Before Wikipedia's familiar puzzle globe logo, these concepts were under consideration, including a book centipede (the "Wikipede"), a five-headed dragon, and more. I'm disappointed they didn't choose the strange yet enticing anthropomorphic Wikipede. It has an odd familiarity—like a half-forgotten cartoon character you recognize instantly but can't quite place.
From "Wikimedia Foundation"
"Have you met the Wikipede? In another universe, maybe it has been Wikipedia's logo for over two decades. This is just one of many logo concepts submitted by volunteers during Wikipedia's early development. Thousands of people weighed in. Ideas were proposed, challenged, revised, and sometimes abandoned entirely, all transparently in public.
That same collaborative process extends far beyond our visual identity. Wikipedia is built through open disagreement, documented decisions, and consensus reached in full view. Every edit is traceable. Every debate is preserved.
Today, Wikipedia is represented by the iconic puzzle globe. As Wikipedia celebrates its 25th birthday, a new time capsule shares its process, showing how collaboration has shaped everything from logos to articles, policies, and practices over time. Crawl on over to more anniversary content at the link in our bio."
Previously:
• A decade of Wikipedia: lesser-known miracles
