SSI Logo Guide: History, Variations, and Official Usage Guidelines (2026)
Orphée Grandsable
What is the SSI logo? - BLUF
The SSI logo is the visual trademark of Safe Superintelligence Inc. (formerly the Stanford Spaceflight Initiative). It symbolizes the organization’s mission to develop safe artificial general intelligence. The current mark-a stylized “S” entwined with a forward-pointing arrow-appears on all official communications, product UI, and marketing collateral.
Why it matters: Consistent use protects brand equity, ensures legal compliance, and conveys trust to partners, investors, and the public.
Example: The logo on the SSI white-paper cover instantly signals the document’s authenticity.
Design Anatomy (Concept → Mechanism → Use Cases)
| Element | Visual Description | Intended Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Core “S” | Bold, geometric sans-serif letter | Represents “Superintelligence” and the organization’s name |
| Forward Arrow | Integrated into the right leg of the “S” | Symbolizes progress, safety-first trajectory |
| Color Palette | Primary: #0A3D62 (deep navy) • Accent: #F2C94C (gold) | Navy → stability & trust; Gold → optimism & breakthrough |
| Negative Space | Small gap forming a subtle “I” within the arrow | Highlights “Intelligence” and the letter “I” in SSI |
Use Cases: website header, slide decks, product splash screens, merchandise, press releases.
Evolution of the SSI Logo (2012-2026)
| Version | Year Introduced | Key Visual Changes | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| V1 - “Stanford S + Rocket” | 2012 | Stanford “S” with a rocket silhouette | Early branding for the Stanford Spaceflight Initiative; later disallowed by university policy |
| V2 - “S + Satellite & Excavator” | 2014 | Added satellite and excavator icons around the “S” | Reflected SSI’s projects (PhoneSat, Lunabotics) |
| V3 - “Simplified S + Star” | 2018 | Removed external icons; introduced a star inside the “S” | Streamlined for wider applications |
| V4 - “Current Safe Superintelligence” | 2020 (updated 2024) | Arrow-integrated “S”, navy-gold palette, clean geometry | Aligns with AI safety mission; scalable for digital & print |
The 2020 redesign is the only version authorized for all external use as of 2026.
Official Usage Guidelines (2026)
1. Clear-Space & Minimum Size
- Clear-Space: Keep an empty margin equal to the height of the “S” on all sides.
- Minimum Width: 30 px for digital, 10 mm for print. Below this, legibility degrades.
2. Color Variations
| Context | File | Hex / CMYK |
|---|---|---|
| Full-color (preferred) | ssi-logo-full.svg | #0A3D62 / C100 M86 Y0 K55 |
| Monochrome - Black | ssi-logo-bw.svg | #000000 |
| Monochrome - White (on dark backgrounds) | ssi-logo-white.svg | #FFFFFF |
3. Background Rules
- Allowed: White, light gray, or any solid color with contrast ratio ≥ 4.5:1 (WCAG AA).
- Prohibited: Busy images, gradients that obscure the logo, or colors outside the approved palette.
4. Incorrect Usage (Do / Don’t)
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use the official vector files. | Stretch, rotate, or skew the logo. |
| Preserve the aspect ratio. | Change the color palette. |
| Apply the required clear-space. | Place the logo within another graphic element. |
| Use approved background colors. | Overlay the logo on patterned photos. |
5. File Formats & When to Use Them
| Format | Ideal For | File Size (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| SVG | Web, responsive UI | 12 KB |
| PNG (transparent) | Presentations, PDFs | 45 KB (300 dpi) |
| EPS | Print (large-format) | 80 KB |
| PDF (vector) | Brand-guideline PDFs | 150 KB |
Where to Get Official Assets (2026)
| Asset | Download Link | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Logo Pack (All Formats) | Download ZIP - 2 MB | Includes SVG, PNG (transparent), EPS, PDF, and a README with usage notes. |
| Brand Guidelines (PDF) | Brand-Guide 2024-2026.pdf (1.3 MB) | Full visual identity system, typography, color codes, and legal disclaimer. |
| Icon Set (AI-related) | Icons-AI-Set.zip (850 KB) | Complementary icons for presentations and UI mockups. |
All assets are licensed under the SSI Brand License - see the “Legal” section of the brand guide for attribution requirements.
Legal & Attribution
- Trademark: “SSI” and the logo are registered trademarks of Safe Superintelligence Inc. Unauthorized alterations constitute infringement.
- Attribution (when required): “© Safe Superintelligence Inc., 2024-2026. Used with permission.”
- Third-Party Use: Must obtain written consent from SSI’s PR office (
press@ssi-inc.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I recolor the logo for a dark-mode website? | Use the white version (ssi-logo-white.svg). Do not modify the core colors. |
| What is the minimum resolution for print posters? | Use the EPS file at 300 dpi; no raster scaling required. |
| Is there a favicon version? | Yes - ssi-favicon.svg (16 × 16 px) included in the logo pack. |
| Can I combine the logo with partner logos? | Only if the partner’s brand guidelines allow side-by-side placement and the SSI clear-space is respected. |
critical OpenSSL vulnerabilities |
| Where do I report misuse of the logo? | Email brand-compliance@ssi-inc.com with screenshots and URLs. |
Quick Reference Checklist (Copy-Paste)
- [ ] Use the **full-color SVG** for web and UI.
- [ ] Maintain clear-space equal to the “S” height.
- [ ] Verify background contrast ≥ 4.5:1 (WCAG AA).
- [ ] Do not recolor, stretch, or rotate the mark.
- [ ] Include attribution line when required.
- [ ] Store assets in the central `SSI_Assets` folder.
This guide reflects the most current (2026) SSI branding standards. For any updates, consult the official brand guide linked above.