Great article. Question about the use of colors and icons. I was taught that good design never relies on color. Is this not true with icon development?
I think grayscale-approach might help to define luminosity contrast to see how the composition working without relying on colour, but when we're entering macOS Launchpad or iPhone home screen our eyes immediately seek for a couple of things:
1. Things that are moving
2. Things that are different from the general pattern (contrast)
Since we can't use "moving" icons (we can, but that's another talk), we have to compete with being different, being in contrast. If everything is RED, we have to be BLUE. When everything is RECTANGULAR, we can go ROUND. When everything is SATURATED, we can go PASTEL.
But here comes limitation:
1. everyone tries to be different
2. we have our branding
3. shape and size is strictly defined (iPhone OS as an example)
So whenever it comes to icons, the colour becomes one of the most important parts to differentiate and improve the visibility of the app. It might not be the single thing to rely on, but it's one of the important parts to consider.
Nice work! Great colours!
Would it be possible for you to upload the file in Figma community? I'd love to see those details directly
Hello. I'm sorry, but this won't be comfortable for me. If you want, we can have a call and play in a blank Figma file together. What do you think?
Great article. Question about the use of colors and icons. I was taught that good design never relies on color. Is this not true with icon development?
I think grayscale-approach might help to define luminosity contrast to see how the composition working without relying on colour, but when we're entering macOS Launchpad or iPhone home screen our eyes immediately seek for a couple of things:
1. Things that are moving
2. Things that are different from the general pattern (contrast)
Since we can't use "moving" icons (we can, but that's another talk), we have to compete with being different, being in contrast. If everything is RED, we have to be BLUE. When everything is RECTANGULAR, we can go ROUND. When everything is SATURATED, we can go PASTEL.
But here comes limitation:
1. everyone tries to be different
2. we have our branding
3. shape and size is strictly defined (iPhone OS as an example)
So whenever it comes to icons, the colour becomes one of the most important parts to differentiate and improve the visibility of the app. It might not be the single thing to rely on, but it's one of the important parts to consider.
Hope it helps :)
Interesting take...I am wondering though if it’s truly color or contrast at this point. Hmmm Thanks for responding. I appreciate it!
Are you using Illustrator to design this icons or C4D? Thanks for your reply :)
Hey, it's all Figma :)
Wow nice 🙂😮 good job and thanks a lot!