The art of logo making is a blend of creativity, strategy, and character.

It pushes designers to use classic skills to make something completely unique and timeless. Many individuals making logos will go through various stages of editing before deciding on a final product.

Much of the time, this process will include playing with flat design as well as drop shadows and other real-life effects.

While popping logos and bold aesthetics may work for some companies, SaaS logos have seen more success with flat design.

Here are some of the benefits and basics of using this style for your SaaS branding strategies.

What Is Flat Design?

Flat design is defined as a simple, minimalistic approach to aesthetics.

Rather than playing with abstract icons and fancy details, it aims to get straight to the point. Flat design leaves no room for interpretation. It allows brands to communicate a clear, concise message and helps users better recognize their preferred SaaS companies.

The main goal of this stripped-back style is to focus on usability.

Not only does it make things easier to understand, but it creates a sharp distinction between the tech world and other objects. SaaS logos with a foundation in flat design will often feature bright colors, sharp edges, and stick to a two-dimensional platform.

It allows users to understand logos at a glance, rather than having to figure them out.

SaaS Companies Using Flat Design

Don’t mistake the simplicity of flat design for boring. Just look at SaaS logos like Hubspot and Trello.

Hubspot’s logo is mostly a plain typeface. There are no bold curves or fancy scribbles, but there is a timeless feel to the way each letter flows together.

Mix this with the bold, network-like “o”, and this SaaS logo is a force to recognize. The network shape speaks to the culture and purpose of Hubspot, without going over the top or being too much.

Trello’s mix of fun lettering and a simple icon is the pinnacle of what flat design can do.

With just one sleek work board, the possibilities of project management are communicated. Trello works to make managing an easier, more streamlined process for all parties involved.

Add the character of the lettering and the innovation of the company easily shines through. Everything is tied together with one shade of blue, which is rather subtle. This logo is a true balance of bold design and classic communication tactics.

The Basics of Flat Design for SaaS Logos

Shapes

The use of flat design allows developers to make shapes stand out.

Instead of relying on drop shadows, attention is naturally drawn to certain shapes and logo elements. The simple foundation creates a spotlight for the fun elements to take center stage.

Think of Genio cleaning software for example. Although this SaaS logo plays with color gradients, the clean-cut typeface instantly draws attention to the genie bottle in the “o.”

There is no need for fancy details or strong digital effects. The mix of flat design principles and the need to create something unique are enough to make a bold impression without trying too hard.

Colors

Another way to add character to SaaS logos with flat design is to embrace bright colors.

Colors create a mood. They attract the eye and enhance the user experience.

Some SaaS companies use a mix of bold colors with more subtle tones. The subtle details create a bigger pop for certain parts of the logo. Other companies have successfully broken traditional color rules.

Google, for example, has a bold mix of primary colors.

They took a chance in bending conventional rules about what color mixtures to use and which to avoid. Now, all Google products are easily recognized. They are consistent from the traditional logo to other services like Chrome, Maps, and Google Home.

Colors are a crucial aspect of branding. Your brand colors will be used on all your company logos and business cards. They are an integrated part of your software’s interface, too.

The more you play with colors from the beginning, the more room you have to mix things up as your product line expands.

This is one of your biggest opportunities to stand out when using flat design. Take it and run with it as you choose between different options for logos.

Adaptability

Another bonus of flat design for SaaS logos is how well everything adapts on different devices.

Your software is likely going to be accessed from a desktop, mobile phone, and tablet. A strong logo looks good on all platforms. It performs well blown up on a television when screen sharing, as well as on a small phone screen.

Making such transitions easier for users creates strong brand recognition.

It speaks to your company’s attention to detail and commitment to interface excellence.

For companies looking to launch new product lines entirely, a strong logo can help tie everything together. It makes your company versatile, yet united.

Designing for Character and Function

At the end of the day, the main purpose of SaaS companies is to make life easier.

No matter if you’re operating in the business sector or developing a new health app, your product should improve everyday systems and operations.

As such, make it a point to design a SaaS logo that speaks to the ease of using your product.

Having a foundation in flat design gets the message across loud and clear. It makes users focus on who you are and what you do.

Flat design takes out the guesswork.

It creates a subtle balance of unique shapes, bold hues, and simple typography. Together, all the elements come together to make your services stand out.

Build Your Custom SaaS Logo

Making a logo from scratch is not as difficult as it seems when you use the right resources.

Sometimes, all it takes is recognizing what industry trends are working and why. If you are building your SaaS brand, try flat design in your next round of logo ideas.

You may be surprised at the powerful designs you come up with, and how well the final product performs in your market.

To get to work on creating your logo, click here.