When bad design happens.

Up on the BBC site they have a retrospective of the various logos for the Doctor Who program (or if I want to give a nod to the people on the other side of the pond - programme). They’ve also got a newly designed logo (pictured above) up as well. It’s an interesting stroll down through the years because it’s a reminder of some things not to do when it comes to design.

I love alphabets.

To put it another way, I’m a type junkie. Typography is something of a dying art today but it’s such an important element of design. Letterforms are amazing in their ability to convey messages to us on a subconscious level. The choice of the correct typeface can impart to the viewer qualities such as strength, stability, speed, innovation - a whole host of character traits that underscore what the creator of the message wants to get across. Inversely, when the selection of a typeface is less than appropriate, it’s a jarring experience for the viewer and sends a mixed message.

Look for yourself though, you can find a gallery of all the Doctor Who logos here (click through).

I myself was taken aback by the early seventies logo (the faux acid trip, melting type look). The eighties logos are especially hideous, what neon signage has to do with science fiction I just don’t get. The only thing missing is a disco ball. There is a good decade of just ugly, ugly work whether it’s the neon lighting stuff or the bad ‘chrome’ effect. Most of the logo design from the period would be more appropriate for some dance contest show. Just a perfect example of when bad design happens to good projects.