Zippy Abstracted Faces Replace Dull Avatars
This progressive tech company is jettisoning the generic avatar in favor of a zippy new abstracted face.
37Signals produces a number of online collaboration tools that we’re pretty fond of at Hyperallergic. Our publisher, Veken, is practically an evangelist for their excellent ability to efficiently manage any endeavor (no matter the size) perfectly. So, the fact that this progressive tech company is jettisoning the generic avatar in favor of a zippy new abstracted face is great news.
All online services that require registration often ask users to upload photos in an effort to personalize our connection but most of us choose not to. 37Signals has made it all easier.
Their new avatars are small abstract balls with only the illusion of a face, but even with a few anthropomorphic markings they feel friendlier than the gray or light blue silhouettes we are forced to endure elsewhere.
The designer, Jamie, says the original idea came from the Monopoly board game, where we use small objects to represent our personalities. The concept soon evolved into abstract paintings that morphed into abstracted faces. The final result, I think you’ll agree, gives a friendly splash of color that is welcome.
Most of the “faces” look retro, as if they were inspired by the 1940s or 50s, and there are hints of Rothko in some and hard-edged abstraction in others.
Now, why don’t more sites hand over these types of elements to designers and artists to differentiate themselves from others. Who wants to be known to the world by a boring faceless avatar?
Leave it to 37Signals to innovate. Then again, what do you expect from a progressive company that expects their employees to only work a four-day work week? Sure they work 10-hour days but still, that means a three-day weekend.
