Google doodles

Google Doodles: Enhancing Brand & User Experience

Google's Olympic Hockey Doodle

I have been fascinated by Google doodles for years and often include them in posts.  Now here is an interesting article from Interbrand’s blog that all sites can learn from:

“Well, aside from being fun, inspiring, and surprising as a recent CNN interview with Google Doodle web designer Michael Lopez suggests, its also a fresh way to update Google’s extremely simple homepage—something that is harder than it might seem at first glance.”

With an extremely minimal and simple design, Google’s site is made up of three elements:  “a colorful, iconic logo (the design of which, good and/or bad, is topic for another discussion), a search bar, and a massive amount of white space. This allows Google to be a calm, but positive breather before you dive into the bottomless whirlpool of information. ”

“And yet, while this approach is quite successful, these three elements can also be a little limiting when it comes to accurately representing a brand personality and staying fresh and relevant in the climate of an ever changing Internet. Google needed something else to visually carry the brand. Something that could speak to who they are, yet also be organic enough to mold to anything the world throws their way. Enter the Google Doodle.”

“What was initially a quirky holiday illustration is now becoming a vital tool in communicating Google’s brand personality. Visually, it gives Google endless possibilities in a technology market that has just that–endless possibilities. It enables Google to keep the pace and stay relevant in the world that is never static. And it does all of this in a way that celebrates the Google brand in a strategic and successful way.”

I am happy to see a site that archives Google doodles and logos, and lists a number of other sites to check for more!  And also I’m honoring the Canadian Olympic Hockey team with my choice of doodle today!  They definitely added to the smiles and spirit of all Canadians.  Congrats to all the participating athletes from all the countries represented — well done!