Icons are everywhere

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Digital Interfaces

Inseparable from computers and devices, icons improve users digital experience:

• Instant Recognition – Helping users scan content and act faster.

• Clear Hierarchy – Drawing attention to what matters most.

• Universal understanding – Removing language barriers with intuitive images.

• Space-Saving – Packing maximum meaning into minimal symbols.

  
  

Apple Watch / Maximising space with icon-first design

To overcome limited screen space, Apple uses icons in the Watch
UI for easier feature access and quicker information scanning.

AirBnB / Icons and UI in perfect harmony

Airbnb Icons are heavily used in the UI — Check out this thread by
Denislav Jeliazkov on why Airbnb sets the “gold standard” for UI design.

Ebay icons / A consistent icon library for easier navigation

The Ebay icon library focus on consistency and legibility.
Created by the Ebay design team.

Bold UI Design / Hybrid style icons

Icons for productivity app by Alexey—solid shapes meet thin
strokes in an icon style that’s both bold and clear.

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Wayfinding

In airports, offices, and transit, icons aren’t decoration—they’re essential for instant, intuitive navigation:

• Quick recognition – Simple, clear symbols allow for fast decision in busy environments.

• Safety & accessibility – Essential for emergency signs and accessible navigation.

• Space-saving – Communicate complex ideas in compact forms.

• Universal meaning – Icons break language barriers, ensuring everyone can navigate spaces easily.

Airport signage / Classic iconography since the 1960's

For airports and transit, icons need to maintain a classic style to
ensure signage is clear and easily understood, leaving little room
for creative variation.Signage in Flughafen Tempelhof airport, Berlin.
Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash.

Modern wayfinding / Creative icon styles

Beautiful balance of legibility and unique style for the Museum
of Modern Ceramics Wayfinding — by Anna / ab.design

Modern wayfinding / Usage of depth and colors

Icons in signage can take various forms—extruded in metal,
painted on directional signs, or carved in wood.
[Blank Studio/Mireia Soler/Blank Studio – Read more]

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Packaging

Good icon design in packaging isn’t just about looking nice—it helps busy shoppers quickly get the gist of a product in a crowded supermarket aisle. Plus, it shows the brand cares about being clear and honest. Here’s why icons make a difference:

• Quick info – Icons instantly tell shoppers key details like “eco-friendly,” “recyclable,” or “organic.”

• Standout appeal – Eye-catching icons make packaging pop on crowded shelves.

• Less clutter – Icons pack info into small spaces, keeping labels clean and simple.

• Builds trust – Clear, consistent icons show the brand is upfront about what they’re offering.
  
  

  
  

Raiz / Icons for product features

Packaging design by The Small Monsters

Braun / Icon system for product features –

Braun icon system by Iconwerk

Uclay / Icons as decorative symbols

Packaging design and branding by Tubik Studio

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Marketing iconography

Apple / Minimal icons for product features

Gustini / Hand-made style icons for product features

Stripe / Duotone flat icons as feature illustrations

Stripe use a large, consistent icon system to illustrate their feature sections, colors change depending on the type of product.

Lululemon / Icon system for product features

Lululemon icon system by Zach Roszczewski

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Graphic Design + Advertising

Icons aren’t just for apps and wayfinding—they can add great value to traditional design as well, such as in posters, presentations, and books. Beyond functionality, they offer a lot as decorative elements:

• Grab attention: Icons break up text and add variety, making layouts more engaging.

• Balance the space: Icons fill empty spots and help guide the eye through the layout.

• Show personality: stylish icons add character and help express a brand’s identity.

• Add depth: Use icons as background patterns or layered elements to bring texture and complexity.

Icons as visual patterns

Icon patterns by Kevin Moran

Icons for brand advertising

Deliveroo icons by Gregory Darroll

Icons as focus points for story telling

Soluna iconography by Akinbinu Akintayo

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Branding

Icons aren’t just visuals—they’re brand superpowers. They grab attention, tell stories, and stick in people’s minds. Here’s why they’re a game-changer for any brand:

• Instant recognition – One glance, and people know it’s you. No words needed.

• Consistency everywhere – From apps to packaging, icons keep your brand looking unified.

• Global language – Icons speak to everyone, no matter the language or culture.

• Sticks in the mind – People remember images faster than text. Unique icons make your brand unforgettable.

• Emotional impact – The right icons spark emotions and help shape how people feel about your brand.

Icons as part of the visual language

Dancing Beans Coffee iconography by Pao Bassol

Icon style that reflect the logo shape

ODIDO — Iconography System by Zach Roszczewski

Icons aligned with logo structure

Adidas Runtastic icons by Carlotta Govi

Adidas Runtastic pictograms are designed to visually connect with the Adidas logo. Each pictogram presents 30° angles and depending on the icon metaphor, we use increments of 15° for other types of angles

Carlotta Govi — Icon Designer

Icons as branding visual elements

brand identity for online travel agency First Choice created by Ragged Edge.

Vitra / Icon system for designer furnitures

[Pictogram] vitra by Sujeong Lee

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Product design

From car dashboards to rocket cockpits, icons are the silent heroes of product design. They guide, inform, and protect—without saying a word. Here’s why they’re more powerful than they look:

• Instant clarity – One glance, and you know what a button does. No manual-flipping required.

• Universal language – Good icons speak to everyone, no matter the language.

• Speed & safety – When seconds count—like behind the wheel or in the air—icons help you react fast.

• Space savers – Icons do more with less, keeping control panels sleek and simple.

• Familiar vibes – Standard icons feel like old friends, making new devices feel intuitive.

• Stick in your brain – Neuroscience says we remember images faster than text. Icons make sure key info sticks.

  
  

Crew Dragon / Icons as quick access

SpaceX - Crew Dragon Displays by Shane Mielke

Nespresso / Icons as ergonomic buttons

Nespresso icons by Forma & Co

Driving UX / Icons for physical and digital controls

Icons save space and make actions instantly clear on
car dashboards, screens, and buttons.

Instant clarity in product UI through icons

Icons for Scena, a software for controlling spaces,
light and colour – By Forma & Co.

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Video games

Icons are inseparable from video games. They’re not just about looking cool—they make games easier to play and more intuitive:

• - Quick info – When you’re in the middle of fast action, you don’t have time to read. Icons give instant info about health, ammo, or objectives.

• - Universal understanding – Icons cross language barriers, which is key for global games.

• - Better UX – Clean, consistent icons make the whole interface feel smoother and more intuitive.

• - Adds to the vibe – In some games, icons even help build the world. Think of pixel art games where every icon adds to the retro feel.

[ COMING SOON — Examples from Quake, sim city, sims, Fortnite, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda]