Okay okay, I didn’t say it was….
This isn’t a post about cars but in the ever-evolving world of design, the recent shift by Mazda to a flatter, more minimalist logo marks a step away from the skeuomorphic aesthetics that have dominated the automotive branding landscape for, what feels like, ever! – breath. This move throws Mazda into the swamp favouring simplicity friendliness over the intricate, three-dimensional designs of the good-ol-days, which isn’t a bad thing! Check out their new love mark below:

Skeuomorphism, a design approach that incorporates elements reminiscent of real-world counterparts, has long been a staple in conveying familiarity and depth. In the realm of car logos, this manifested through emblems that exuded a sense of tangibility and heritage. Mazda’s previous emblem, with its metallic sheen and dimensionality, is a prime example of this approach. However, the new design embraces a flat aesthetic, shedding the 3D elements in favour of a streamlined look optimised for digital platforms.
Looking at evolution of design, I do find myself jonesing for those wild west days of giant shiny magnifying glasses when you click a search box or a middle-manager style filing cabinet which papers issue out of when double clicking! The classic OS’s, with their lifelike icons and intuitive layouts, offered a sense of comfort and usability that seems to be fading in today’s design ethos. Maybe everybody ‘get’s’ it all already? Yet, I also hold a deep appreciation for the boldness and clarity that contemporary, edgier designs bring to the table. The starkness and functionality of modern aesthetics have their own aroma, pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions. – to be clear I can’t smell design or hear colour… yet!

While the march towards minimalism and flat design offers benefits in terms of scalability and digital adaptability, it’s essential to recognise the value that skeuomorphic elements brought in terms of user engagement and brand identity. As we continue to innovate, perhaps there’s a middle ground—a design approach that honours the depth and familiarity of skeuomorphism while embracing the clarity and efficiency of ‘modern minimalism’.
In the end, design is a dynamic field, constantly balancing between honouring the past and embracing the future. As we witness brands like Mazda redefine their visual identities, it’s an opportunity to reflect on our own design philosophies and the timeless elements that continue to inspire and influence our creative output. Take a look at this awesome article from Appleinsider, published, a couple of years ago, Robert Irish really explores Apple’s foray into, and out of, skeuomorphism: What Apple learned from skeuomorphism and why it still matters