Twitter kills bubble font, replaces with minimalist bird symbol

Twitter’s growing up. At least that seems to be the message coming from the social network as it announced changes to its design.

For a start, the bubbled typeface and lower case “t” are being chucked out, because there’s “no longer a need” for them. Twitter you cold, cruel bastard. Throwing innocent typefaces out onto the street like that. You should be ashamed.

From now on, the social network will only be one “universally recognisable” symbol: that little blue bird. As Twitter says: “the bird is everywhere, constantly associated with Twitter the service, and Twitter the company”.

Clearly it’s been planning its takeover in full public view. I never have trusted birds. Even giving Twitter’s bird a makeover can’t hide its shiftiness.

The company claims that the new bird “grows out of love for ornithology, design within creative constraints, and simple geometry”.

“This bird is crafted purely from three sets of overlapping circles — similar to how your networks, interests and ideas connect and intersect with peers and friends. Whether soaring high above the earth to take in a broad view, or flocking with other birds to achieve a common purpose, a bird in flight is the ultimate representation of freedom”, it adds.

In all seriousness though, the social network is entering interesting territory here. There aren’t many companies that get by on symbols alone. Global giants like McDonald’s and Coca Cola still use typeface in their logos.

The only big tech name we can think of offhand that’s managed to get away with only using its logo in its branding is Apple, the most valuable company on the planet.