Icon design

Icon design is the process of designing a graphic symbol that represents some real, fantasy or abstract motive, entity or action. In the context of software applications, an icon often represents a program, a function, data or a collection of data on a computer system.

Style and usage

Icon designs can be simple, with flat two-dimensional drawing or a black silhouette, or complex, presenting a combination of graphic design elements such as one or more linear and radial color gradients, projected shadows, contour shades, and three-dimensional perspective effects.

Sizing

As computer icons can be used in different sizes, icon design involves creating master artwork usually for the biggest size used and producing smaller sizes from it. It is desirable to comply with overall style of the icon set, using the same color palette, perspective and renderings for all icons. Special attention is given to eliminating unnecessary details and aligning strokes and objects to pixels in small icon sizes to avoid messy and blurred images.

Many modern icons have a maximum size of 1024 by 1024 pixels or greater. The challenge of icon design is to create an image that is communicative, beautiful, and understandable, at every size from this maximum resolution down to the minimum resolution of 16 by 16 pixels. Many icon formats allow one icon to include hinting to ensure visual clarity at smaller resolutions, or even completely different subsidiary images for smaller sizes (for instance, a keyboard at larger sizes, and a single keycap at smaller ones).

Usage

The most common and important examples are application icons, used to represent an app on Mac, Windows, Linux, or mobile platforms. These icons rely on unique and memorable metaphors as a form of product branding. Other common uses include favicons, toolbar icons, and icons for buttons or controls.

Process

The process of icon design can be divided into two parts: defining the pictogram and creating final design or illustration.

Defining pictograms

There are three main approaches in defining pictograms.

The first and the most desirable in icon design practice is using conventional images.
If there is no conventional pictogram for the particular icon, a designer can use a literal image, including an image that is shared by the main concept (for example printer is shared image for printing concept), or metaphorical image.
After the pictogram is defined, it is necessary to check it for possible conflicts (for example the snail image is a good metaphor for slow motion but if used as a road sign it will conflict with literal and partially conventional meaning "snails on the road").

Defining the pictogram can be different for the toolbar and other functional icons in the interface and for the icons representing independent software applications or websites which are closer to logotype or mascot design.

Step-by-Step guide to icon design

Creating an icon involves several key steps to ensure clarity, recognizability, and visual appeal. Here’s an overview of the process:

Define the Parameters: Identify the purpose and context in which the icon will be used. Consider the appropriate size and style that will best suit its intended use.^[1]

Research and Inspiration: Explore existing icons and gather references to understand common symbols and metaphors, ensuring that the icon will be easily recognizable by users.^[1]

Sketching: Begin with rough sketches to explore various ideas and concepts, focusing on the initial visualization of the icon.^[2]

Refinement: Select the best sketches and refine them into more detailed designs, emphasizing clarity and recognizability at different sizes.^[2]

Vectorization: Convert the refined sketches into vector graphics using design software, which allows for scalability and easy adjustments.^[1]

Testing: Place the icon in its intended environment to evaluate its appearance and functionality, making necessary adjustments to improve usability.^[2]

Finalization: Once satisfied with the design, finalize the icon and create different sizes for various applications.^[1]

Notable icon designers

Susan Kare, one of the early professional icon designers, designed many of the icons contained within the Classic Mac OS.
Jon Hicks created the icon for the Firefox Browser and the emoticons for Skype.^[3] He's also the author of the Icon Handbook.^[4]
Bonnie Kate Wolf is an icon designer and art director based in Seattle, Washington. She has created many icons for many clients such as Netflix, AirBnB, and Lyft.

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Icon Design: A Beginner's Guide [+ Resources]". blog.hubspot.com. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
^ ^a ^b ^c Nwankwagu, Chidera (2024-12-02). "Design process checklist for icons: Where to begin and more". LogRocket Blog. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
^ "New Skype Emoticons | Hicks Journal". hicksdesign.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-10-05.
^ Jon, Hicks (2011). The icon handbook. Noun Project. United Kingdom. ISBN 9781907828034. OCLC 778700859.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

External links

[:0-1] "Icon Design: A Beginner's Guide [+ Resources]". blog.hubspot.com. Retrieved 2024-12-13.

[:1-2] Nwankwagu, Chidera (2024-12-02). "Design process checklist for icons: Where to begin and more". LogRocket Blog. Retrieved 2024-12-13.

[3] "New Skype Emoticons | Hicks Journal". hicksdesign.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-10-05.

[4] Jon, Hicks (2011). The icon handbook. Noun Project. United Kingdom. ISBN 9781907828034. OCLC 778700859.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

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