Vivo is a renowned Chinese smartphone brand founded in 2009 by BBK Electronics. The company specialises in producing smartphones, mobile accessories, software, and other online services. In a very short period of time, Vivo has become a prominent player in the global mobile technology market. Its minimalist visual identity has not changed much since its inception. This article delves into the evolution of the Vivo logo over the years.
The Genesis of the Vivo Logo (2009-2019)
Vivo adopted its first logo when it was established in 2009. The logo featured a stylized “vivo” wordmark in lowercase letters and rendered in a sans-serif typeface. The logo was simple yet distinctive, with rounded edges and a playful aesthetic. Interestingly, the dot above the letter “i” of the wordmark appeared in the form of a rhombus with softened angles instead of the classic dot. The colour scheme for this initial logo was primarily blue, which would become a signature colour for the brand in the years to come.
Refinement and Modernization (2019–Present)
The Vivo logo was redesigned in 2019 and got many things that were part of the original logo, refined. For instance, the soft shade of blue was changed to a bright purple. The typeface was tweaked a little, and the bars of individual letters were shortened. The angles too were softened a bit, but the wordmark looked sharp. The overall logo mirrored the values and essence of brand Vivo.
Symbolism and Brand Evolution
The evolution of the Vivo logo reflects the journey of the company from a local Chinese brand to a global technology innovator. The progression of the logo from a playful and connected wordmark to a bold and minimalist design shows the expertise and maturity of Vivo in the smartphone industry. The use of more or less the same typeface and style of the wordmark throughout its logo history ensures a sense of brand continuity. At the same time, the simplicity and boldness of the latest design of the logo demonstrate Vivo’s confidence and forward-thinking approach to technology.
The Elements of the Vivo Logo.
Font
The Vivo logo features a medium-weight sans-serif typeface that conveys a modern and futuristic aesthetic. The lettering is smooth and rounded, and gives the logo a sleek appearance. A notable design element is the replacement of the dot above the lowercase “i” with a softened rhombus shape. This added a unique touch to the wordmark. The fonts used in the logo are similar to Clonoid Semi Bold and Quantum Latin Rounded Semi Bold. This is in spite of the fact that the typeface of the Vivo logo appears to have made custom refinements to its contours.
Colour
The colour scheme of Vivo’s visual identity centres around a deep, vibrant shade of blue rather than purple. This rich blue colour infuses the logo with energy and dynamism. It evokes feelings of innovation and forward momentum. Despite the simplicity of the clean lines and shapes of the logo design, the chosen blue/purple colour adds depth and sophistication to the overall design. The result is a visually striking emblem that effectively balances simplicity with style. It reinforces the image of Vivo as a contemporary and creative technology brand.
The History of Vivo
Vivo was founded in 2009 in Dongguan, China, by Shen Wei as a part of the BBK Electronics conglomerate. Its parent company also includes well-known brands such as OPPO, OnePlus, and Realme. For Vivo, the first smartphone of the company hit the market in 2011, just two years after its inception. An important moment came in 2014 when Vivo expanded beyond China and made significant inroads into India and the Southeast Asian markets.
Vivo rapidly established its global footprint by setting up manufacturing facilities and research centres, particularly in China and India. By 2015, the company had achieved remarkable success and secured a spot among the top five smartphone manufacturers in China. It also broke into the global top 10 with a market share exceeding 5%.
The swift ascent of the company can be attributed to a well-crafted strategy that focuses on producing mid-range devices. It also includes offering an extensive offline retail network and running effective celebrity endorsements. Innovation has been a cornerstone of Vivo’s philosophy, which is amply proved by the substantial investments the company has made in research and development. This commitment has led to groundbreaking features like pop-up selfie cameras. In 2018, Vivo launched its high-end X-series phones, which showcased the technological prowess and ambitions of the company in the premium segment.
Today, Vivo boasts a global workforce of over 30,000 employees and operates 10 research and development centres worldwide. Under the continued leadership of Shen Wei, the company maintains its focus on offline retail strategies. At the same time, it also actively pursues expansion in international markets beyond China.
Thus, from its humble beginnings in the late 2000s, Vivo has transformed into a formidable player in the global smartphone industry. Its success story is characterised by a keen focus on mid-range models, consistent innovation, and a strategic approach to international expansion. These attributes have cemented the position of Vivo as a major contender in the highly competitive mobile technology landscape.
Interesting Facts About Vivo
- Both Vivo and Oppo are rivals but are actually sister companies under the parent company called BBK Electronics.
- The first smartphone brand to show an in-display fingerprint scanner and an elevating front camera.
- The brand holds the Guiness Record for building the thinnest smartphone, the Vivo X5 Max.
- Vivo owns the official Pantone colour.
- Sponsored the FIFA World Cup and appeared in blockbuster films like Mission Impossible 5, Captain America, and The Martian.
- Sponsors the NBA in China and the Philippines.
- Vivo has a sub-brand for gaming smartphones, iQOO.
Finally
The evolution of the Vivo logo over the past decade tells the story of a brand that has grown rapidly and adapted to changing design trends and market demands. And from its humble beginnings to its current status as a major player in the smartphone industry, the Vivo logo iterations have effectively communicated the values, aspirations, and technological advancements of the company. As Vivo continues to innovate and expand its global presence, its logo stands as a symbol of the brand’s commitment to progress and cutting-edge mobile technology.