New Olympic Logo Very Controversial

Here’s what 400,000 pounds (approximately $791,000) gets you.

The logo for the 2012 Olympics to be held in England was revealed today and the reaction has been largely negative. If you haven’t already figured it out, the shapes make out the year “2012” in an eighties-style design throwback. (Yes, the 80’s are making a comeback. But the question is whether what is retro today will be completely outdated five years from now.)

My guess is that the committee making the decision was looking for something younger and fresher, and they relied on graphic designers to tell them what was “cool.” It seems that no one bothered to ask basic marketing questions: Is it legible? Does it resize well? Does it communicate the main point (the Olympics)? Is it memorable?

Well, on that last point, they may have a “yes.”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/3/story.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10443673