Guide 101 For Your App Icon Design

Who doesn’t want a kickass app icon! I’m 100% sure that you do. And all others planning to launch their app desire the same too! But is it that easy? If it is, then would not every app icon turn out to be a show-stealer? Sadly, that’s not the case.

While designing an app icon, people often ignore crucial app icon design guidelines. They do the mistake of thinking them to be not-so-important. As a result, their apps don’t get that many downloads and installs.

App icons are small, but their contribution to making your app successful is huge. Yes, having just a flashy app icon won’t get the job done. And that’s why we have created this convenient and detailed app icon guide to help you design unique, catchy, apt, and attractive app icons.

Let’s begin.

Make the App Icon Scalable

Scalability is one of the most vital aspects of app icon designing. It has been observed that complicated app icons that try to pack too much fail in scalability. The last thing you want for your users is to strain their eyes while trying to comprehend your app icon’s idea.

We all know that an app icon has to be small in size. Users don’t have the option to stretch it. Hence, keeping your app icon as legible as possible is the mantra to engage the users.

After downloading an app, remember how an app icon looks in the settings. Therefore, to come up with an attractive app icon or make your app icon better, use the app icon design tool to try the icon design on real devices in different sizes to finalize the right one. 

Yes, we get it. You’re concerned about the loss of details. And you can’t help it. Due to the reduction of pixels, losing out some amount of detail is inevitable. But it’s all about conveying your ideas.

Keep it Recognizable

Do you think your app icon conveys your app idea to the users? Because to hook your target audience, it is essential.

If your target audience is unable to understand what your app icon means, they will simply move on to another app. Hence, make it your priority to keep things simple. Simplicity helps to boost the recognizability of your app icon.

However, simplicity doesn’t mean your app icon needs to look primitive. Getting rid of repetitive and unnecessary elements from your app icon can be enough to simplify your design and make it work like a charm. Anything that users recognize and understand your app and can make them interested in your app should be there in the app icon design.

Make Sure it is Unique

There are more than 2.8 million apps on Google Play Store? Do you know that there are nearly 1.96 million applications available for download on the Apple App Store?

Now, how do you think your app will stand out in this crowd of millions of apps if its icon is not unique? Using any random app icon design software may not be enough.

Well, all the app icons are competing for user attention. While big brands are relying on their logos to grab attention. It means startups and less-known apps have no other option but to show something new, unique, and unusual.

And how can you make your app icon so? Given the fact that coming up with something unique and new is difficult, you can:

• Consider using different color pallets than what your competitors do
• Create mind maps and make mood boards come up with new ideas
• Ask your friends or co-workers to give their inputs when designing your app icon

Trying to stand out in the crowd is okay. But make sure in this process, your app icon does not lose touch with what your app is about. 

Remember, Consistency is the Key

Your app icon is a part of your application. Hence they need to go hand in hand. Because getting a different application than what one expects by seeing the app icon can mislead your target audience, resulting in them not trusting your brand/app anymore.

Now how can you maintain the consistency between your app icon look and its functionalities? Here are some tips to follow:

• Your app icon should describe your app/ show its main features.
• Your app icon must showcase the look and feel of your app.
• Insinuate the functionalities of your app directly in your app icon
• Try using the same colors and style in designing the app icon that you use in your app
• Avoid using interface elements or screenshots in your app icon

Don’t Ignore Guidelines

Make sure to follow the guidelines based on the operating systems for which your app is designed.

Yes, both iOS and Android apps are indeed sharing similar looks day by day. But there are still many differences between them, for which using the same app icon for both Android and iOS is a strict no-no. 

Nope, you don’t need to make big changes in your app icon designs. At times, just adjusting the size and shape of your app icon is enough to highlight the features, visual techniques, and proportions of the app for a particular OS. At the same time, you can maintain app recognition for both operating systems.

Dos and Don’ts for Better App Icon Designing

Wondering, what else can you do to add an extra edge to your app icon? Here are some things that you must do and must not. Consider it a handy guide to creating an attractive app icon design template.

• Do not use words in your app icons. Even if you do, use moderate numbers. (Example Facebook)
• Do not include the app name in your app icon. They look terrible!
• Research well about the current app icon design trends and standards.
• Make sure to communicate your app’s function through the icon.
• Know your platforms well before designing your app icon.
• Match the style of your app icon with the app interface.
• Try incorporating some kind of a border around your app icon.
• Keep an eye on the app icon designs of your competitors’.
• Do A/B tests on different app icons.
• Pay attention to details like Size, Color, Shapes, Styles, Strokes & Fills, and Grids.
• Along with doing all the above, do not forget to test your app icon before launching.
• Create app icon variations to finalize the right one. It truly helps!
• Do not overload your app icon with color and detail.
• When in doubt, consult and connect with professionals who know how to make app icons with shortcuts.

EndNote

App icons are not logos. But you’ll be surprised to know that they do the same thing more or less. The tiny app icons serve as a source of visual information about your app.

Hence, knowing just how to build an app is not enough. You gotta master the art of designing your app icon.  An attractive and perfect logo has the potential to boost visits and conversions.

So, get in touch with us, Klizo Solutions, today to get the assistance of our expert app icon designer.

We can help you design amazing app icons that your target audience can’t resist but click. Give us a call today to get your app an icon that makes your app simply irresistible!