are we looking at an Electric Company? So I don’t know what the team at Notion Ink was thinking in selecting this. If we are just going for a light bulb to represent idea for a logo then there are way much better logos out there….take a look at these:

    http://graphicleftovers.com/graphic/set-of-light-bulb-logos/

    They only cost $10

    there are more here far more interesting, quirkier and more dynamic:

    http://www.dreamstime.com/item.php?imageid=14977074

    http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-26323030/stock-vector-set-of-environmental-light-bulbs-isolated-on-a-white-background.html

    http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-58027648/stock-vector-light-bulb-icon-on-square-black-internet-button-original-illustration.html

  626. There are two submitted like this. It’s a word play on Notion Ink. It’s clever but I agree that we have a startup company trying to make a name for itself and combining the two words like this will only make it confusing for the layman. First and foremost, the ordinary consumer who first sees the logo have no idea what a NOTIONK is. Then they recognize that the word is Notion Ink. The other entry (logo #15) is better than this because that one gives full emphasis on the word INK and it has a thought bubble as a symbol.

    This one is just a word. The typeface is quite thin and it doesn’t identify the company. I put this in the bottom of the heap along with some others. Not sure why this was chosen when there is already Logo #15 that is quite similar. That being said, some people would see NOT O before seeing the word INK.

  627. this was my repy earlier on:

    Logo no. 30

    I can just say that the right version got chosen, because it is applicable everywhere, but it looks a bit too much alien which is in my opinion not really supporting the values of notion ink. Sorry I didn’t come up with any improvement.

    to your other versions:

    notionink2.jpg
    the first one reminds my of some company that makes pens
    the second l don’t see any meaning towards the values of notion ink

    notionink4.jpg
    reminds me too much of an apple

    both your additional versions are very hard to recognize in the small versions…

  628. It is a more stylized version of a thought bubble which is thinking of an ink…hence the droplet symbol. I think it’s very clever. It doesn’t look like bubble bath as Kurma said. I prefer a typeface where the O is a perfect round. Maybe make them all small case or upper case. Play around with it.

    If you put the company name on the right however, the thought bubble loses its impact because the way I see it, Notion Ink is thinking. It may make the top 10 finalists.

  629. Agree with both Dominic and Kurma. This one looks weird. I can’t make out what it’s about. Is that suppose to be an emoticon? You can make this symmetrical by making the T and the I look alike. The logo is unusable if you scale it down to a business card or a header for a stationary because you will not be able to read the word INK. Also a quick glance looks like it’s NOT ON. That’s not an identity you want for a company.

    Not my favorite and it places close to the bottom of my list.

  630. I don’t like it but you do and some people. I know it’s a very stylized take on INFINITY using two drops of ink to look like a mobius band. Clever but the shape looks weird plus the typeface sucks! Looks old. It looks like it’s done in the 70s.

    The logo looks similar to the ones below:

    http://en.battlestarwiki.org/wiki/Soldiers_of_the_One

    and here’s another take of the infinity symboll using the negative space as the ink droplet shape.

    http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-3949657/stock-photo–d-silver-infinity-symbol.html

  631. In this case people who already know the company may not be the best to judge if this is a good logo.

  632. @ Ganzio: Hey..your logo is great..I actually like it…and that too for something like a light bulb(which I was thoroughly against)..I actually like the idea..its quite innovative..I don’t really know wy it wasn’t selected but take heart at the fact that it was really cool idea..you can imagine it as a “sinking in” kind of logo..cheers!!!

  633. Definitely revise the INC to INK. The typeface is too thin and small. I like the fact that it’s done in black and white. I see the concept. They are molecules that are splitting. It’s like they are evolving to create the letter N. Although wouldn’t it look like it’s a biotechnology company?

    I’ve seen a similar logo before. Take a look at these:

  634. That makes sense – the company won’t have to reinvent it’s image, just add something on to make it more spicy.

  636. Better dont change, now that reminds me of a castle falling down or a dog looking for water (by the white space)…

  637. While I saw many comments about how a logo should be distinctive, creative and attractive taking example of many of the international brands, if you all *think* for a while, most of the logos did not make those companies what they are today, but their products – high quality, high standard ones that made those logos to be remembered!. Let us hope and wish notion ink too inks their name because of their *quality, wonderful* product and not just the logo.

