Seven golden rules of IOS7 icon design

01. Using a metaphor with high degree of identification

(1) The first thing Edwards noticed is that icons are usually small in size, so the key to icon design is simply to outline the overall concept of the application.

"The general practice is to use one or two types of objects that are highly recognizable and represent concepts." And then use the best color and smooth shape to create beauty.

(2) and designer Jon Hicks that in addition, the metaphor of the icon is also stronger (for example, photo application), the icon should be a symbol that can be represented, with an identity (admittedly, Safari brand is very successful, most people can recognize it at a glance), Apple's Gaming center and its icon-setting are a poor metaphor.

(3) Soft façade, creative director of Tsozik, said the designer don't think Smart: "Casually put a white background, and then fill in a few color rings, this can be called icon?"

This icon is not functional, through the icon can not understand the function of the application, concepts.

More research and research on color and metaphor, the role of the icon is to guide users into the application of the window, it is best to let users know the application of the function, do not let users guess.

The camera icon is very conspicuous, but it is too heavy and aesthetically pleasing, but its metaphor is so strong that it is known for its usefulness. and the Game Center .... the metaphor sucks.

　　02. Vivid Color

Iconfactory co-founder Gedeon Maheux that even if you don't have a cold color system for iOS7, you have to study the iOS7 icon design style, after all, Apple is the design vane: "Try to create a clear sense of control in the design." IOS7 is known for its bright borders, clear lines, bold colours.

He believes that bright colors can bring a sense of vitality and fun, soft, delicate color is not able to do this.

iwork application color is very vivid, very high degree of identification

　03. Using grid lines

Maheux recommends using the current popular IOS7 grid line when starting the iOS7 icon design: "You can block the design and build the overall sense of the icon in the interface." The more icons that are designed with raster lines, the better they can match each other in the interface, the stronger the overall sense of the icon in the interface.

Of course, he also believes that should not be too restrictive ego: "If you think breaking the grid line, your design will be more brilliant, you might as well try"

The Apple grid line allows you to "break" the design, but if necessary, it breaks the grid line limit.

　04. Avoid Information overload

IOS7 is highly dependent on fonts. The slim font makes the button area full of white space.

But Edwards that the icon should not be combined with the slim font: "The icon should be a symbolic element, itself is a visual language, should not be associated with the text language." Even if combined, the text should not be too much. ”

For example, the VPN option in the settings, the micro-icon and text combination gives people a sense of information overload

05. Moderately add depth sense

IOS7 's visual style can be seen as a flat design, Jony Ive specifically emphasizes the concept of iOS7 "hierarchy" rather than a single flat. Maheux that, if you want to be different, you must design a different: "Add a little projection, add a bit of gradient also no harm, do more experiments, not a new popular from this birth, iOS7 design is full of infinite possibility, not necessarily rigid flat." ”

Scope of the Iconfactory

Mirror icon has a sense of depth, the effect is much better than flat design.

　　06. Consistent visual Style

(1) You can look at the icons of the Apple App Store suite, and obviously they are all icons of a series.

Design a set of icons and design an icon, there are different things to consider. You also need to consider consistency when designing a complete set of icons.

Designers want to cultivate their own sense of wholeness, even if your job is to design an icon, you can also think: "If this application has a sister application, then how to design the icon?" Through this illusion to exercise their own design thinking.

(2) However, Hicks also reminded that consistency does not mean sticking to one form: "line thickness does not have to be identical, color does not have to be identical, but the overall style must be harmonious, matching"

He stressed that the "white symbol with color gradient" is the simplest method. (or use a colorful, transparent icon on a white background) "Unified style--a single icon is designed flexibly according to the different metaphors."

(3) Edwards said: "Through consistency design, can increase with a series of applications, icons of the sense of contact"

There are many ways to create consistency.

　07. The pursuit of perfection

Regardless of IOS7 's visual style, the standard of excellent icons has not changed: elegance, simplicity, detail in place.

Tsozik recommended to read a little more modern design, architecture, font-type books, and constantly strive for perfection