Wikipedia is the biggest online encyclopedia offering multilingual, open access and free content in multiple languages.
Officially launched on January 15, 2001, it is now the largest, fastest growing and most popular general reference work currently available on the Internet.
As of November 2007, Wikipedia has over 9 million articles in 253 languages, written collaboratively by volunteers around the world. Wikipedia.org is also ranked among the top ten most visited websites worldwide.
Furthermore, it hints to an improved form of Web 2.0, with regard to its user-friendly interface and unparalleled information database.
At the time of its launch in 2001, Wikipedia needed a logo design which would represent its peculiarity and exclusive initiative on the Internet. Hence, Jimmy ‘Jimbo’ Wales, founder of Wikipedia, used an American flag, Old Glory, as the temporary Wikipedia logo, which was widely criticized.
ScottMoonen, the author of wiki engine, WikkiTikkiTavi, commented on the American flag Wikipedia logo as “extremely ethno-centric”, and suggested to insert a globe in the Wikipedia logo to demonstrate the broad-based character of the website.
After several Wikipedia logo design recommendations by Wikipedians, and an international competition conducted for the same reason, a new and improved Wikipedia logo was finally established that successfully corresponds to all the languages with an international perspective. Paul Stansifer, a.k.a. Paullusmagnus of the Wiki network, came up with the winning Puzzle sphere design, which later slightly amended by Nohat, a Wikipedia administrator, became the final Wikipedia logo as we see it today. With this new Wikipedia logo, Wikipedia has managed to demonstrate its worldwide reach and its extensive research available on many aspects.
Shape of Wikipedia logo:
The shape of the Wikipedia logo has a clear notion of power and strength, which reflects the firm hold of the company. Wikipedia logo has an image of a puzzle sphere with some pieces missing from the top of the globe. This image defines that the website covers almost each and every aspect of what exists and is happening in the world.
Color of Wikipedia logo:
In the Wikipedia logo, a soft and light shade of grey is used to demonstrate the professional outlook of the foundation. The grey hue is easy-to-remember and is uncomplicated, providing another character to the Wikipedia logo. The sober color highlights the firm’s integrity. Wikipedia logo is considered simple, distinctive and sophisticated due to its calm tint.
Font of Wikipedia logo:
The Serif font in Wikipedia logo is kept very straightforward yet elegant. The font in the slogan of Wikipedia logo, ‘The Free Encyclopedia’, is reserved to italic style. On the globe of Wikipedia logo, some symbols of different languages are represented, stating that the website comprises of information in many languages. Keeping a ‘the simpler, the better’ strategy in mind, easy font is used for all groups of people to understand the meaning behind the logo clearly.
The Wikipedia logo bolsters the viewer to draw to the website and seek information. Additionally, the Wikipedia logo intelligently depicts the intended message of sharing knowledge and information without the communication barrier.
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