    Having said that, I again wish all the participants and the selected finalists all the very best.

  638. I like this just by the sheer minimalistic design. However I found a very similar logo.

    http://www.newimageartists.com/

    The company name is definitely necessary to go wth the emblem because there is no concept behind the NI

    The NI and typeface defines the company by themselves. I think it will make the top 10 finalists

  639. I think it represents a box that is about to open and that’s why some people like it. I can understand why you see it as a logo for a language school, perhaps teaching Spanish because the I on top of the N looks like a stylized enye. Not my favorite of the three Pratik designs.

  640. ah it supposed to be out of the box…

    i did some changes so it looks more like a box and a lid. So the lid is connected to the box… don’t know how easy it is to see the i now though….

  641. This looks like one of my submission where I used a lightning bolt to represent the N and th I.

    This one by Pratik however looks like a logo that I have seen before and it’s not the HSBC logo. I think Rohan likes this one because there maybe some golden ratio/rule in the design?

  642. I think she’s showing the scaled down version to see what it would look like in that size. What is the concept behind the squares? Are they supposed to be bubbles? panels? Not sure also how this one was selected because I have no idea what the concept is.

    The fonts are good though and like some of the others the INK is emphasized to get your attention. But it should be in grey not hot pink. This doesn’t stand out compared to the others similar to it. In fact, it looks like just a variation of the others save for the square bubbles at the corner of the Notion which to me it looks like it’s growing a tumor…LOL just kidding!

  643. The concept is an ink splat that shaped into a butterfly and inside the butterfly you can see a light bulb. But this is so busy that it is unusable in several media.

    He is making changes to the logo by simplifying it and stylizing the ink splat. I don’t think butterfly will be a popular concept here only because it is also overused just like the light bulb. Rohan however fancies the light bulb more. I think he wants to go retro. I’m ok with the font except that the NOTION should be in grey or outline.

    Not sure if this will make the top 10 list unless it is way improved.

  644. I don’t get this logo and why many people like it. I know a few of us don’t because it looks like a logo for a bunch of slackers. A person sitting down or lounging around doesn’t speak about Notion Ink’s corporate identity. This is one of them in the bottom half of my list. Yea, it’s good for maybe a bookstore logo but not for this contest.

  645. I like this concept. It’s very clever but I agree that it’s religious and therefore some people may have a problem with it. It also is in conflict with the whole theme of Notion Ink which is the Christian Bible. That’s a pity…if it’s given a very good graphic treatment using a different typeface that is not too recognizable as a Hindu alphabet then it could work. However, it kinda contradicts the global nature or universality of Notion Ink.

    That being said I still think it will make the top 10 list because most voters here are not biased against any religion. We should all be ecumenical.

  648. Hey inmypjs that New Image Artists logo does look similar but there’s too much going on in it.
    There’s also the National Institute of Design (NID) logo which uses negative space –

    But the difference lies in approach. Also mine looks the same even when upside down (symmetry).

  649. Well, it needs colour, anti-aliasing and another font for the name.

    The colouring should not be flashy, just soft tones. Also some shadow might lighten things up 😉

    Another nice thing would be to incorporate ‘notion ink’ inside the logo. A lot of small ‘notion ink’s that follow the right border and that’s also faintly visible inside the shadow. That way you can just drop the name below the logo all together.

  650. Dominic, I am tired of you trolling all over the place butchering people’s hard work.
    You certainly aren’t much of a Walter Landor yourself (looking at your childish artwork). What creative authority do you hold, that you are critiquing all the designs of all the finalists and ripping them to shreds?

    Who the hell are you?

  652. I have made the required changes in the third one.
    The triangles looked like an abstract ‘Ni’ but I think it was too abstract and too ‘sharp’. The newer version has the same font but Notion & Ink have the same weight now. Also the graphic is now a bold and curvy ‘N’.

