Google's Olympic Hockey Doodle

I have been fascinated by Google doodles for years and often include them in posts.  Now here is an interesting article from Interbrand’s blog that all sites can learn from:

“Well, aside from being fun, inspiring, and surprising as a recent CNN interview with Google Doodle web designer Michael Lopez suggests, its also a fresh way to update Google’s extremely simple homepage—something that is harder than it might seem at first glance.”

With an extremely minimal and simple design, Google’s site is made up of three elements:  “a colorful, iconic logo (the design of which, good and/or bad, is topic for another discussion), a search bar, and a massive amount of white space. This allows Google to be a calm, but positive breather before you dive into the bottomless whirlpool of information. ”

“And yet, while this approach is quite successful, these three elements can also be a little limiting when it comes to accurately representing a brand personality and staying fresh and relevant in the climate of an ever changing Internet. Google needed something else to visually carry the brand. Something that could speak to who they are, yet also be organic enough to mold to anything the world throws their way. Enter the Google Doodle.”

“What was initially a quirky holiday illustration is now becoming a vital tool in communicating Google’s brand personality. Visually, it gives Google endless possibilities in a technology market that has just that–endless possibilities. It enables Google to keep the pace and stay relevant in the world that is never static. And it does all of this in a way that celebrates the Google brand in a strategic and successful way.”

I am happy to see a site that archives Google doodles and logos, and lists a number of other sites to check for more!  And also I’m honoring the Canadian Olympic Hockey team with my choice of doodle today!  They definitely added to the smiles and spirit of all Canadians.  Congrats to all the participating athletes from all the countries represented — well done!

Opening Ceremonies

Interesting to see the new style of Google doodle for the 21st Winter Olymics and fantastic to see all the wonderful international athletes gather in my country — 82 nations are represented.  As my friend Stephen says,”with all their positive attitues and karma all in one place.  They set an example that everything is possible.”  I certainly believe that too!

How exciting to see how social media is affecting the games this year .  The twitter feed was amazing during the opening ceremonies — seemed like 1000 tweets per minute at #olympics.  I couldn’t keep up but had a good time reviewing some very funny comments!

Since my son used to do “spinny, flippy things” on a snowboard I particularly loved the beginning of the opening ceremonies with the snowboarder at the top of a pristine hill, racing down amid dramatic views, flying through a maple leaf llighted by many torch bearers, and culminating in the indoor venue (a first for the Olympics) of the opening ceremonies, B.C. Place.  I do hope that segment gets posted on YouTube, as I’d love to see it again.

However, it is also a very sad beginning to this great event with the death of a 21 year old athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvill.  Great to see that today’s Google doodle is indeed a luger.

What a shock — my childhood just rushed through my head when I opened up Google this morning and saw Popeye!  My father had been in the Navy so Popeye was a favorite character in our house.  And remember Popeye’s cans of spinach for strength?  there it is!  At any rate, is it wonderful that Google honors various artists with Google doodles.  Today, E. C. Segar, the creator of the Popeye character is celebrated.  Amazing that he died so long ago but his character lives on, especially in my mind.  Makes me think of durability — durability of buildings like I saw in Rome earlier this year, durability of organizations (not so many ar built to last anymore), durability of practices, even if we would like to change them……..

Isn’t great to see so many young athletes have an opportunity to represent their countries in Beijing at the Summer Olympics?  Belonging to an athletic family who lives to watch the games, it is an exciting time.  As were the Ontario Summer Games this past weekend in Ottawa where my daughter coached an under 16 women’s field hockey team to a gold medal.  I’m thinking that this Google doodle has a field hockey stick in the net, what do you think?

To have a look at more of the wonderful Google doodles for the 2008 Olympics, look here.  What’s your favorite?  It’s hard to pick one, I love the basketball, ping pong, swimming, rowing, badminton — well, all of them really!  Thanks Google.