Analyze the functionality of app competitors to identify how designers have implemented distinctive features into visual forms. Here is probably the biggest challenge designers face when creating app icons: they need to balance between originality and versatility.Īllow enough time for competitor research. On the one hand, using obvious strongly associated visual signs is a winning technique, but on the other hand, this approach makes it harder to shine among competitors.
What is the first visual association with mailing services that comes to your mind? An envelope, right? This is what you see when searching “inbox” on the App Store: dozens of envelopes in different styles, shapes, and colors. In this way, users will associate the icon with your product or service and easily recognize it across different platforms and devices.įoxygenic app icon Let your icon speak for the app Mind the brand style guideĪn app icon should follow the overall branding design in terms of color and style. Bear in mind that the majority of multinational corporations give preference to straightforward designs. Focus on one main idea and implement it in a clear and easy-to-remember design. Minimalism is the best solution for small elements. Although it’s well known that an image with a large number of elements becomes a mess after resizing, icons with unnecessary texts and photographic details keep merging on App Store and Google Play Store. Look at your icon and ask yourself if there are any details that can be removed. Pay attention to details or, rather, the lack thereof
Sketch has a user-friendly interface and multiple plugins, however, it may not be the best solution for complex designs.Adobe Photoshop CC is used to create raster designs with such effects as reflections and shadows.Adobe Illustrator CC is a good old tool to create complex vector designs.Here are some of the most popular tools for app icon design:
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To make an icon for a mobile app pick software that allows you to export files in PNG format. Make sure you follow not only technical recommendations but also stylistic ones since it’s important for app submission and further optimization on App Store and Google Play Store.
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That’s why Android and iOS have their own guidelines on formats, sizes, and even styles. Your design should look harmonious among other app icons on users’ screens. Learn guidelinesĪlthough your creativeness with icon design isn’t limited, you still have to follow the requirements set down by the platform where the app is going to be submitted. We’ll never tire of repeating how important business data analysis is for design. Ignoring this information is akin to attempting to hit a target blindfolded. Ask for marketing-related information like the value proposition, target audience, market characteristics, and pricing. Learn business components of the app you’re going to design an icon for.
At the very beginning, you should choose business over design. Сolor combination and harmony of shapes are certainly important and we’ll discuss it later however, it’s not the starting point. Enjoy reading!Īn app icon for Lion, the accountability browser To help you meet the goals listed above, we’ve gathered the best recommendations on app icon design in this article. A bit too much for a small visual element, isn’t it? An icon is a small branding element that should attract at first glance, stand out from the crowd of similar icons, communicate the essence of your app, and be memorable and easy to recognize.
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Unlike text descriptions and screenshots that are aimed at making people want to install the app, icons have a broader scope of responsibility. The design of an app icon is essential for App Store and Google Play Store optimization.