[ux] Fwd: Mobile Tor Browser branding discussion

Spencer spencerone at openmailbox.org
Thu May 12 14:27:39 UTC 2016


Hi,

TL;DR:

'Onion Browser' is the most accurate and quite easy to use (:

> 
> Orbot:
> 

'Or' isn't clear to most people; "Or what?".  'bot' is clear, as a 
shortening of 'Robot'.

'Torbot' would be more clear to most about the function: a robot that 
runs Tor.

This is especially needed for recognition if the browser adopts a 
'tor'-less name.

> 
> Orweb:
> 

Needs spiders.

> 
> Orfox:
> 

This is okay but requires 'fox' and a challenging icon development 
process.

Also, this is not very original.

> 
> Pearl Onion Browser:
> 

IME, Pearl onions are rare at best in most places.

Recognition would be best with general names like 'Green', 'Yellow', 
'White' or 'Purple'/'Red' but they aren't clear as onions without the 
word 'Onion'.

Or with specific varieties like 'Shallot', 'Vidalia', 'Walla Walla', or 
'Spring' but these still feel like they need the word 'Onion' to clarify 
the mental model with layered (wrapped) encryption.

Or with more broad (scientific) with names like 'Allium' or 'Cepa'.

Also, 'Pearl' conflicts with 'PEARL'.

And 'POB' is a terrible acronym.

> 
> Minitor:
> 

But the network isn't smaller.

Relies on 'Tor' as a name for the browser (might as well call it 'Tor 
Browser' in this case).

> 
> Red Onion:
> 

Confusing because of the controversy shared by the red/purple cabbage: 
what color is it really.

The color is clearly purple, in most cases, but are named 'Red'; logic 
must be solid with the naming scheme of such an important tool set.

> 
> Onion Browser:
> 

This is best.

The concept is an onion.

The tool is an internet browser.

The technology is onion routing.

Combined, 'Onion Browser' comes to life as an onion routing internet 
browser.

'OB' is a much nicer acronym, especially given the association with 
child birth in english.

'TOB' is also a terrible acronym.

> 
> friendly mascot
> 

No mascot; establishing the image of onion layers is most valuable.

>> 
>> Nima Fatemi:
>> mobile, is never going to have the security features
>> of Tor Browser on desktop
>> 

There should be a side by side feature comparison.

Wordlife,
Spencer





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