  653. That may be true, but you must also think why people buy a brand. If it’s simply because of reputation then user experience, word of mouth and reading reviews would be enough to convince everyone. If that was the case why a company like Apple spends half a billion a year on advertising? People’s impression of a company no matter how superficial is just as important. When you are competing against other companies that are as good as you, you need all the help you can get to convince people that you are better.

  656. @ Alan – thanks ^^

    @ Dominic : yeah of course first part is a must, in the way a logo absolutely must be usable in 1 color. But it does not have to be a plain black, for example in case of w & b printing i think a warm gray is better for the eye, softer, less agressive. That’s what i meant in my first answer, sorry i was not more explicit.

  657. Firstly it’s different enough, and secondly I’ve never heard of this company. So I don’t see any problem. I’m also confident this one will make it into the top 10 – but that means zip, people can make surprising choices, after all we are all very different.

  658. I don’t understand why do u like the 1st one. What so clean & simle about it?
    I just din’t understand the concept. What is that splash of ink is? How can it be wonderfull concept.

  659. Frankly i don’t understand the concept of either of your Logo’s Pratik. And i don’t understand why they are up there either?

    Can u explain them to us all.

  663. Nice entries you have there Zaif. Here’s mine http://thisiskawaii.com/ni/notionINK_logo_Entry.png I also incorporated the ink drop too with the exclamation point, to make an “Ni” look in the middle, then I added the rest of the words so when you look at it from left to right it will read Notion ink. Mine didn’t get picked. Don’t know if it made it in time. Pretty sure I made it by the due date and time. Just I wasn’t sure cause I never seen a reply back on the email that they received it, oh well.. good luck to all the Finalists. Aloha from Hawaii 🙂

  664. I don’t understand why people like things that I hate. That’s basically what you are saying. Well the answer is simple – we are all different. And that’s a good thing – don’t knock it.

  667. Excuse me for the double posts, replies didn’t seem to work for 2 days but now they’re all posted.

  670. I really like this one, the flow of the word ink, instantly gives my the impression of movement being free and adaptable, able to go outside the square not to being constrained.

    Some people have asked to see the logo on ” adam”. Placement is going to be really important. I don’t want another logo in addition to “adam”, not on the front at least . “adam is “adam”- what we’ve all been waiting for. “adam” is Notion Ink to me. Look at reaction when people spotted “ADAM” in the pics instead of “adam”. Obviously NI will become more than “adam” maintaining the same font for the device names will be an identifier in itself, as well as the theme. We don’t need a clash of logos going on. “adam” is already in our hearts and minds.

    Don’t envy the decision makers on this one , good luck to all

  671. Hear me out. This is obviously a rant, but I implore you to read all of it.

    No offense to the other creators here, but I am a graphic designer. I submitted a logo as well. I was hoping to see it up here, among some other really good ones. It was not. That’s not the annoying part. The annoying part is that the final set I am looking at is a total farce of design.

    Some of you probably worked hard on these things. But it’s time for some tough love. This particular argument does not relate to the issue of taste, or meaning of the shapes, because that is subjective and even more heated a discussion. I can get into that in another post, if you wish. As for that point, suffice it to say that many of these logos have no meaning at all, or are sending mixed messages.

    The most immediate issue here is that most of these entries don’t even count as logos on a basic level.

    For instance, a logo must be able to exist in black & white in its simplest state. Gradations, fades, excessive coloring, etc. are what make them ILLUSTRATIONS, not logos. This is your first clue in identifying untrained designers. And please don’t take that as a snobby remark. EVERY real graphic designer looking at this site is LIVID with what they are looking at now. This literally looks like the clip-art that comes with MS Word.

    So many good rules have been broken, and, yes, there are rules in design (for you non-designers who have no clue what designers actually have to learn and do for a living). It is not just some haphazard, random thing we do every day. Some rules are meant to be broken, and some rules save you from making a fool of yourself.

    To be honest, I am offended by what I am seeing. How am I supposed to feel? Engineers would be offended if a bunch of artists were to suddenly decide to go out and build a suspension bridge to replace the Golden Gate. Would you take that bridge on your commute to the office? Would you take a ride on jet plane that was designed by graphic designers?

