3 Main Types of Icons and Where to Get Them

Due to the limited screen space of Android and iOs devices, text labels are usually replaced with icons. They take less, don’t have to be translated, and are familiar to most people. However, choosing icons with a well-planned design is crucial as well. If not carefully considered, you could end up with usability problems.

In order to choose the best icon design, you need to know the types of icons and their impact on user experience.

  • Universal Icons
    By definition, an icon is a visual representation of an action, object or idea. A few of them enjoy universal recognition from users. For instance, the home, print and shopping cart icons are icons that many people are familiar with. However, this type of icons are rare. Outside of the above examples, many are still ambiguous to users due to their various meanings across interfaces.
  • Conflicting Icons
    Another type of icons that may cause trouble when implemented with commonly used pictogram is those with contradictory meanings. Take for instance the hamburger icon for navigation. Majority of interfaces use it into a scrollable overlay, but others use it to represent a list. Conflicting icons confuse users with their different meanings. Users expect a different outcome and gets a different one.
  • Unique Icons
    Unique icons function beyond standard actions, such as sharing and printing. Many designers fail in this category because this type of icons are typically hard to recognize. For first-time users, they can be a completely different experience. Some may be willing to explore and learn them, while others do not have the time to do so.

 

 

Vector icons should help users do what they need to do without requiring effort. If the meaning of the icon is not 100% clear to your users, skip the icon. Stay with simple copy or combine them. Choose icons that are easy to recognize and memorize through these guidelines:

  • Avoid icons with conflicting and confusing meanings.
  • Choose icons that are simple and schematic.
  • Use labels to help users understand.

Any icon in your interface should serve a purpose. If chosen correctly, you can guide your users seamlessly through a workflow.

Where can you buy vector icons?

Many agencies offer icons, but the best place to get your line icon pack is from www.icontail.com. IconTail offers a cost-effective solution to your design needs. They have over 2050 line and filled icons in their library at various categories. For a one-time payment, you can download all vector icons designed by Pixel Perfect. You can also easily change the stroke size with your Adobe Illustrator. All icons are available in 7 different size and 11 files type.

For as low as $59, you can enjoy thousands of professional icons, saving you a lot of money. A friendly license is also in place, allowing you to use the icons in any project for as long as you like. If the icons do not meet your needs, the website offers a 30-day money back guarantee. That’s how confident IconTail is that their icons can fulfill all your graphic needs.