Apple joins the race to find an AI icon that makes sense

The design choices for AI logos differ significantly from traditional symbols used for other digital functions like email or settings. While traditional symbols are often designed to directly represent their corresponding function, AI logos tend to be more abstract and vague. This is because AI is a complex and rapidly evolving field, and it is difficult to create a visual symbol that accurately represents its capabilities and functions.

Traditional symbols, such as an envelope for email or a gear for settings, are designed to be easily recognizable and universally understood. They often draw inspiration from real-world objects or concepts that are associated with the function they represent. This makes them intuitive and easy to interpret, even across different languages and cultures.

In contrast, AI logos are designed to be more open to interpretation. They often use abstract shapes, bright colors, and gradients to convey a sense of friendliness, openness, and undefined potential. This is because AI is still a relatively new and unfamiliar concept for many consumers, and companies want to avoid associating it with any specific function or capability.

Overall, the design choices for AI logos reflect the evolving nature of the technology and the desire to create a visual identity that is distinct from traditional digital functions.

The use of soft, candy colors and gradients in AI logos carries several implications. Firstly, these colors and gradients make the logos appear more friendly, approachable, and non-threatening. This is important because AI technology can sometimes be perceived as intimidating or mysterious, especially by those who are not familiar with it. By using soft colors and gradients, companies can make their AI products appear more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.

Secondly, the use of pastel colors and gradients suggests a sense of undefined potential. This is in line with the current state of AI technology, which is still in its early stages and has a lot of room for growth and development. The logos' soft, never-ending shapes also hint at the idea of continuous learning and improvement, which are key characteristics of AI systems.

Lastly, the use of these colors and gradients in AI logos is a way for companies to differentiate their AI products from other types of technology. For example, email logos often feature an envelope, while settings are represented by gears or wrenches. AI logos, on the other hand, do not have a clear, universally-recognized symbol to represent them. By using soft, candy colors and gradients, companies can create a visual language that is unique to AI products and makes them easily distinguishable from other technologies.