    Notion, you simply aren’t taking the logo seriously enough. This is an artform in itself. Unfortunately, this is common engineer vs. artist thinking and politics. If someone is not trained to design graphics, they should NOT be expected to do a logo. If someone isn’t a trained engineer, that person should NOT design your batteries and screen. There are dire consequences for both types of scenarios. It does work both ways. It’s not about limiting what people are capable of, it’s about getting the best result possible with the people you have.

    Not everyone can design and build a working tablet device. Guess what? Not everyone can design a logo, either. Just because you have Adobe on your computer, doesn’t make you an artist. Having AutoCAD on my PC doesn’t make me an engineer.

    Currently, what I am seeing is a great deal of care and thoughtfulness being put into the physical adam product, but then throwing the whole marketing aspect to the wind.

    Just because the adam is born of the community, does not mean that the community is without appropriately skilled people. The great majority of the logos you’ve picked are coming from the ‘wrong’ people. Sorry. Again, do not construe this as a snobby remark. It is the same as saying “use the right tool for the job”. You are using screwdrivers to do a wrench’s task.

    I hate to say it, but part of the problem here is that the judges are apparently not too well-versed in logo work, either. Please do some actual research on the subject. Look at what works and what doesn’t. You will find that the most of these logos chosen simply do not work in real life. Due diligence is crucial.

    Everything else about this project has looked so “legitimate” and promising so far. From what I understand, a professional working in the automotive field designed part of the body of the adam. Well, he sounds like the right guy for that job. The logo should receive equally qualified attention. It doesn’t have to be a logo created by me or one of my many design pals. It just has to be a respectable one. Even with a solid product, a goofy logo will make selling it very awkward. Especially if you wish to compete with the likes of Apple.

    To the judges: at the very least, pick ones that are ACTUALLY logos and are practical to apply in real life. The simplest test? Print it out on a common laser printer on white paper. Just try it, and in very small sizes as well. You will start to understand.

    Some of you out there may think I am a horrible troll. You could not be more wrong. Ignorance is a very dangerous thing, and will only hurt the product. You are exactly who this post is intended for. I am speaking as a working pro with real life experience in these matters. My statements make sense. If you disagree, then you do not fully understand what I am saying. Perhaps I am explaining things poorly. But with or without a design background, some people just get it, and some people don’t.

    I’m not saying an engineer or the average joe can’t come up with a fantastic logo. It’s pretty unlikely, but it CAN happen. What I’m saying is that it hasn’t happened here so far. Frankly, the contest is broken and needs to be re-evaluated.

  673. somebody has already said coconut.i see it too.

    bird would have been difficult,you mean its head (like rotated 90 ac-wise).yep.

    i see space between the 2 first fingures and two thumbs joined (that was incidentally one of my concepts).or infact when you cross the fingures over each other (but its upside down).

    i see both hands holding a egg.

    see more?

    very nice logo.

    IMPORTANT ? Does it fit for what Notion Ink stands that has to be given thought (Bulb,Ink drop,and tip of pen should be pleasing to NI)? its hard that somebody might have combined the ink drop and bulb,so it should be one of a kind.

  674. I agree with you wholeheartedly. I don’t mind people giving advice but they shouldn’t act as if they’re some kind of professional designer.

    And to add: I think your logos are definitely amongst the best ones. They’re simple and that’s quite important, if you want it to be remembered.

  676. Thanks all for your kind comments…I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder 🙂

    Tony

  677. i see a spade (probably “Ace of Spades”).

    of course a leaf which ‘adam’ will need.

  679. Of course I do! 🙂
    I’m both glad to read that my logo is appreciated, and sad to know it haven’t been selected.

    Thanks, man!

  681. Thanks for response.
    I think that my first logo (which is in the contest), doesn’t look like “alien”, only when it’s deformed like here in the slideshow of top 43.

    Yes, this black version can be applicable everywhere, but i think that people look through it like “omg, next strange looking (because of deformation) logo.. where is the colour! another are nice coloured..” so quickly to the next logo..
    It will be better if here are logos sorted in the list, also with link of bigger presentation (for example) and description. Not logos in the slideshow, in bad quality – in my case.

    notionink2.jpg – if you get notion and ink, these words are imagined in the logo..
    second version – here is “NI” in the thinking/dreaming bubble where “i” is a part of “N”. Point above “i” is from light reflection. You can find here also exclamation point.This combination was posted here like a good idea, by Rohan.

    notionink4.jpg – interesting opinion, but it wasn’t inspired by apple logo.

