Icons are indispensable visual elements of the interface that can instantly communicate complex ideas. The 5 core principles of effective icon design:
5 core principles of effective icon design:
- Simplicity: Each icon should represent a single idea, free from unnecessary details
- Consistency: All icons should have the same style, line thickness, and visual language
- Recognizability: Should match users' mental models (trash can = delete)
- Size compatibility: Icons should work even in small sizes like 16x16px
- Context sensitivity: The icon's surroundings should strengthen its meaning
Tips for icon selection:
- Prefer universal symbols
- Support with text labels
- Measure user understanding with A/B tests
- Consider cultural differences
When used well, icons transcend language barriers and make the user interface intuitive.