Though HP stands out as a rather modern brand, it’s history goes all the way back to 1957 when it was in the business of creating a wide range of electronic products for both business and agriculture. Today, however, we know the firm first and foremost for its computer products, network products, and data storage. HP’s logo, while simple and clean, contains a couple of subtle items that may not be noticeable to the casual viewer but which enhance its reputation and allow it to play up contrasts of tradition and cutting-edge technology.
Logo Design
The logo appears, more or less, as it has since the beginning of the company. It’s form is just two letters surrounded by a blue circle and a blue rectangle. While that does not make for the most exciting of histories to write, it does give the logo a stretch of tradition and continuity not normally seen in a technology logo. The word “invent”, which frequently appears below the logo, gives the company a quality of creation and innovation that is sought after in the ever changing field of high technology. While technology and tradition don’t seem to go hand in hand this does give the impression of a well-founded firm as opposed to a dot-com fly by night. Also the simplicity of the logo conveys steady footing and something that is easily understood by even the most casual observer.
The most recent change has been to drop the rectangle and give the logo more of a shine. While the logo has appeared in different colors, the primary colors for advertisements are blue and white (sometimes reversed, depending upon the situation). The font itself is italic but not overly complex, which lets a viewer take it in without being overwhelmed by design elements.
Logo Characteristics
One of the things not easily noticeable about the logo is the tail and ascender of the H and P stretching all the way to the top of the circle. This conveys the impression that more is there than what is being seen. The removal of the enclosing rectangle has also put more focus on the name itself and less on the background.
Another change has been the use of embossing to highlight the letters. While to some this gives the design a freshness that the matte design doesn’t, it also can be somewhat distracting to viewers. It also allows HP to appear at the cutting edge while at the same time holding onto its tradition and history that has made it a reliable and well-loved brand.
HP LOGO
HP’s logo is simple even if the company is anything but. It manages to make use of the cardinal rules of advertising and marketing, keep it simple, keep it short, and don’t force the user to think too much. Yet at the same time, it has some subtle touches while can convey other things about the company, such as expansion and innovation. As our use of technology becomes more and more integratied this is sure to be one logo we will be seeing more and more of.
