line dots

Landor and Associates, Nielsen	Firewheel Design, SimpleDevices
Design and Image, Cosmo Traveler	MonigleAssociates, Inc., Total System Services

These seem to be everywhere, with many permutations. Often technical in application, they remind us of molecular structure, atomic particles, circuitry boards and dot-to-dot connectivity. It is a language that is packed with symbolism, highly malleable, and is as adaptable as a can of Tinker Toys. It is also quickly on the verge of saturation. The Nielson logo by Landor was early to this trend, and it is as succinct and economical a stroke as you can get.

good drops

Enterprise IG, North Island	Cato Purnell Partners, Docklands School of Design
Hubbell Design Works, Hawaiian Regent Resort	Enterprise IG, South African Jewish Museum

Let this serve as a notice that you can squeeze blood out of a turnip. Logos using water ripples continue to flow like there's no shutting off the tap. When it appears that every iteration of a concept has been laid to rest, a clever designer somewhere pulls out an unexpected twist on the game. Suddenly, you're found staring at a previously unvisited solution. Cato Purnell Partners’ logo for the Australian Academy of Design @ Docklands makes an inventive use of the pool of ripples unlike any other. Look at Budweiser beer's drop crown. This well is deeper than it appears.

leaf life

Landor and Associates, Metabolife	Elixir Design, New Leaf Paper
Landor and Associates, Everland	Cato Purnell Partners, IDP

As ecological issues remain topical, the leaf will continue to be an iconic element in green design. Leaves are also being cast as bit players in more visual identities. They are certainly chameleon-like, with an incredibly broad range: A leaf can represent birth and death, a cycle of life, natural solutions, sun and shade, food and nutrition, beauty, growth and more. Because the physical appearance of leaves vary dramatically, designers are able to manipulate their form to suit their demands.