Design Philosophy

The principles and thinking behind Hardal's visual identity

Baris Gurbuzler & Berkay Demirbas
2 min read

Why Hardal?

"Hardal" means mustard in Turkish.

har·dal /hɑrˈdɑl/ noun

"Hardal" (Turkish) - mustard; a pungent yellow condiment made from the seeds of certain mustard plants.

We chose this name for several reasons, like the condiment itself, our name stands out in the tech landscape. We don't want to use endfix names like --ify, or --ly, or --ing.

Mustard adds a distinctive kick to food, just as our products add value and distinction to our customers' businesses. So, why not?

While the word "hardal" is Turkish, mustard as a condiment is recognized globally, reflecting our international ambitions.

Why the Hotdog?

The hotdog imagery, mostly an 🌭 emoji, in our branding is a natural extension, not a part of our identity.

Actually, using the hotdog emoji is a trend in the startup community, but we use it not so much to promote ourselves, but because of its connection to mustard. For example, when we make a sale, we use it as an emoji on Slack or in LinkedIn comments. Why not, right?

Design Principles

Our design approach is guided by these core principles:

1. Clarity Over Complexity

We prioritize clear, intuitive design over unnecessary complexity. Every element should serve a purpose and contribute to understanding.

2. Consistency with Flexibility

We maintain consistent design patterns while allowing enough flexibility to address unique needs across different products and contexts.

3. Accessibility First

Our designs are created with accessibility in mind from the start, ensuring our products are usable by everyone regardless of abilities.

4. Purposeful Animation

We use animation and motion thoughtfully to enhance understanding, guide attention, and provide feedback—never for decoration alone.

5. Friendly Professionalism

Our visual language balances professional reliability with approachable friendliness, reflecting our company culture and values.