20 things about your website and Google in 2017!
In 2017, Google rolled out a series of visual changes that many people noticed without even realising. From subtle tweaks to its homepage logos to more dynamic changes for commemorative events, the world of google logos 2017 offered insights into branding trends, accessibility, and user engagement. What many miss is the deeper message behind these changes: a quiet but deliberate shift towards inclusion by design. That is what this blog series explores. Whether or not you can attend one of my talks across Sussex and Hampshire, I will be sharing all 20 points right here.
Why Google Logos 2017 Still Matter
The logos that appeared on Google’s homepage throughout 2017 reflected more than just artistic flair. Each change told a story — of a scientist’s birthday, a national holiday, or a social justice milestone. These were not just decorative elements; they were digital signals that connected users emotionally to a global brand.
The design decisions made during that year helped reinforce Google's personality. And with Google's dominant market share, those design choices influenced how smaller businesses thought about their own branding — often without knowing it.
How Logos Reflect Google's Inclusive Intent
What is interesting about the google logos 2017 collection is how subtly inclusive they became. Characters began to show more skin tones, more cultural references, and more representation across ability and gender. These were deliberate moves towards inclusion by design — the idea that diversity and accessibility should be embedded from the start, not bolted on as an afterthought.
Google understood that its doodles could reflect a broader, more global audience, and in doing so, helped to normalise inclusive design at scale.
The Rise of Inclusion by Design
Inclusion by design is not a slogan. It is a way of building products, services, and websites that work for everyone — not just for the average user. It considers different languages, literacy levels, physical and cognitive abilities, devices, and connection speeds.
It is also about storytelling. When users see themselves reflected in the content, whether visually or in tone, it builds trust. Google achieved that on a global scale in 2017 by making even its homepage feel like it belonged to everyone.
What Your Website Can Learn From This
You do not need to be a tech giant to apply these lessons. Here are a few ideas:
Replace generic stock imagery with photos that reflect a broader range of people
Use inclusive language in headlines and calls to action
Avoid cultural assumptions in design and navigation
Prioritise accessibility as a design principle, not just a compliance task
It is about making people feel welcome — not by telling them, but by showing them.
Branding and Accessibility Go Hand in Hand
One of the biggest takeaways from the google logos 2017 archive is that branding and accessibility do not sit at opposite ends of the spectrum. They work together. A visually engaging homepage can still meet accessibility standards. A fun animation can still be described by alternative text. Good design does not exclude; it embraces.
At Access by Design, we help businesses achieve that balance. We design websites that look beautiful but are also usable by people with visual, cognitive, or physical challenges. It is all part of our commitment to inclusion by design.
Why Inclusive Design is Not Optional Anymore
The legal landscape is changing. The European Accessibility Act is now in effect, and it affects any website accessed by users in the EU — even if the business itself is based elsewhere. Designing for inclusion is no longer just the right thing to do. It is a compliance issue, a reputational risk, and a business imperative.
If your website is not accessible, you are not only missing out on customers — you could also be exposed to legal action. The sooner you build accessibility into your strategy, the more future-proof your brand will be.
