By Mary Moore, copywriter at Shakuro

Icons are the unsung heroes of user interfaces, silently guiding users through their digital journeys, and forging connections between your brand and your audience. But here’s the catch: icon design trends in the digital realm evolve quicker than a tech startup’s elevator pitch, and failing to keep up can leave your product looking like yesterday’s news.

Are you sure your icons are up to the task? Are they in tune with the latest tendencies that will shape 2024 and beyond? If not, you might inadvertently invite friction, confusion, and frustration into your user experience — three things you can ill afford.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey that promises to redefine your user interfaces, and capture your users’ hearts, read on. We’ll unveil the icon design trends for 2024, tailored specifically for UI/UX designers and startups.

Icon design trends for 2024

Minimalism

And yet again, minimalism continues to be a dominant trend in design. In 2024, expect to see icons stripped down to their essentials. Clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on functionality are the hallmarks of minimalistic style. This trend offers clarity and a timeless appeal, ensuring your designs won’t look dated.

The style continues to be a versatile choice for mobile UI design because of its simplicity and clarity. It fits perfectly in various parts of the interface. You can use the minimalistic style for primary navigation options, such as home, search, settings, or profile. These icons can replace or complement text labels, saving screen space and providing a clean and intuitive interface.

Minimalistic icons in Clients Portal Constructor by Conceptzilla

Three-dimensional forms & realism

It might be not surprising: 3D is making a comeback. These icons bring depth and realism to your user interface, creating a more immersive experience. Consider using this 2024 design trend when you want to add a touch of sophistication, a touch of elegance, and depth to your product’s design.

It suits the main functions or features on your app’s home screen. They make the most important actions pop and give users a visually engaging entry point to your application. However, when using 3D in graphic design, it’s important to maintain a balance between realism and usability. Ensure that the icons do not hinder the overall user experience by being overly complex or distracting.

3D Icons For a Travel App by Shakuro

Abstractionism & geometry

Breaking away from traditional representations, abstract and geometric elements offer creative freedom. This style uses shapes, patterns, and colors to convey concepts, allowing you to establish unique visual identities. Abstract icons can be a great choice for companies looking to stand out in crowded markets.

The icon design trend offers a modern and visually appealing aesthetic. Use abstract or geometric shapes as alternatives or complements to text labels in the navigation bar. They can help users quickly identify and access different sections or features of your app.

Geometrical forms in Language Dashboard Mobile App by Conceptzilla

Microinteractions & animations

Adding interactivity through microinteractions and animated icons is a trend that’s gaining momentum in 2024. They respond to user actions, providing subtle feedback that enhances the user experience. Incorporating these dynamic elements can make your product more engaging and memorable.

Opt for animations to guide your clients through onboarding processes or to welcome them to your app. Animated elements can make the introduction more engaging and informative. Alternatively, you can add microinteractions and animations in buttons and call-to-action elements. For instance, animate a “Submit” button when a user completes a form, providing visual feedback that their action was successful.

Sidebar Microinteractions by Conceptzilla

Art Deco

The timeless elegance of Art Deco is making its way into icon design. The bold lines, geometric patterns, and luxurious color schemes of Art Deco can bring a touch of sophistication to your startup’s visual identity.

Use it as a decorative element in headers and titles to add a touch of sophistication to the overall design. For example, include an Art Deco-inspired divider between sections of a news app. Also, you can incorporate Art Deco into your app’s branding elements, such as the logo, splash screen, or banners.

Tropical Art Deco Logo Set by Lily Liseno

Organic & sustainable

In an era of heightened environmental awareness, elements reflecting organic and sustainable themes are gaining popularity. That’s why using designs that incorporate natural elements like leaves, trees, or eco-friendly symbols is a trend. You can showcase your startup’s commitment to sustainability and state that your product aligns with eco-friendly or environmentally conscious values.

If your app offers eco-friendly products or services, use organic icons to highlight them. For example, add a leaf or tree symbol to denote eco-friendly products in an e-commerce app. Use sustainable visuals to provide information about the environmental impact of products or services. Also, these elements can indicate whether a product is recyclable, made from renewable materials, or energy-efficient.

Natural Food Icons by Vineta Rendon

Grainy aesthetics

This trend of 2024 is characterized by its textured and vintage appearance. The grainy aesthetic, reminiscent of old film or vintage photographs, is making a comeback. They add character and nostalgia to your designs, making them stand out in a sea of polished designs. The style is especially effective when targeting users who appreciate a nostalgic or vintage visual style.

Implement grainy aesthetic icons for album or folder categories within image galleries, making them visually appealing and reminiscent of physical photo albums. Plus, with this trend, you can represent camera modes, settings, and filters in camera apps, enhancing the retro and artistic character.

Retro camera icon by Vilmos Varga

Icon design best practices

Now that we’ve explored these exciting trends, let’s discuss some useful tips for creating effective visuals.

  • Keep it simple: Avoid clutter and unnecessary details;
  • Prioritize clarity: All elements should be instantly recognizable and understandable;
  • Focus on consistency: Maintain a consistent design language across all your sets;
  • Conduct scalability test: Ensure your designs look good at various sizes;
  • Seek user feedback: Listen to your users’ opinions to refine your concepts.

Accessibility considerations

Design with accessibility in mind. Ensure that your visuals are perceivable and usable by all, including individuals with disabilities. For example, avoid overly complex or detailed designs that may be difficult to discern, especially for individuals with visual impairments. Moreover, try conveying information with shape, texture, or labels to ensure that colorblind users can interpret the icon’s meaning.

Since hyper-personalization is a hot trend, think about allowing people to customize the appearance of icons, such as size, color, or style, to better suit their individual needs and preferences.

Consistency across platforms and devices

People use your application on different devices. That’s why your icon set should look and function consistently on every platform. Test the designs on various screen sizes and resolutions to guarantee a seamless user experience, even for individuals with visual impairments.

Icons for branding case by Shakuro

The role of icons in branding

Icons are not just functional; they’re also a powerful branding tool. They simplify complex ideas or concepts into a compact visual form, making them instantly identifiable. This recognition helps your users associate the icon with the brand, even at a glance. Think about the iconic Apple logo or the Twitter bird — these symbols instantly evoke brand recognition.

Also, by paying attention to small details, you can make a brand more accessible to a global audience. Universal symbols transcend language barriers, so it is easier for people from different cultures and backgrounds to understand and engage with the product.

With the latest design trends at your disposal, you make your brand stand out in a crowded marketplace. A unique and distinctive style sets it apart from competitors and makes it more memorable to your consumers.

Conclusion

Icon design is a pivotal aspect of your startup’s visual identity and user experience. Staying informed about the latest tendencies can help your business remain competitive in 2024 and beyond.

So it’s time to embrace change, experiment with these trends, and design visuals that resonate with your audience. By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen your digital services but also establish a strong and memorable brand presence.

Originally published at https://shakuro.com

Icon Design Trends For 2024 was originally published in UX Planet on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.