{"id":11647,"date":"2021-11-29T08:05:10","date_gmt":"2021-11-29T08:05:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/?p=11647"},"modified":"2021-11-29T08:05:14","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T08:05:14","slug":"ibm-logo-evolution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/industry-thoughts\/ibm-logo-evolution\/","title":{"rendered":"IBM Logo Evolution \u2013 A Narrative that\u2019s Worth Your Time and Attention"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Just as a national flag stands for a nation, its values, hopes, aspirations, and achievements, a business logo<\/a> helps establish the name and identity of a corporation. Simple, strategically designed logo designs often become synonymous with the brand they represent. For instance, big brands like Google<\/a>, Apple<\/a>, Gucci<\/a>, and Adidas<\/a> have logos that are immediately recognized by millions across the world. They are strikingly beautiful, easy to decipher, and convey a strong message about the brands they stand for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, The International Business Machines Corporation or IBM has used a series of logotypes on signboards, stationery, vehicles, products, and even flags to leave a lasting impression on the audience and foster immediate recognition across the world. Here\u2019s how IBM, one of the world\u2019s leading IT companies, has worked on its logo modifications through the years.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM Logo Evolution Story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 1889, IBM is one of the major software and hardware development and supply companies, which also specializes in consulting and IT services. While it\u2019s regarded as one of the most progressive and technologically groundbreaking firms in the world, the logo is also one of the finest and most striking examples of graphic design to grab the audience\u2019s attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed by Paul Rand, the most widely recognized and appreciated graphic designer of the previous century, the current IBM logo is suggestive of the uniqueness, confidence, and superiority of the company\u2019s products. It also plays a crucial role in promoting the brand in the global Information Technology market. However, the earliest version of the logo was far from what it looks today. Let\u2019s take a quick look at how the emblem has evolved with time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM Logo Design from 1889 \u2014 1914<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Established out of a merger of two companies, International Time Recording Company and Computing Scale Company, IBM\u2019s visual identity has been pretty consistent with a few changes here and there. Its initial logo was launched in 1889, featuring an elegant and chic ITRCo monogram, designed in a straight serif typeface and a monochrome color palette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM Logo Design from 1891 \u2014 1914<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Almost in line with the first logo, the second one appeared when the company was renamed as The Computing Scale Company. The management used the monogramming technique to use the abbreviation for the company name. CSC was featured in a different design, with the letter \u201cC\u201d in a large font, followed by \u201cS” in the center, and a smaller \u201cCo\u201d. The letters in the logo used an ornamental font. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM Logo Design from 1910 \u2014 1924<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The companies merged into Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company in 1910, and its logo was created in the same year. The new logotype was enclosed in a thin circular frame, executed in a striking and bold custom typeface. Here, the letters had a specific arrangement \u2013 there\u2019s a large, straight \u201cT\u201d in the foreground, an \u201cR\u201d in the background with a long and curved tail, and both the \u201cC\u201ds were designed in a wishbone-style. The leg of the letter \u201cT\u201d passes through the curl \u201cR\u201d, and the entire logo has a printed look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM Logo Design from 1924 \u2014 1947<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On February 14, 1924, the company was renamed as International Business Machines Corporation or IBM, and for the first time the company\u2019s full name was used as a basis for the emblem. The words were written in the form of a globe, with a broad equator encircling it. The word \u201cBusiness\u201d is placed at the top, \u201cInternational\u201d in the middle, and \u201cMachines\u201d below, signifying the worldwide coverage of different nations with innovative technologies. The IBM logo was also suggestive of the company\u2019s willingness to enter the international market and emerge into a big player.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM Logo Design from 1947 \u2014 1956<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The name International Business Machines was replaced with its abbreviation IBM in 1947. The new logo is simple yet strong; it featured a calm and light blue logotype with the capital letters in a square and gigantic shape of a serif typeface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM Logo Design from 1956 \u2014 1967<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The rebranding of 1956 revised IBM\u2019s logo typeface (stretching the serifs and making them more noticeable) but kept the color palette untouched. Another modification was done to the negative space of the letter \u201cB\u201d, which was changed into two white squares. The simple lettering format didn\u2019t just make IBM more popular and friendly but also conveyed the company\u2019s warmth and user-friendliness to its audience. Such a striking logo design will instantly let the potential customers know about the company, when used on their business card. Even if the recipients weren\u2019t aware of the brand name IBM, they got to know so from the card itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM Logo Design from 1967 \u2014 1972<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1967 was a significant year in the history of the IBM logo. It was then that the first version of today\u2019s iconic IBM logo was designed by the