The design of an icon results apparently simple in the eyes of those who are not very knowledgeable about it. graphic designHowever, those who are immersed in the subject will be able to affirm that it is quite complex and detailed. Today we will teach you How to Create Effective Icons with These 7 Key Principles.
Being able to convey specific feelings, as well as achieving balance and harmony in the design are some of the fundamental requirements that a good icon should have. But that's not all, and the process is more complex than you can imagine. Find out what we're talking about so you can implement it in your projects.
What is an icon?
That term can have several meanings in different contexts. In the digital framework, an icon is a type of graphic symbol or seal, whose main function is to represent certain information or ideas.
Over the years, icons have consolidated their position as one of the main elements for communicationThey also play an essential role in the interface design of any digital project you undertake.
Choosing the right icon design can largely determine the success of any project. Some become so representative that they become the identifying seal and endure through years and years.
Create effective icons with these 7 key principles
Choose your icon shape carefully
One of the first things you'll need to think about when designing your icon is: It will be in the form you want it to be. Needless to say, this step is one of the most important in the entire process.
Keep in mind that the shape of your icon can express many ideas, which has an important psychological background. That is to say, a simple shape can convey all kinds of ideas, and the wrong choice can completely change the essence of your project.
For example:
Rectangles and squares: These simple geometric shapes are capable of transmitting stability and security, at the same time, they will create a feeling of loyalty and trust among users.
Circles: EWe are used to seeing this figure in many ways in nature and everything that surrounds us. Therefore, integrity, vitality, durability over time and eternity are just some of the feelings that these transmit.
Triangles: If you point the tip of the triangle towards a particular object, you can add importance and seriousness to it.
Clean and clear designs
You'll need to be prepared for your icon to be scaled down to smaller sizes, so it stands to reason that your designs need to be perfectly visible. To achieve this, The design will need to be clean, precise and clear.
Originality is everything
The most popular icons of all time They owe much of their fame to their originality and how memorable they are.. To do this, look for popular figures, it doesn't matter if they are too simple or not. Unique and different designs are the ones that most catch the attention of users, all that remains is to do special work.
What does your icon convey?
Icons, like other components, They are able to capture everything on your devices and it is greatly appreciated. The first thing to put this into practice is the selection of elements that are capable of transmitting to anyone who looks at the icon feelings that cause admiration, joy, enthusiasm, fear, nostalgia and even sadness.
Of course, the type of icon being designed and the purpose for which it will be used must be taken into account. For example, a danger sign should evoke fear or alertness, however, proximity to an amusement park should cause the person feelings of fun, joy, lifting spiritsThe designer must play with all these elements to create an icon that causes the necessary impact on the people it is intended for.
What is the meaning of each element of the icon?
Edges and angles in an icon often relate to feelings of intensity, dangerousness, state of alert, fury, anger.
Using rounded edges and softer angles, on the contrary, conveys harmony, peace, tranquility, serenity, security and many other positive emotions.
The colors red and black are also related to these negative feelings, Red, however, in more vivid shades, denotes passion and love. Bright and pastel colors are used to cause people to feel calm, happy and joyful.
Cohesion between your icons is essential
When designing a set of icons that will be used by the same brand or website, for example, They must maintain a logical relationship and meaning between them, which must be relational at visual aesthetic levels and transmit the same idea and meaning.
Each icon must have its own meaning and at the same time must be perfectly integrated with the others. Achieving this balance is not always so simple, being a somewhat complicated task for any designer.
Don't lose simplicity
Keeping an icon simple is The most important thing is to ensure that it does not become overloaded and full of unnecessary details. Remember that your icon must be able to be displayed in any format and size with the greatest precision and cleanliness possible.
This does not mean precisely to stop adding details that you consider important for the idea that needs to be conveyed, only that sometimes it is better to add only the necessary details and apply the law of less is more.
Achieve a balance in design
The symmetry and harmony between the elements that make up your icon will allow it to have a balanced, serene and organized appearance. These features add great aesthetic and visual value to your icon, being one of the most important elements when it comes to design.
And that's all for today! Let us know in the comments what you think! these 7key principles for creating effective icons. What other tips do you know that might be helpful?
