FreeBSD's Visual Identity: Outdated?

[Ian Moore]

On Thu, 23 Dec 2004 21:57, jsha wrote:
> Hello.
>
> I am writing this e-mail hoping that someone will share my thoughts
> on how the world's best operating system should represent its attributes
> and users to the rest of the world.
>
> Being an architect as well as graphic designer, I feel it is about time
> for a complete revamp of the visual aesthetics of the FreeBSD project.
> The current logo and everything pertaining to it has long since lost its
> modern touch. I believe that if this image is strenghtened, so is the
> way outsiders view the FreeBSD project and the way they would judge it
> compared to other open source operating systems.
>
> 1. Not only is the logo misleading (associating evil) but it also looks
>    like something 10-year-olds could produce in Paint Shop Pro ten years
>    ago. OpenBSD has an artistic touch to theirs, however I was very
>    disappointed when I heard that the new NetBSD logo was in effect.

I disagree - how could anyone think beastie looks evil? I also don't think it 
looks like the work of a 10 year old.

> 2. If it wasn't for the interesting content and structure of the FreeBSD
>    website, it would be among the less beautiful. Yes, it serves its
>    purpose well by being simple and straight to the point. But a redesign
>    could offer just the same -- simplicity and accuracy -- without being
>    ugly.
>
Actually, it's already been re-designed - see "The FreeBSD Foundation Web site 
Gets a New Look" article in the FreeBSD Foundation Quarterly Newsletter (it's  
in the FreeBSD-Announce mailing list).

I don't know how big a change it is, but we should all know very soon...

> 3. The installation, even though it's text-only, could also be improved
>    by simple restructuring to act more cognitive and human-centered than
>    previously. Everything pertaining to the eye is important to improve.
>
I think most people agree it needs an overhaul - the hard part is actually 
doing it!

> 4. There should be some kind of FreeBSD business card and letterhead
>    available to all that support this project.

Why?

>
> How do I know though, that if I manage to pull together a team to work
> on this refined vision, that we won't be totally ignored even though we
> produce the most magnificent result?
>
> Anyone that are interested, please reply ;-)
>
> Sincerely,
> Johann Manaf Tepstad
> --
> j.

-- 
Ian 

GPG Key: http://homepages.picknowl.com.au/imoore/imoore.asc
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