Simple Icons Characteristics

February 27, 2011

We can easily claim that among the most important features of minimalistic design are Simple web icons. Don’t forget that simple icons and also other design elements should be used moderately. Among the secrets is minimizing icons use in general. Reduce the amount of simple icons. Use them only where it is essential. Refrain the optional simple web icons. They may serve multiple functions.

Simple web icons design consists of limited amount of color, reserved shades, clear elements, soft lighting. Simple web icons are built out of elegant and simple elements which don’t distract website visitors from the main navigation and web page idea.

The following rules for simple icons design can be outlined:

  • minimal usage of duplication
  • less amount of graphical elements
  • maximum intuitive clarity
  • clear typography in simple web icons
  • less icons

Minimalistic design with simple web icons

Additionally to simple icons themselves lightweight background textures and patterns are important for the design and content perception. The background pattern or images should not grab all the attention of your visitors. The eyes should focus on the web site content or some main blocks. Producing the background use a light simple shade. This makes it secondary compared with the foreground items like simple web icons.

Another outstanding feature of the lightweight and clear design is no doubt clear typography. Simple icons names (if there are any) should be precise, meaningful and equivalent to their function. Also use readable as well as enough large font for headings on simple web icons.

Enough white or empty space is useful for creating a wonderful clean simple icons design. Extra spaces keep elements separate and thus more readable and easier to work with. In case you use some extra space between simple web icons this dont harm to the design of your site at all.

Speaking about the minimalistic trend in most cases it isn’t entirely minimal. Nevertheless the dominance of white space there are still some simple icons, light textures, neat styles and bold fonts. Bear in mind that minimal just isn’t exactly the same as simple. From the very begining minimal meant plain typographic eliminating images and styling. Nowadays there’s a great number of various web sites over the Internet. That’s why modern design requires something more than black text on white background. Add more zest to your web-site layout with a help of some unusual coloring, catchy simple icons, half-transparent and lightweight textures and patterns. Also reduce elements of design to the most essential items.

Simple = smart. While creating the modern website design you should bear in mind the eternal truth stating that genius is based on simplicity. Simple icons look fantastic and professional especially for a clean business style design.

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