Designing Better App Icons
summary
Practical framework: design icons at 1024×1024 in Photoshop/Sketch, test on-device and over the default wallpaper, and optimize for multiple sizes by removing detail until shapes hold. Focus on five core aspects: scalability (redesigned Breaking’s news-wave into a simpler, legible iOS mark), recognizability (hardware-based Thermo icon that helps the companion app reach 7 million downloads), consistency with app UI, and uniqueness — and follow the rule no words in icons.
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chapters (10)
- 0:00Start
- 15:31try to mix simplicity with tactility
- 17:40discuss the context
- 21:10try out the icon on the device
- 25:43try out several variations of your design
- 25:53curate your home screens
- 29:52ensure consistency between app and icon
- 36:26put the logo on a white background
- 39:09control the output of specific raster sizes
- 43:12sketch out an idea
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