Icons play a key role within UX/UI design. There are a way of visually communicating to the user without having to use words. This allows it to be universal understood and works around the language barrier. In basic terms, an icon is a small image, usually a symbol, used graphically represent a software program, file, or function on a computer screen. They have become an essential part of many user interfaces as they present objects, actions and ideas in a visual way. It is very important that they are designed and completed correctly as they are what will communicate the core idea and purpose of the product.

 

 

An iconographer is defined as a maker of figures or drawings especially of a conventional type. Designers may not be solely an expert in icons, but can include that in their work with UX/UI design, or even branding. 

Since 1983, Susan Kare has been an influential computer iconographer. From her studio in San Francisco, Kare has designed thousands of software icons which have almost become something like furniture on computers. Kare uses a grid of pixels to design her icons and constructs them similarly to a mosaic. The reason for her icons success can be put down to her precision in their construction making them memorable and their function is immediately recognised and memorable. Kare’s pixel style suited the original styling for computers, where grids played a key role. However as technology evolves, this has resulted in her work having an almost vintage feel to it, as more modern icons are have a much more smooth and sometimes three dimensional finish to them. The ‘original’ emoji was designed by Susan Kare, in terms of the Cairo typeface. This was created for the first Macintosh operating system in 1984. Kare was inspired by the Egyptian hieroglyphics and each symbol was hand drawn on a bitmap grid. The cursor and watch symbols are still used in operating systems that were created later. 

 

 

Another designer who is skilled in iconography is Kyle Tezak, an independent designer and illustrator from Minnesota. Tezak works with a wide variety of companies on brand identity and product design to illustrations and large icon sets. It is clear that Tezak’s illustration skill is vital when it comes to his icons. He is successful in being able to clearly show the user what each icon is representing. He is also not afraid to utilise colour within his icons, looking specifically at his icons for AARP. The subtle use of the purple and green within the icons brings all the icons together so it is recognisable as a set. It is not only designs for companies that Tezak enjoys, but he also carries out a personal project, Four Icon Challenge, where he creates a small set of icons which represent a movie title. This shows that icons are not just for commercial and professional use, but can be used for a bit of fun. This would also benefit Tezak as it also challenges him to see if he can recreate a well known movie and simplify it right down to the simplest forms.