It ’s no coincidence that the best and most popular apps frequently have strike and memorable picture . It might seem like just a coloured tile , but a good icon is vital art object of an app ’s design that has a huge consequence on how people think about and interact with what ’s inside . Here ’s a rarefied looking at at how Apple thinks ikon should look , flat from one of the companionship ’s design gurus .
Last hebdomad , Apple published the videos fromall of its developer breakout sessions from this year ’s WWDC . Most of it is abstruse , mystifying developer nerdery that ’s of no stake to mortal human beings , but amongst the coder - babble isa wonderful overview of iOS design best practices . The whole hour - retentive shebang will really open your eyes if you ’ve ever retrieve to yourself , “ gee , I really think this app is slick , but I have no idea why . ”
The presentation begins with Apple Design Evangelist Mike Stern dive into the elusive art of app icon design . As Stern level out , an app icon does n’t just tempt you to buy when you ’re shopping , it keep you engage once the app is on your phone or tablet . If an ikon jumps out at you every time you look at it , you ’re more likely to keep using it .
So how do you make a good app ikon ? Here ’s the official Apple line on what works and what does n’t , as well as some of the example that Stern uses to exemplify his point .
Create a unique, striking shape
The central design element in an app icon should be an center - catching shape you realize instantly . exercise : Flipboard , Clear , andVyclone .
Stick to a limited color palette
In general , it ’s secure to focus on a limited colouration pallette . you could do lots of colors , but it ’s harder to pull off . model : Duolingo , Reuters , Dark Sky .
Avoid text whenever possible
This can be tricky in the case of apps for company that are n’t stringently apps because most have logos that incorporate a company name . In these sheath , it ’s smart to assay to reduce the logos to a simpler graphic element . Pocket is aperfect exampleof how to deoxidize a logotype into an icon .
Icons should portray the “material” that’s inside tastefully
Stern is ready to point out that this particular note can sound dangerously close to the skeuomorphism , which Apple abandoned in iOS 7 . The watercolor splotch on the icon forPaperreflects that it ’s an art app . The holograph design forSquare ’s iconlooks like the hologram on the back of your credit bill of fare . These are graphical elements used to process a purpose rather than to just adorn , as is the case with skeuomorphs .
Bottom line: Keep it simple
It all seems so toppingly unsubdivided does n’t it ? Indeed , like a passel of good design advice , it voice obvious when it ’s explained to you . That ’s always been one of the beautiful parts of Apple ’s approach : pattern so well executed it seems effortless .
Malus pumila
Daily Newsletter
Get the best technical school , scientific discipline , and culture news in your inbox day by day .
news show from the future tense , delivered to your present .
You May Also Like