    ..And I am very angry about mistreatment of my design, like most of designers. I still talk about deformation and quality.
    It should be here higher level of presentation and choice of logos, because choice of company logo (corporate identity) is serious thing.

    So, any next responses ?

  682. I don’t think he’s trolling at all or butchering other people’s work. In fact, they are all constructive criticism. Even Rohan said on many of them that the logo needs revision although I wish he included what was needed to be revised. Dominic requested that all finalists revise their designs by making them all black on white or white on black or greyscale. That is a legit request because then we get rid of all the fluff that are unnecessary when that logo is placed on an Adam tablet or a future smaller Eve smartphone. Any complicated detail, color gradations and shadows will be barely at that size. It puts everyone, professional graphic artists and ordinary laymen, on equal footing. I also urge that every finalist explain their concept behind their work (some already have) to encourage us to vote on their design.

  683. So try to look here.

    I posted a comment somewhere here about deformation of my logo and about “alien” so I will not reapet myself. So please, take a look on it. Yes, it looks modern like for modern technology what adam is. But not like “alien?”
    I have posted also version for word ink behind the notion.. But this version was chosen..
    Also I sent different logos..

    And for the end, point above “i” and the second letter “o” imagine thinking dreaming bubble or notion which is process of it all.. Also this I had posted in the comment somewhere here..

  686. Rohan,

    As good as some of the logos look, I would like to suggest you take a look at the work of Josiah Jost who freelances under the name Siah Design. His work is spectacular and its possible that he might come up with a logo that suits the design/product that you are coming up with. I know this is a late in the game but brand recognition is key when you are fighting with giants. Here’s a link to his website.

    http://siahdesign.com/portfolio

    Hope this helps. Good luck.

    Sid

  687. > whole theme of Notion Ink which is the Christian Bible

    Uh … that would be the Jewish Bible, which the Christians later adopted (and added to). You will also find Adam and Eve in the Qu’ran (Koran) (and India has the 3rd largest Muslim population of any country, after Indonesia and Pakistan).

  688. We tried everything to get into EAP. We did not get the confirmation mail.
    Can you send me a mail so that I can detail it and may be make a late entry for EAP?

  690. Wow
    I took a lot of my private time to help all the final entries with my SUGGESTIONS, I don’t force anyone to do so, nor do I say I’m in anyway more professional then anyone else here. This is a blog which means that everyone can participate and bring in their ideas and thoughts. That’s all I’m doing and I don’t get it why you are attacking me, which in my eyes is way more childish.
    Sorry you just lost a lot of my respect.
    As a designer you should be happy that people are sharing their thoughts on your product to improve it, because no one is perfect.
    After all it wasn’t my intention to appear like a proffesional, that’s why i was writing what “i would do” and after Rohan had posted under nearly every logo it neads revision and i know how hard it is to come up with something different on your own I thought I try to help, because I care about notion ink and I want it to be successful.
    So enough, I hope you think twice next time, before posting something like this.

  691. inmypjs

    Why do you and Dominic keeping asking for basically a design theory of why it was done the way it was. Coming from a architecture background, if you a passer by can’t understand the idea behind your design then it fails. I say this because the designer is not going to be there to hold your hand while you look at the logo and then tell you why they did it that way.

    Maybe, it the fact I do things for me and not others but, I will not give a reason my design because its a first glance impression of a work (in today’s world) if you like the idea or not. So for me there shouldn’t be a reason for designing the logo attached to it for others to understand. You either like it or you don’t, there’s no hand holding here.