famous graphic designer, Paul Rand. It was somewhat similar to the previous design, where the blue word mark was horizontally cut into 13 equal strips. Why so many stripes? As the author intended, this width was ideal to understand that these were improvised wires. They were just in proportion with the size of the letters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM Logo Design from 1972 \u2014 Present<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A slight logo redesign was undertaken in 1972 and the thirteen stripes were replaced with eight. Although the number 8 is assumed to characterize the 8-bit system, the developer himself claims that the stripes represent speed and dynamics, which are typical of the company\u2019s production and distribution system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the light blue color of the logo, it has a soothing effect on the audience\u2019s mind and is often associated with depth, stability, trust, loyalty, and ingenuity. They also express a sense of strength, professionalism, and supremacy. It is an extremely expressive logo that\u2019s symbolic of their dedication, hard work, and professionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM Logo Redesign in 2018<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 2018, the company decided to revoke its original \u201cfull\u201d logo, designed in 1956 but with a significant change in its color palette. This time, it was a white \u201cIBM\u201d word mark, placed against a solid gray horizontally-oriented background. Aside from the typical blue and white striped version, IBM also uses this strict grey and white version of their logo. The bold visual represents the stability and dependability that IBM provides to its customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The logo uses a serif font and is strikingly simple yet memorable. The letters I, B, M, are in bold, simple letters, with the top and base of the \u2018M\u2019 somewhat extended. The logo is scalable and versatile, and can be used on billboards as well as small product labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest reasons behind the success of the IBM logo is its unique concept. The linear take on the logo design in 1967 by the graphic designer is truly commendable. There is probably no other logo that features an entirely striped design. This uniqueness makes the logo stand out in the crowd. The design looks great on advertisements and helps people notice the content of the ads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IBM\u2019s slogan, simply THINK, was coined by Thomas J. Watson in December, 1911. The highly successful ThinkPad is also named after this slogan. The series of laptops and tablets launched by Lenovo is now categorized under the IBM merchandise. The ThinkPad series that supposedly offers smarter, premier devices can be found in any IBM partner store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As one of the global leaders in computer research, development, and funding, people often look up to IBM with hopes of a technologically empowered world in their eyes. Of all the factors that make IBM the business world’s first choice in technology and AI, its branding and logo design are worth mentioning. IBM\u2019s logo development story tells us how memorable logos are not just created but evolved, improvised , and redesigned until they reach their final destination. It\u2019s a narrative that makes readers learn from their experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Businesses accross the world have consulted DesignBro to build their brand with logo, website, packaging design and much more.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

We can help you too!<\/mark><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Book A Free Consultation<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Just as a national flag stands for a nation, its values, hopes, aspirations, and achievements, a business logo helps establish the name and identity of a corporation. Simple, strategically designed…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":11661,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11647","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry-thoughts"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",1200,800,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",150,100,false],"medium":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",300,200,false],"medium_large":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",768,512,false],"large":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",1024,683,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",1200,800,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",1200,800,false],"penci-single-full":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",1200,800,false],"penci-slider-full-thumb":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",1200,800,false],"penci-full-thumb":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",1170,780,false],"penci-slider-thumb":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",995,663,false],"penci-magazine-slider":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",774,516,false],"penci-thumb":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",585,390,false],"penci-masonry-thumb":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",585,390,false],"penci-thumb-square":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",585,390,false],"penci-thumb-vertical":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",480,320,false],"penci-thumb-small":["https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IBM-logo-evolution.jpg",263,175,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Mark Stephens","author_link":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/author\/marks\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Just as a national flag stands for a nation, its values, hopes, aspirations, and achievements, a business logo helps establish the name and identity of a corporation. Simple, strategically designed…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11647","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11647"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11647\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11661"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/designbro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}