Evolution of the Gap Logo Design: From Helvetica to Backlash
You might think a simple blue box with white text couldn’t cause much drama, but we all watched the Gap logo saga unfold with fascination.
As the founder of Inkbot Design, I’ve seen how a brand’s identity can make or break its connection with customers.
The Gap logo’s journey from its humble 1969 beginnings to the infamous 2010 redesign disaster perfectly illustrates this point.
When I first studied this case, it taught me that even the most established brands aren’t immune to public backlash.
The story showcases how a company’s visual identity, mainly its logo, can become so deeply embedded in consumer consciousness that any change can trigger intense reactions.
I’ll take you through this fascinating evolution, where a simple Helvetica typeface became the centre of one of branding’s most talked-about controversies.
The Birth of an Icon (1969-1976)
At its core, Gap began with a simple yet revolutionary idea.
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