10 frequent errors in the icon design

Criticize someone else's work is always much easier than to create something very cool. But if systematic approach to criticism, make a numbered list, prepare illustrations, it would be a whole analysis already! In my view, the design of icons now in the transition period. Permission is becoming more and more screens, and consequently increasing icons. But still relevant icons size 16 x16 and even less. So, these are the main errors in the design icons…

1. The lack of visibility icons

Sometimes within one set appear too similar to each other icons and it is very difficult to understand "that there is". If you do not read the signature, it can be very easy to get wrong and confusion icons.
2. Too many elements in a single icon

What icon simpler and more concise, so much the better. It is desirable that the number of objects in a single icon, it would be minimal.

But the designers of Microsoft, inspired by the new format of icons in Windows Vista operating system, and decided not melochitsya "painted on all the money":
3. The extra elements

The icon should be read as "easy". The fewer items on it, the better. Preferably, the whole image was important, not just part of it. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the context in which icons will be used.

Take, for example, a set of icons to work with a database:
But if the application (or in a separate tulbare) all actions occur only with the database, then we can (and should) remove neznachimuyu part:
4. Net stylistic unity set

It is the general style combines multiple icons in the set. Unifying factors can be: colours, the prospect of size, technology, or a combination of drawing these properties. Designer can keep these rules in mind, if a little icons in the set. If the icons, and many of them operate different designers (such as icons for the operating system), set up special instructions. These instructions describe in detail how to paint icons to fit it in a harmonious set.
5. The unnecessary perspective and shadow in the small icons

Progress is moving: interfaces in the ability to perform semitransparence missing restrictions on the number of colors, plus a fashion for Three. No matter whether it is not beneficial? Not always! Especially when it comes to icons size 16 × 16 and less.

6. Too original metaphors

The selection of what will be depicted on the icon - always compromises between recognition and originality. Before you think of a metaphor for icons, it is desirable to see how it is done in other products. Perhaps the best solution is not to invent something original, but how do everywhere.

An example of such excessive originality can be a basket icon in OS / 2 Warp 4, which does not trash, and memory.

7. National and social characteristics

Must always be aware of who and what conditions will enjoy your thumbnail. An important aspect of a national characteristics. Cultural attitudes surrounding objects, gestures - all of this can be very very different in another country.
The answer can be found in the guide to the creation of icons for Mac OS X: Use universal and easily recognizable image. Not fokusiruytes on secondary aspects of the elements. Example: icons for e-mail would be preferable to use the image stamp than trudnouznavaemogo mailbox.

8. Using images in real interface elements icons

Guide to the creation of icons for Mac OS X warns us: Do not use real elements of the interface icons. But all in vain!

9. Text inside icons

This error usually happens in the application icons. Indeed, the first that comes to mind - to make application icon of the logo application. What bad text inside icons? First, it rigidly tied to the language and localization difficult. Secondly, if the icon is fine, the text impossible to read. And thirdly, in the case of application icons, the text is duplicated in the form of the application name.

10. Not hit pixels

Typically, this problem comes up when paint icons in the vector editor. A large amount of it looks nice and clear. But in reality, icons and small cracks in the anti-aliasing "blurred the boundaries" of objects.

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