Logos and Learning: There's Nothing Wrong With That

Today's Google Doodle is a bar code, which according to some reports, supposedly translates to, you got it, the word "Google."

It's the latest Doodle by the search engine titan but clearly won't be the last. In fact, Doodles are being used so often these days that some are taking umbrage and questioning whether Google has lost its noodle because of how often it's doodling.

Through the summer there were half a dozen, including a series that had Google fans guessing and pondering about a sci-fi theme. It turned out to be a prelude to celebrating science fiction author H.G. Wells.

In past years, the Google Doodle was used sparingly, so it always drew attention and sometimes huge adoration for celebrating unique events tied to technology, artistic minds and even obscure milestones. The Doodles were a delight and often stirred discussion around the particular topic and, in that venue, helped to expand the knowledge base of its user population.

But lately -- and I'm not saying I don't think the bar code is an important discovery -- it just seems Google is getting giggly over some of the more mundane things. I mean, a Doodle in August was in the celebration of aluminum and the battery, which is obviously important, but Doodle important?

There's nothing terrible or evil in Google's Doodle strategy shift. Of course, some Web pundits are pontificating that the growing number of Doodles are a sinister plot to boost Google traffic and highlight its power to make people stop what they're doing during the day to investigate the Doodle's meaning.

For my part, I don't think Google needs to do that. Let's be serious. I do think they might not have realized early on what a great learning tool the simple logo design provided, and now want to take advantage of it.

I mean, it seems to be working for Bing, Microsoft's search discovery tool. From its inception, Bing's homepage and part of its links content has provided a daily topic complete with a stunning visual. And since Bing seems to be binging the competition a bit since launch earlier this year, it's obviously using its homepage presentation effectively.

There's nothing wrong with Google trying to do the same. The problem is they're just playing catch-up, which is, as we all know, an extremely unusual role for them.

But there is a first time for everything. So Bing on Microsoft and Doodle on Google. I'm all for learning and being entertained, and if your logos and visuals don't interest me, I just won't click through, but I do appreciate the educational opportunity you're providing.

Photo courtesy of Google