Earlier this week, Instagram released a major app update introducing the new logo design along some new user interface changes. I am sure it was to the company’s surprise that they received a huge negative backlash from users because they didn’t find the changes very appealing. From a Retro-look to the Multi-Colored Gradient Look Instagram took inspiration from the retro-looking Polaroid camera and it was a welcome look. This time, they have brought it into the world with a background swirl of sunset colors and a white outline of a camera. According to Instagram’s head of design, Ian Spalter, “The Instagram logo and design was beginning to feel, well… not reflective of the community, and frankly we thought we could make it better.”
A blog post announced these changes, “Instagram community has evolved over the past five years from a place to share filtered photos to so much more – a global community of interests sharing more than 80m photos and videos every day. Our updated look reflects how vibrant and diverse your storytelling has become.” So, it can be said that the reason behind changing the logo was to bring the design more in- line with the aesthetics of the app users. While the changes received mix reactions, the opinions were mostly negative. In an AdAge Poll, over 67% of people said they prefer the old logo. While GQ called it a “logo change no one wanted”, Adweek called the new logo “a travesty”. Monochromic Makeover of the Instagram App
Not only has the Instagram logo received a new icon, its accompanying apps–Boomerang, Hyperlapse and Layout–have also been given new designs with the same color scheme. Also, the entire look of the app is simplified. With an idea to focus more photos and videos shared within the app, Instagram changed the UI to a flatter “black-and-white” design. Specifically, the blue header that was earlier a part of Instagram branding is now eliminated. A few color accents are incorporated for notifications and “likes”. Fonts are now black in color and notifications have turned from orange to red. The company also changed the navigation icons like the home, camera, search, activity and profile buttons. While for some, the new UI might be bland for a visual-based user app, some other believes it to be a smart move. This is because, “Artists want their work to be displayed on a blank canvas, it highlights their art better. And that colors or design elements detract from the viewing experience.”
