Is the expandable Zoom logo a subtle nod to Google?
Whenever I see the new expandable Zoom logo, the first thing that springs to mind is Google.
Remember how Google's logo expands when showing search results?
Zoom seems to have adopted a similar concept – but why? After all, Zoom has primarily been known for video conferencing.
Well, not anymore. Zoom's introduction of an expandable logo highlights its evolution beyond just video calls. The new design isn't just about aesthetics; it's a visual representation of the wide suite of features Zoom now offers. By using animation and a logo that expands with multiple ‘O’s, Zoom is signalling that it's much more than a video conferencing platform.
So, what does this new design aim to represent?
Each ‘O’ symbolises a different service Zoom now provides, showcasing how the company has expanded into areas such as:
Team Chat.
Phone.
Meetings.
Rooms.
Events.
Contact Centre.
The team chat icon, featuring two speech bubbles, is intuitive and easy to understand. The same can be said for the phone icon, which is instantly recognisable.
The meetings icon is the most familiar to everyone, as it features the now-iconic camera symbol. After all, who hasn't spent countless hours staring at their webcam while connecting with colleagues, attending virtual events, or networking remotely?
The rooms icon, while simple, might not be immediately obvious. It could easily be mistaken for a screen-sharing icon if you're not familiar with the service. Simplicity is often a strength in design, but clarity is key.
One of the weaker points, in my opinion, is the events icon. I suppose it’s meant to represent a cinema or event ticket, but on closer inspection, it could be mistaken for something as random as a piece of cheese! Lastly, the contact centre icon hits the mark – it's clear and easy to understand.
But there’s more to Zoom's rebrand than just the expandable logo. If you’re eagle-eyed, you’ll notice other subtle changes. The blue colour in the logo is now darker, the text appears slightly bolder, and the letter ‘m’ has been rounded off at the top. These changes reflect Zoom's refined, modern approach, signalling its growth and adaptation in a competitive market.
For me, this redesign feels more like an evolution than a revolution. Zoom has managed to stay true to its core identity while subtly highlighting its expanded capabilities. The expandable logo, in particular, is an interesting choice – some may argue it resembles Google’s expanding design. But in Zoom's case, it seems to be a deliberate step to show that it’s no longer just a video conferencing tool; it's a full communication suite.
So, what do you think?
Is Zoom’s expandable logo a smart move that communicates its broader capabilities, or does it feel a bit too similar to Google's well-known design? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
