The Importance of Icons in Web Design and Brand Differentiation

Every element on your website must be attractive and helpful for users. This is why the importance of icons in web design is a big part of user experience principles. For the Techtio graphic design team, it is even more: it is also a big part of your brand identity.

The Techtio web development team knows the best strategies for visual hierarchy and will discuss them later in this article. First, we want to explain what is visual hierarchy, known as (literally) the building blocks of great user interface (UI).

What Are Icons and Why Are They Important?

Iconography design means creating visual guidelines for users to navigate a website. For example, the hamburger icon tells users that a drop-down menu will appear if they click on it. Likewise, an arrow pointing down tells them to keep scrolling for more content.

These visual elements break language barriers, because everyone understands their meaning. This is why you must strive to apply the best icon design principles when creating your website.

What Are The Key Elements of Great Iconography Design?

Before discussing their importance, let us explain the best principles in designing icons for websites. These are:

·         Clarity – anyone should understand the meaning of the icon. For instance, a small house design means the user will be taken to the Home page of the site

·         Readability – icons must have a simple and clean design. They must be readable on various screen sizes and resolutions

·         Consistency – icons must be harmonised with the other web design visual elements, such as the typography, imagery and template of the website

Alongside these three core principles, you must consider adding accessibility features, such as text-based alternatives and adequate color contrast.

The Role of Iconography Design in Branding

Let us now focus on the importance of icons in web design and branding. These small elements play a big role in how your target audience perceives your brand.

Their key roles are:

1. Generating Brand Recognition and Recall

Customized icons that match the brand image help customers recognize your brand as soon as they open your web page or email newsletter.

The use of a consistent style and color palette enhances brand recall. This will help your site get noticed faster in the middle of online noise.

Of course, customization must not go against the icon design best practices. Do not innovate for the sake of being different. Each icon must be familiar to users, instead of making them wonder what it means. You do not have to reinvent the wheel.

2. Creating Emotional Connections

Designs and colours create emotions. The secret of great graphic design iconography is generating the right kind of emotions in viewers. This involves a deep knowledge of their likes and preferences.

Techtio’s team of digital marketing specialists can help you define your customer persona, with all their characteristics and interests. And our graphic design team will create icons that match your audience’s expectations and your brand image and values.

3. Fostering Brand Loyalty

Familiar designs used consistently in all your online (and offline) assets encourage brand loyalty. Users recognise those designs and associate them with the good opinion they have of your products or services.

In time, these icons become a beacon of recognition – that the user landed on the trusted website they were looking for.

4. Creating a Unique Identity for Your Brand

Speaking of the importance of icons in web design and branding, we must note their role in creating a unique image to differentiate your company from your competitors. This is why you cannot leave iconography design to chance.

Your competitors are working with graphic designers to create a unique look for their site. You must work with even more talented designers to craft a winning visual identity.

Let Techtio Help You with Iconography Design!

Even the smallest element in a website is essential. This is why our graphic design and website development teams work side by side to create the best possible online presence for your company.

From the main layout to every icon and graphic element, we make sure that your site follows the latest design principles and embodies your brand image. Contact us today to start working with us!