Her icon and font design work at Apple in the 1980s helped to establish the style of icons used as a navigational tool in a wide range of software interfaces. Forty years on, the software may have changed but icons are still present, and a lot of today’s icon styles and form owe a lot to Kare’s initial design work. Susan’s distinctive pixel-based icons made the MAC interface more friendly and targeted an audience without the technical know how of computer schools – she had empathy. Her approach was steeped in user-centred design.

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-woman-who-gave-the-macintosh-a-smile

I also like the colour combination, the bright blue is eye-catching and makes the icons feel modern and easy to recognise.

Consistency is important for app design because it helps users quickly understand and trust the interface without getting confused.

What makes them effective?

I like the use of symmetry and how smooth it looks. I also like the side profile of the elephant there is a smaller elephant beneath the trunk

I like the thick and consistent lines in these icons. The curved lines make it look very clean. The different pastel colors also create a calming and unobtrusive look.

They are not very detailed but very clearly represent specific and clear symbols.

The simple design will mean that it works on a variety of scales and is very versatile for different projects,

i think the are effective because of the their uniqueness amongst other icons and drawing the eye with the contrasting colors

These icons dont have much color or tone to it, which could be easier for someone to Interpret.

It works because it easily describes what the class is all about, and fitting into the middle ground between too complicated and too simple.

Tasks:

·      Research:

·       Collect icon examples you find effective and inspiring.
Look across different sources such as interfaces, apps, signage, and websites

·       Investigate culturally diverse approaches to symbols
Consider how meaning can shift across cultures and what responsibilities designers have when borrowing visual languages

·       Investigate habit-tracking apps (e.g Streaks, Habitica, Fabulous, Google Keep).
Pay attention to how they use icons, colour, and layout to guide users. What feels clear? What feels confusing?

https://arngren.net/