Icons are everywhere! Take a look at the screen you are staring at right now. You will find icons on your desktop, even on the website you’re reading this. Icon design forms a crucial part of any website or app design. Icons are universally understood.
We all know an ‘X’ indicates closing the window, and a camera icon indicates clicking a picture. Let’s explore how these small graphic elements carry immense power in digital communication.
What are the icons used for?
Icons are used to present blocks of information visually. Instead of writing, ‘Clicking this button will close the application you are working on right now’ in small text over a small button, they just design it as an ‘X’ icon.
That ‘X’ icon conveys the entire message visually, doesn’t take up all the space needed, and, most importantly, provides a cleaner user experience. Thus, we can define the primary objective of an icon as to communicate the message very rapidly and effectively.
What can be some other ways icons be used?
1) To express Brand Identity
When we observe the different icons used by a single brand, we notice patterns or similarities between them. At this point, those icons are not just providing visual information at a glance but are now used to express the brand and its brand identity.
The consistency in icon design helps reinforce the brand’s identity, making it easily recognizable and distinct from competitors.
2) Enhancing the visual branding
Icons are more accessible to look at and more relatable than just plain text. This is why icons are frequently utilized to enhance the visuals of any branding activities. For example, striking aptly placed icons on a brochure, pamphlet, or website can significantly brighten up the visual branding.
It grabs the attention of the user and communicates the message quickly, thus leading to proper retention of the user’s attention.
What is the website icon?
A website icon design accompanies all necessary actions on a website. It ensures a quick and better understanding of its actions and effects. Icons take up less space on a website than if displayed textually, which makes the website interface look cleaner and more comfortable on the eyes.
Icon design for applications
Your phone’s app drawer. It shows so many icons to you at the same time, and yet you never fail to recognize the app icon of the app you were looking for. The app icon is the visual anchor for your app. App icons are often confused with logos, which isn’t correct.
If the applications represented the same information by a scrollable list of text, without any visual identification, it would have been a nightmare to search for anything.
The Psychological Impact of Icons
Icons aren’t just miniature pictures; they’re silent ambassadors that speak volumes. A well-designed icon can trigger emotions, guide user actions, and leave a lasting impression. Icons act as visual breadcrumbs, helping users find their way effortlessly and fostering a positive user experience.
Custom Icons versus Stock Icons
While stock icons offer a quick solution, they can feel generic and fail to capture the essence of your brand. Custom icons, meticulously crafted to reflect your brand identity, create a cohesive visual language. They become instantly recognizable extensions of your brand, building trust and loyalty with your users.
Read more on – What are the characteristics of an icon?
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