Is your brand in need of a little debranding? As brands and logos have evolved over the last several years, it’s become evident that simplicity and minimalistic design are key directions for modern brand marketing. If executed correctly, debranding can strengthen consumer-brand relationships. But is debranding right for you? Let’s find out.

What is debranding?

Even the most iconic brands and logos are following the mindset of “less is more” when it comes to their designs. From less detailed images to geometrically-inspired outlines, brands are embracing a clutter less existence.

One of the most prominent features of this trend involves tweaking, or in some cases, totally removing, the typographic element of the logo.

There are a number of good reasons to embrace the “less is more” logo design. From a practical standpoint, cleaner and less-cluttered logos are more versatile and better for the myriad of platforms on which modern logos must perform. Logos are needed in smaller and smaller iterations, where the decrease in size must not impede the logo’s clarity or ability to represent the brand.

This is especially true when it comes to text – there is a reason why few app logos have any text – as the logo gets smaller, text can quickly turn into a jumbled blob that takes up space without providing real value.

Is debranding the right move for you?

If you are a brand with a logo or a visual brand that has the equity to stand on its own and earns immediate recognition from consumers, the choice to “slim down” is a relatively easy one. Some of the biggest brands out there have gone down this path – from the McDonald’s golden arches and Nike Swoosh to Starbucks and MasterCard.

There is also a personal element that brands are looking to capture through debranding by removing corporate elements of a brand. This personalized feel in corporations is a direct reflection of the way technology and new companies are seeking to connect with target audiences. Personalization is also a way for larger, older brands to stay relevant and directly target younger generations.

However, as a new or lesser-known brand, it would be advisable to proceed with caution in this aspect of brand development. It is logical that the removal of a brand name from a logo would decrease ease of recognition and connection between brand and logo, which is a step that is crucial in building a brand.

Going with a simpler visual brand and separating text from logos signifies confidence in brand familiarity and its consumers. Debranding takes this a step further by not only showing the consumer that you feel your logo has the equity to stand on its own, but also allowing for an expansion of personalized and authentic branding efforts to strengthen the connection between consumer and brand.