Contrast in Logo Design

Contrast is a key in creating dynamic, interesting, and memorable representations that people will associate with your company or product. In this case, the Windows logo by Microsoft is a simple design that proves to be successful. At the most basic level, the color contrast is immediately noticeable. The contrast between warm and cool adjacent colors in the "window panes" creates a dynamic center, which is juxtaposed to the unobtrusive background. The contrast between the window shape and the exterior circle presents itself. Interestingly, Microsoft chose not to use simply a square window within a circle, but a curvy window, which lessens the contrast, making it more comfortable on the eyes.

This other familiar logo, while basically a solid design, seems uninteresting or lacking when by itself. This is mostly due to an almost complete lack of contrast within the logo. We see a tonal gradient, but no change in hue. The shape is somewhat interesting, and the detached ellipse which forms the stem is a creative way to balance out the body of the apple. The tilt also helps to balance out the bite on the right side of the body. This logo is somewhat out of context by itself; on a black background or as a small etching on an electronic device it would look great, but by itself it lacks relevance.