It won’t be an exaggeration to say that one of the most vital aspects of an iPhone app is its icon. This is because a large number of visitors browse through scores and scores of apps on the iTunes store, but are most intrigued by the apps that have an attention-grabbing icon and description. Even if your app description is not up to the mark, it is your icon, which will make them want to go through your app at least once. Therefore, you have to pay detailed attention to the design of the app’s icon.
Here are some ideas that will get you started on how to design some note-worthy icons.
1. Avoid using Text/Words
Make it a thumb rule to refrain from using words/text in your icons. Don’t forget the fact that icons are a graphical representation of the entire application and must clearly pass the idea of the app. Thus, using text/words would be a sheer waste. Avoid using up the icon space by using text as it makes the image look cluttered. Also, think for a moment, why to use text when your app will already carry the description along with the icon?
You can however, go for single letter representations, bur only when there is absolutely no way out.
2. Don’t use standard gloss in your icon
Please give the users a break from the icons with standard gloss!
In case you didn’t know, standard gloss is a default feature. When an application is built using Xcode, the icons will by default have a round beveling of their corners with a shine over the topmost part – this is the standard gloss feature. The reason this is the default option, is because it helps maintain an uniformity in the app store.
The standard gloss feature thus, totally ruins your chance of making your icons stand apart from the rest. How do you expect to be noticed if you use this unimaginative feature that is available in every other icon on the iTunes? You’ll only lose your icon among the whole lot of icons looking similar having this very effect and also because, every native icon on the iPhone devices already has it.
3. Tone it down; keep it as simple as possible
You get a 57×57 pixel space to create your icon. Utilize it to provide you maximum benefits. Make a strong concept related to your app and create your icon based on it. Keep in mind that the concept must be strong and be such that it fits aptly on the icon space; making a strong impact on the end-users/target audience.
However, don’t stuff the icon up at your will and keep it simple and minimal instead. Select colors wisely, so that your icon does not show a lack of taste. (It does not mean that you will design a plain and drab looking icon, which is again a major faux pas).
Always remember, that your icon is your first chance to impress your target users and thus, it should be convincing enough. Plan well and work out your icon to emphasize your app concept. By following the above-mentioned features, you can surely design unique icons that can grab the attention of the visitors at one glance.
The most important and useful thing is, of course, to avoid text while creating an icon. It shouldn’t be a text presentation, just as an emblem,graphic
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Following all these pieces of advice can be the real base for the creation of the most outstanding icons, thanks a lot for sharing
Great article. Do you have similar tips for android users?
I have recently purchase iphone and these tips are very useful for me. Regards for sharing nice tips.
Simple is beautiful and as a matter of fact most people find apps that can easily be used. Of course we must also know the use of the application you have. Thanks for sharing this wonderful ideas in allowing you develop outstanding icon for iPhone.
The way you design your iPhone application icon is an important part of the success on the iPhone platform. Yes making it simple and clear is important.
Thank you for the tips! From time to time, friends ask me to make them icons for their apps, since I am good at Illustrator (or this is what I like to believe) and I will take your advice very seriously.
Picture speaks a thousand words. A unique icon will surely grab users attention and stand a good chance to be noticed and downloaded.
That was a good post and nowadays most of the business involving iphone app development is currently booming. The iphone and also its particular applications surprisingly passed every user’s expectations towards having a smart iphone app icons its really amazing…Keep rocking….
Well, it will be also great to find out about tips for Android applications) Thanks a lot for sharing
Your ideas are really useful for iPhone app developers. Your post is good. Its really amazing.
Many people like me work for developing iPhone apps. These tips can be helpful for us. I have also noticed that when using text, the icon starts to lose its uniqueness. Thanks for these suggestions.