A picture is worth a thousand words

A logo is a graphic mark, emblem, or symbol commonly used by commercial enterprises to aid and promote instant public recognition. This post explains the process by which we design the logo for our product DayTickler.

The adage “A picture is worth a thousand words” refers to the notion that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single still image. Logos are either purely graphic (symbols/icons) or are composed of the name of the product (a logotype or wordmark). Because the name of the software is always displayed alongside the logo, the smart phone ecosystem favors the use of a purely graphic logo (ideogram).

Logo and branding work together. A brand consists of many components that must all integrate into a seamless, functional whole. In a previous post, I explain why we chose the name DayTickler. We, humans are fond of remembering most of what we see; what we see somehow stays in our subconscious. The importance of logo in branding can be further simplified as:

• Frontline Representation – A logo provides the software with an image and it should be able to convey the message clearly.
• Memorizable – A simple and good looking logo will often be easier to remember than the name of a product.
• Uniqueness – Don’t only make your logo look the best but also make it look unique and different because it’s the identity of your product which stakes its credibility.

During our first drafts, we quickly opted for a check mark. We felt this was a good choice because this image convey a sense of fulfillment, which is the emotion that our software provides when used. Unfortunately, a check mark as a logo is far from unique. A quick glance through the major apps stores shows that almost all the “To-Do List” software uses this ideogram.

So we decided to improve the image of the check mark by adding a symbol of happiness. Here are some prototypes.

Unfortunately, no image was satisfactory. None was emanating the seriousness required for a productivity software. After reflection, we decided to give up and go back to the fundamental.

A differentiator and unique elements of our product is that it allows to easily team up with your family and friends to achieve your todos. We decided to put this forward while keeping the sense of fulfillment. Here is the final result with which we are very satisfied.

What’s in a Name

The power of a name and its value has long been immortalized in prose, poetry, and religious ceremony. Everyone recognizes the things around them by name. Naming a product is important.  This post explains why the name of our software is DayTickler.

A name is a word or combination of words by which an entity is designated and distinguished from other. You can hardly promote a product and expect it to bring huge benefits if its name bears no relevance to the target market. Contrary to Shakespeare’s belief that That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, the answer to the question “What’s in a name?” does not apply here. A name can make a large difference in the perception of what a product should be and how it should function.

For those of you who follow this blog, you know that in recent months we have repositioned our startup Slingboards Lab and that we are currently designing a personal task planner for mobile phones. We are currently building a first version of the software. We plan to market it as a freemium application through the apps store of Apple, Android and Microsoft.

The importance of choosing the right name for software is not to be taken lightly. Not only the name of your software is an important part of its “business card” on the web and in the apps store, but the name will enable customers to remember your product. This is about making your name talk-able. An easy name will make it easier for current users to refer your name to others. It is very well known that advertising is not a trustworthy marketing tactic as much as word-of-mouth. The name is probably the first thing prospective customers will find out about your application. It is a good way to differentiate yourself from your competition.

We chose the name DayTickler. Not only it is talk-able and the domain name was available, but it clearly explains what differentiates our application of the hundred Todo apps that already exist on the market. First, it was important to have the word “Day” because our product is a daily planner. Second, we choose the word “Tickler” because it is a device that serves as a reminder and is arranged to bring matters to timely attention. But that is not all, a tickler is also a device that make someone laugh by lightly touching a very sensitive part of the body. Our product is different from competitors in that it allows to easily team up with your family and friends to achieve your todos. We can imagine that the action of chatting and collaborating online with your close ones looks a bit like the pleasure of being “virtually” tickle.