Main Task- Research And Planning: What Makes A Good Logo

After reading the article by Duncan McAdams and looking at successful logos from other websites and charities, I think I know what makes a good logo.

It has to be easy to read, and ideally not contain too much or any text, so people can quickly see it and instanlty know what charity it is. It should only have the Charity name- and mabye their cause- like the Help For Heroes logo has 'Support our Wounded' under it's main name. This also means it has to be a recognisable shape- mabye the companie's image, or it could be an edited photo/drawing which everyone can link back to the charity. However, it has to be simple to replicate and draw again- so no complicated images, and distinctive enough for people to recognise it without colour.
As a general rule, two colours is enough for a logo. It all comes down to expense, especially when reproducing your logo on business cards, letterheads and other forms of printing. It's not a worthwhile business expense to spend money on more than two colours, as you will not see any return on your investment.
It is also best to make the logo a rectangular shape rather than a square because it has been found that this is easier to look at. Furthermore, rectangles work better on the web and on TV.

Finally, a general idea about logos are that they have to be memorable, simple, describable and partially colourful- all in order for them to be an effective logo.