What’s the Difference Between a Logo and an Icon?
With more than 81 million users across more than 190 countries, Netflix is the most popular Internet television network in the world. We binge-watch more than 125 million hours of TV series and movies every day.
The streaming giants changed their app icon much to the disappointment of the Dubai UAE ands who took to the internet to document their disapproval. Their reaction may seem extreme, but we as consumers hold a brand’s identity close to our hearts. We personally adopt brands we like and when the face of the brand changes we panic that the brand is also changing. Now, Netflix assured us that in fact they are not changing the face of the company and are merely adding a secondary icon to supplement their logo. So, with all the confusion over the jargon used to define the face of a brand; what exactly is the difference between a logo and an icon?
What is a Logo?
Precisely, a logo looks to be an aesthetically pleasing design that serves no other purpose other than to look rather nice. However, there is much more to a logo than just a pretty design. A logo is an expertly considered design used to influence the audience that views it and any logo design company in the DUBAI UAE or globally can create a logo of your business. As logo design expert Saul Bass explains: “Logos are a graphic extension of the internal realities of a company.”
Everything your brand stands for should be expressed in your logo, and this is then used to connect emotionally with your customers. Would Nike customers parade through the streets emblazoned with the infamous “swoosh” if they did not want to be associated with what the brand represents?
Great Logo Design Today
Where better to start than at number 1 on Forbes Most Successful List? Apple’s logo is extremely simple but therein is where the beauty lies. The design can be scaled onto receipts or billboards without becoming distorted. The logo inspires a connection with customers thanks to the humorous idiosyncrasy of using an apple rather than a computer for their logo. To get a logo that is as famous as the Apple logo, you can also choose any company that does logo design in the DUBAI UAE.
What is An Icon?
Icons have been used as far back in recorded human history as we can go. Though, thanks to the rise of user experience and web development, today icons are associated with this industry. An icon’s intention is to be a visual representation of information that is understandable to all. They’re used on user interfaces to describe what the application does in an instant.
Icons are commonly seen in end-user software applications as a graphical representation of a program or file. They help the user identify the program associated with the icon and are used with Graphical User Interface operating systems such as Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OS. The icons are used to navigate the user to the program they wish to open.
Icons can also be used on web pages as an addition to text; they work by showcasing visually what a company’s unique selling points are. They are used to help the user navigate the site since humans react excellently to visual stimuli.
Icon Design Dos and Don’ts
Icons are designed to simplify an action, do not make them hard to differentiate as this will confuse the user.
Don’t use text, it’s almost impossible to read and makes the point of a visual guide redundant.
The simpler the icon the better, there’s no need to add a number of objects to one icon. If size of the icon will make it difficult to understand.
Great Icon Design Today
Staying with the Apple theme, let’s look at the icons the brand uses successfully. Their iTunes icon can be recognized instantly as being related to music thanks to the double quaver. There is no need for words; the application’s purpose is made clear through succinct visual information.
The Differences
A logo communicates a brand message.
An icon communicates information and direction.
An icon accompanies a brand logo and promotes action.
Logos can be scaled to any size and transcend platforms.
Icons are pixel-based and can become distorted when scales.
Icons are used to simplify the user experience.
Of course, if only it was always this easy. The lines are being blurred thanks to the rise of digital technology and there’s always an exception to the rule; Instagram and Twitter’s logos are also their icons!
Logos and icons have different purposes, if you are confused as to which one is right for your purpose, ask, is this image being used to simplify an action? If so, use an icon. If the brand is being represented visually then opt for a logo. However, if you want a professional logo, you can always avail of logo design services in the DUBAI UAE.
