Inside Macintosh: Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines / Part 2 - The Interface Elements: Chapter 8 - Icons

Designing Effective Icons

This section presents some basic guidelines for designing effective icons. Remember that all your icon designs must work in the Macintosh context. The desktop interface is based on an office metaphor using a desktop as the primary workspace. You want to build on this basis and diverge from it as little as possible. You must also consider other important facets of the Macintosh interface described here when you're designing icons. For information on designing color icons, see Chapter 9, "Color," beginning on page 257.

Subtopics

Use Appropriate Metaphors

Think About Worldwide Compatibility

Avoid Text in Icons

Design for the Macintosh Display

Use a Consistent Light Source

Optimize for Your Target Display

Maintain a Consistent Visual Appearance in an Icon Family

Use Icon Elements Consistently