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Icons

Icons Bad Practice
Icons Best Practice

Icons are pictograms broadly seen in web and mobile interfaces. They visually represent ideas, objects, or actions and help users understand how they can use an element (a button or a menu item, for instance).[1]

When designed correctly, icons help users complete tasks. To apply icons correctly, follow common best practices:

  • Stick to universal icons to reduce cognitive load. For example, choose a magnifying glass for the search function.
  • Use consistent designs to improve recognition. For example, if you use icons with rounded edges on one page, keep this styling everywhere.
  • Avoid overdoing icon style. Icons should be simple and functional; complex icons are difficult to interpret, especially for users with visual impairments.

Pro Tip: Accompany icons with labels to remove any confusion about the intended meaning.

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