  692. @ theraf90

    It stands of course for notion ink. The dot on the exclamation mark is a spherical ink drop due to surface tension. It is simple enough to be recognizable. Layman can read it as n exclamation or n exclamation mark or simply N ( as in exclaiming). And for the mathematically inclined, to the mathematical function n factorial. Exclamation mark is used to make a bold statement and I believe Notion Ink does. Just 70! surpasses the googol ( about 1.2 times a googol). You are only limited by the value of n, so as people are only limited by the loftiness of their dreams, if you choose a bigger value, you’ll have a bigger dream. Moreover, when different values of n are written (definition of factorial for positive integers), the number 1, will always be there. The Genesis-the beginning, the ADAM-the first creation.

    n!= n*(n-1)*(n-2)……..1
    3!= 3.2.1
    0! = 1

  693. i would request all designers to post a pic of the logo on the adam ( a snapshot ) It really helps people to see how graphic effects, color changes, the swirls and the curls and the so called very very simple designs really look …..

  694. Hi there

    My logo is also selected. this is the one:

    I tried to give it a revision and this is the result:
    http://db.tt/Z8KPoJJ

    I just explained the people of Notion Ink that it’s possible to give the logo a metal look with just two PMS colors. So we wait and see what they think about it.
    Until that time i love to read the comments of you people.

    Kind regards
    Bas

  698. Hahaha…someone doesn’t take critiques too well. Honestly, he didn’t really say anything inflamatory to you at all. If someone looks at your logo and it gives them an impression immediately, it is what it is. If it’s a good design, then it should give a favorable impression of the product or company. It should need no explanation.

    Frankly, the only one that I think would be a decent, recognizable logo would be the ‘enye’ N as one person called it. I’m not saying that the design work or creativity is lacking because it’s not. I just think the others don’t have enough impact and uniqueness. I also think the enye-N could use some more work because the more I see it, the more it’s falling out of favor with me.

    You shouldn’t take these as afronts against you. Just take them for what they are, opinions. Some people have good, useful opinions and others maybe not so much. But, there’s no reason to attack. Read the criticism, see if you agree or disagree and take a fresh look at your design with the new perspective. If you feel it still stands, leave it be. If you come up with changes, make the changes.

    Hey, even top designers come up with ideas that their clients cut to shreds or want to tweak. The designers go back and tweak until it’s perfected. It’s all part of the design process.

    If you read through the comments, many people did appreciate the feedback provided by Dominic. It’s just feedback. We all see thigs differently and you should appreciate others viewpoints in your creative work.

  703. I just didn’t like his approach & I am speaking on behalf of a few (if not all) finalists.
    Some of the stuff he wrote

    ..I really wonder if that is such a good idea for representing the values..
    ..wondering why we got again pretty much the same logo..
    ..I would be interested in an explanation..
    ..another I in the n..

    And what’s with the do this do that? I can understand others saying okay yours is awesome/yours sucks. But what’s with the this is wrong, do that, make it that, change it to that on each and every entry?
    Is the guy an expert graphic designer? NO.
    Does he hold any creative authority? NO.
    Is he associated with NI in any capability? NO.

    Then why all the ‘I am an expert and I’ll tell you what to do’? The entries are up there. Rohan wrote ‘revision required’. The message is clear that the finalist, on his own accord, should understand what’s wrong and do the needful. Enters this guy and says “I wouldn’t even bother with a revision”.

  704. guys,sorry for showing up late. Cuz I had an exam yesterday and today I couldn’t make time to spend with u all.
    Now, to the point….

    Thanks a lot to evryone for ur reviews and suggestions on my design.
    let me now.

    -the 1st and early +ve review by harvey! I was walkin in air, ThanQ 🙂

    -gauss & jared arnold said “hey its nook” – is it really? <

    -Ken suggested to bring the dot to the centre making it look like man and he even did one . I wonder if he had checked the one in the 43 by giuseppe.

    -addison wanted the notion ink lettering along the arch.. mmmmm.. nope, sorry, it might go lame.

    -and now the Faith, Dominic faith. he went on every logo I guess and he suggested sharp ends around the dot on both inner and outer sides. Check it out

    – and Kurma, ThanQ 😀
    (Kurma ?@! but, here in South India its a name of a spicy dish ^^ )

    some wanted it in grey scale

    some on an 'adam'

    a few didn't like the slogan – I just wanted the space to be filled up.

    now its ur turn guys!

    awaiting ur further involvement,

    Harun

  705. As a graphic designer i agree. Some of these logos are interesting, but 95% of them could not be less professional or more “amateurish”… I was really surprised when i discovered them.

    And in my opinion leting the public choosing the winner among the last Top 10 i a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge mistake.

    The who have the most “friend” on internet will win, even the is logo is bad.

  707. Rohan,

    There are few good ones and other not so good. I feel that you and your team need to enhance the final selection criteria. In my view, you are not giving enough emphasis to the fact that notion ink will be marketing its products to the masses and not just geeks and smart people (a lot of us). To meet this requirement the logo has to be extremely simple. This also has an additional advantage of being able to publish, print in many different ways. I suggest the following points to keep in mind to ensure we come up with long lasting logo….

    1. Must be simple and sophisticated at the same time, such that a simple mind can understand it while smart brain should be able to identify additional hidden cues pointing to the core message of ‘notion’ and ‘ink’.
    2. Should be free of dependence on color. This will enable it to be printed and published in multiple ways using many different materials and mediums.
    3. No floating line in the middle of logo. This will ensure that the logo can be created by sheet/paper cut method or other similar way.
    4. Should be independent of any language. This is very important to have global reach, even if it uses English language or other symbols. The reader need not to know the language to recognize the logo. Also, the word ‘notion ink’ must not be part of the logo. It should be used to support the logo and allow the flexibility to use other world languages.

    Cheers.

  709. @Pratik

    OK seems like you didn’t think twice, you really have to control your temper.

    I have the feeling you see my entries in a negativ light.
    I’m really sorry if I offended you with my approach!!!

    those quotes:

    ..I really wonder if that is such a good idea for representing the values..
    ..wondering why we got again pretty much the same logo..
    ..I would be interested in an explanation..
    ..another I in the n..

    were addressed to the judges not the designers, I don’t think anyone was copying another.

    In my opinion saying yours is awesome or yours suck doesn’t really bring any progress in getting a good logo out of this. That’s why I wrote my comments like that.
    And if a logo looks like a logo millions of people already connect to a different company then there is no point in keeping it.

    After all I hope you understood my position and we can talk further about logos instead of bitching about each other here.
    Would be appreciated.

  711. One logo stood out to me and looked amazing compared to the others and that was this logo here:

    Its innovative and creative. Also it doesnt do too much or try to hard to stick out because the simplicity an creativity behind the logo is just amazing and helps it stand out fro the others. No offense to the other designers but ur logo’s dont really do it for me they are mediocre and doesnt look marketable at all. In the US i have a feeling that https://notionink.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/harry.jpg?w=680 will blow up and be easily marketable. It can be stamped on to just about anything and looks great. Good job to whoever designed it.

  712. I really like the icon/emblem, but the typeface on the text reminds me too much of Novell. A new typeface would go a long way to differentiating the logo.

  713. meh, too much like mint and linuxmint…the “leaf” shape is a bit overdone now. it doesn’t say anything new.

  714. @inmypjs i agree there are a couple that are too similar. i was pretty surprised that someone came up with the same “squishing together” of the words (notionk instead of notionink) like i did. i thought i had a unique idea there but Nikola and I are born of the same mind apparently =^)

  715. @dominic and @inmypjs thanks so much for the feedback! i agree that it would feel more polished and consistent with a closed circle that is a perfect, round circle rather than an oblong o. i had considered that originally but wasn’t sure what to do with the second ‘o’, do you have an opinion on whether the second o should be open or closed?

  716. Oh yeah, I should mention that I don’t actually have a background on mine, it’s transparent. I was surprised that my logo was the only one that was transparent…perhaps I should add a white background? Also, the font is actually the same throughout but the “ink” is bold. I think that the added weight is important since the “I” and the “N” in ink are repeated…I’m effectively re-using those letters and compressing the word with that. The bold typeface was selected to illustrate that those letters have added weight.

  718. Just a small comment – but for all those going with a logo based on a ‘lightbulb’ – don’t you think Apple might be a bit annoyed – remember the logo for the Apple Newton?

    A really simple concept would be cool to see – some are just trying too hard.

    I missed the submission deadline, I might have submitted some thoughts myself.

