Icons are a key design feature for any website, for any company, in any industry. That’s why its so important to choose the right type of icons for your business, and your website. But how can you be sure that your icons will be effective? And what should you be sure to consider? Well, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester, we are Manchester’s leading web design experts. From Blackburn to Chorley we work across Manchester and the North West. And we work with clients in all sectors of business and industry to find the perfect web design solutions. This includes producing and using the right icons, in the right places. As a result, we have produced this guide to the features of effective icons in web design.
Features of effective icons in web design
If you want to make sure your icons will attract attention, or help divide your website content appropriately, there are some key things you should consider. Features of effective icons include:
- the visual appeal
- the consistency of design
- is the icon universally recognizable?
- your company branding
The visual appeal
Effective icons are always visually appealing. After all, the icon will need to attract attention from your website visitors, to help guide them through your website. As a result, all the basic design principles apply. Just on the small scale. This means that you need to make sure your icons are individually designed, using the right colours, shapes and texture to create a quality finished product.
The consistency of the design
Another key feature of effective icons is the consistency of design. Websites generally use more than one icon. And in fact they can usually be found in a similar place. Which means it’s even more important for your icon designs to be consistent. Each icon needs to be the same size, with a similar shape, while also being the same colour. And this will help present a uniform approach, with clear, consistent design choices.
Universally recognized
In addition, whichever icons you choose, you need to make sure they are recognizable. The meaning and purpose behind the design choices needs to be clear and obvious. So that users will fully understand what the icon represents, and even what they can expect from clicking on the icon. The home icon, the telephone icon, the email and the map icon are all common examples of instantly recognizable symbols. And these can direct users to different parts of the website, or to different stages of the purchasing or signing up process.
Company branding
Your company should be using branding in all aspects of print and digital design, to truly cement the company image. And to create a memorable identity. Icons can be used as part of this branding, and can further promote the company brand and image. As a result, you should stick to branded colours, and your icons should represent your company persona. Whether your company is serious, or playful, your icons can represent this.
For more information, or for professional web design advice and support, get in touch with the experts today, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester.