Ugly Design That Does Its Job

I'm not a designer, but I play one on the Web, and I'm not the only person who has wondered, "What the hell is up with Wachovia's logo?"

Their website has a whole page devoted to the question.

"Wachovia Corporation partnered with Interbrand - a New York-based brand identity firm with a dynamic team and strong set of credentials - to help develop a new brand."

Their goal was to "develop a differentiating brand positioning and dynamic brand mark that customers will come to recognize as the insignia of the best, most trusted, most admired financial services company in the industry."

Differentiating indeed. I think it's crap. Old Seattle Seahawks colors in a spirograph mishap. What is it? Why is it like it is?

Then again, it's identifiable by its sheer ugliness, and you can't ask for much more from your logo. Everyone knows when they see that thing what it is.