    Al

  719. If you have seen my comments sprinkled through this thread you´ll I fully agree. It´s my work as well but more often I have to judge the entries and I know what is normally presented. That´s on a completely different level and yet they are thrown apart as they didn´t convey the companies desired image, but at least they are all serious proposal which could be used.

    Out of the 43 there are only a few which can be taken a step up by revisions; the rest however nice the attempts have no place in a corporate image design process. The fault is not with the people who entered them, but with the way to approach this.

    Communities can´t design a proper circuit board, nor can they design a brand image.
    They are great to have and can be extremely helpful as a focus group to test technical features on and present the three best brand images too and hear the response.

    Anyway I have said this over and over again in this thread. I hope to have influenced notion ink and not insult the enthusiast community who gave it their best. I want adam to succeed because I love the product and the conception process. As a future commercial partner for notion ink I also have a large interest in the corporate image as that will be a crucial aspect for us. That´s why I made quite some contributions here.

    I´m not speaking as a rejected contributor to the competition. I did´t enter it as the briefing and the outlined process made it senseless to add something serious. All I can hope for is the best outcome of this last minute afterthought.

  720. well dude what can i say s u seemed to just stole ma exact words here lol….am a 3D Artist and a Graphic Designer so i know exactly what u r talkin abt….and i couldnt agree more….

    I was disappointed too when i saw the final TOP 43 but yeah not bcoz mine was not selected s it was not ma best work and even i didnt quiet know abt the contest just b4 few hours to the Deadline still i gave it a shot….

    anyways so can u post a link to ur logo in here by any chance….
    cheers….

  721. Your´s is one of the usable entries in my book.

    Try to align the text with the image so that it encompasses the text Notion Ink. That would give it more authority which NI needs in this phase of the company. Try an open O on the I in the image with just a thin black line to illustrate that punch line about ´enlightening´.
    The question is if they want to enlighten things but if you want to go that route try to get it in into the image.

    The rounded ends of the partial I and N are still not perfect. That could be improved.
    Try a different typeface for Notion Ink. It currently conflicts and distracts from the image.

    Needed disclaimer: this is positive feedback.

  722. Whatever happens, it has been very interesting to watch the Notion Ink community interact. What a lot of passion there is! Thank you very much to Dominic and Andrew for specific and constructive feedback.

    @inmypjs: I submitted black versions along with white versions later. Rohan and his team put the white one with the border up. I imagine it could be a white-boxed logo. In light of that, I’m not sure which direction to take in revising.

    Thank you all again,
    Jeff

  723. lxne and elmelao,

    this is my personal opinion so don’t feel offended in any way 😀

    first: If you zoom out on this logo, your effect on the word notion becomes non existant. logos are meant to be simplistic so they can be placed on anything, if you were to put this on say a tablet … the word notion would be blurry because it would have to be resized to fit … and i’m not sure what the theme is behind it

    second: this one honestly has some potential. it’s simple, little abstract with the circle and drop … but at the same time. i believe rohan and co are looking for a more direct representation without the need to guess what notion ink is. my style is more modern/simplistic so i like this one, however different folks with different strokes … and many might just hate it.

    third: the box idea has been used by many and is overdone … it’s just not very appealing to me. i’m not sure what the theme behind the box is? thinking outside the box? … i’m not really sure of the idea. this logo is somewhat similar to mine, started off with a simple box and evolved to a piece of paper with the end result below. it didn’t get picked, but take a look to view the design process.

    fourth: this one is clever due to the use of the n from the two drops, however my eyes are drawn to the sides afterwards. it’s overwhelming and has nothing to do with the design. know you have to have it there to frame the n, but it looks awkward. this one has potential if you played with it a bit … maybe something good well come out of it 😀

    david

  725. I agree. The prime job of a logo is to provide symbol of identity and not a full identity. People must be able to memorize it easily so that they can recognize when ever they see it.

  726. I like the original better. And I think what Rohan wanted you to do is to make the company name bigger and place it on the right side of the emblem.

    Maybe you can even show us how it would look like on the Adam as some did. That way we’ll know if it works. Also, we would like to see a version in just plain B&W, no gradients and other graphic effects since those are not going to show on the device anyway.