Nokia is a Finland-based telecommunications and consumer electronics company that was founded in 1865. If earlier it was known as the powerhouse manufacturing mobile phones, today it is known for its forays into 5G and the Internet of Things technologies. Synonymous with mobile phones for decades, Nokia boasts a rich history that is reflected in the evolution of its logo.
The Nokia logo reflects the stability, continuous development, and advanced technology the company is known for. In fact, the journey of the Nokia logo did not begin with sleek lines and technological imagery but with a connection to its natural roots. Let’s delve into the fascinating evolution of the Nokia logo over the years.
The Genesis of the Nokia Logo (1865–1871)
The very first Nokia logo was created in 1865, which was not what most would expect. It depicted a fish, believed to be the salmon of the Nokianvirta River, where Nokia’s first pulp mill stood. This logo symbolised the origins of the company and its connection to the local environment. The wordmark or inscription “Nokia Osakeyhtiö” (Finnish for “Nokia Corporation”) surrounded the fish and connected the brand to its birthplace.
(1871–1898)
The original logo was refined in 1871, wherein the fish had cleaner details and was set against a solid black background inside a roundel. And unlike the original image of the salmon fish protruding out of the round emblem and splashing drops of water, this image did not have any water splashes beyond the periphery of the roundel. The lettering on the previous emblem was retained.
(1898-1965)
The logo designed at the end of the nineteenth century remained the visual identity of Nokia for seventy years. The logo, in the form of a badge, was of a pentagonal shape, more like a diamond, with a thin black outline and a white background. At the centre of the logo was a three-level text executed in a handwritten typeface in black.
(1965-1966)
In 1965, with the formation of Nokia Corporation, the logo underwent a significant transformation. It featured a new, black-and-white circular emblem with the word “NOKIA” written in bold capital letters on a connecting band within the circle. Although this logo was short-lived, it marked a shift towards a more modern corporate identity.
(1966–1978)
This logo redesign of 1966 was more or less the same as its previous variant, with only minimal updates. For instance, the thick curved band connecting the circular emblem in the middle was slightly straightened. Also, the lettering “NOKIA” was made to fit into the new shape, thereby balancing the whole logo in the process.
(1978-2023)
The year 1978 saw the introduction of the now-iconic blue wordmark. Here, simplicity became the hallmark as “NOKIA” was written in a dark blue, sans-serif font to convey a sense of strength and stability. In the wordmark, the letter “O” looked more like a rectangle with rounded corners instead of the usual oval or circle. Also, the letter “K” looked more like an arrowhead and resembled the play button on the mobile phone. This logo, with its timeless design, remained associated with the rise of Nokia in the world of mobile phones.
A Logo for the Future (2023–Present)
In a surprising move, Nokia unveiled a new logo in 2023. The iconic blue wordmark was replaced with a minimalist design featuring the company name in a slightly modified and lighter shade of blue. In this stylized wordmark, a few bars of the letters “N,” “K,” and “A” are absent. This change signifies Nokia’s shift towards a broader focus on innovation across various technological sectors, not just mobile phones.
The Elements of the Nokia Logo
Font
The latest Nokia logo features an uppercase wordmark in a bold geometric sans-serif typeface. While reflecting its heritage, the design prioritises innovation. For instance, select letter segments have been intentionally removed to evoke the growing potential of telecommunication networks. These underscore Nokia’s focus on industrial digitalization. The typeface, possibly a modified version of fonts such as Rexton Light or Frontage, balances readability with design elements. This is suitable for a technology brand that is expanding beyond mobile phones.
Colour
The visual identity retains a vibrant blue colour to symbolise the professional legacy and the forward-thinking approach of Nokia. The colour choice reflects the evolution of the Finnish company from a mobile phone giant to a leader in business technology solutions. It embodies both its established reputation and its innovative spirit.
Interesting Facts About Nokia
- The company started as a paper mill and was not a mobile manufacturing giant in the initial years.
- The company was called Nokia as it was founded on the banks of the Nokianvirta River.
- The Nokia tune is based on the guitar work of a Spanish musician named Francisco Tarrega, named “Gran Vals.”
- Nokia never made a model with the number 04, as the number is considered to resemble the sound of death in many parts of Asia.
- The Nokia 3310 was widely regarded as an unbreakable phone.
- The world’s first GSM call was made using a Nokia phone in Helsinki, Finland, on July 1, 1991. The call was made by Mr. Harris Holker, the Prime Minister of Finland.
- In May 2007, the Nokia 1100 phone was the best-selling mobile phone in the world.
The History of Nokia
The Nokia story began in 1865 with the establishment of a pulp mill in Finland. Over the decades, it expanded into sectors such as rubber, cables, and even military communications. A key turning point came in 1967 with the merger that formed the Nokia Corporation we know today. This new entity focuses on various industries, including electronics. It entered the mobile phone market early on and developed technologies like the first commercially available mobile network in Finland.
The 1990s saw Nokia’s rise to dominance in the realm of mobile phones. It championed the GSM standard, embraced new technologies like 3G, and became the world’s leading mobile phone vendor for a decade. The iconic blue logo became synonymous with quality and durability. However, the rise of smartphones brought new challenges to which Nokia struggled to adapt. In fact, in 2014, the company sold its mobile phone division to Microsoft.
Today, Nokia remains a major player, but its focus has shifted. It is a leader in telecommunications infrastructure and network technology and is shaping the future of connectivity. The logo redesign of the company in 2023 reflects this move towards a broader technological vision.
Finally
The evolution of the Nokia logo is a testament to the company’s remarkable journey over the years. Thus, from its humble beginnings as a company manufacturing paper pulp to its position as a technological leader in the realm of telecommunications, the logo has reflected the constant adaptation and growth of Nokia. The latest logo iteration marks an exciting new chapter and leaves one to wonder what technological marvels Nokia is likely to bring forth under this new visual identity.