Icons: doodle away to find a non-cliché icon
Icons are visual shortcuts; they convey information quickly and clearly. So they need to be precise and clear and convey a message in seconds. Understanding the purpose and the message of the icons is critical, but at the start, it's also good to sketch freely and have fun!
I often get asked to create icons for websites, branding, brochures, newsletters and workshops. An example would be producing icons for a workshop and a card game for managers to help them recognise required management competencies and find their unique management styles.
Doodling VS final product
Creating an icon involves both design skills and technical steps. Determining the purpose and defining the style for consistency is important, but don't underestimate the creativity involved, as there are many cliché icons out there from stock libraries etc. And we need to do stuff differently.
In the initial mood board phase, I recommend experimenting, sketching, doodling and drawing freely - like a child - and without constraints to avoid cliches.
Telling a story appeals to the audience; an intriguing scene can catch the audience’s attention. So get going: time to have fun and play and not to think of the outcome - yet! Connect with your inner child and experiment.
However odd these first ideas are, there is no right or wrong. Make sure you keep those initial sketches as they may aid the progression of the ideas later.
What are icons?
Icons are visual shortcuts; they convey information quickly and clearly. So they need to be precise and clear and convey a message in seconds.
Understanding the purpose and the message of the icons is critical, but at the start, it's also good to sketch freely. We can hone in on the purpose and their intention later - and simplify the visual. This allows you to brainstorm without limitations, laying the groundwork for a polished icon.
‘Icons should be simple and recognisable in various sizes. Avoid excessive details that may get lost when scaled down.’
We need to aim for a design that is clean, with a strong, identifiable shape. But again, in this initial sketch phase, that is not the focus; just doodle away and let your creativity flow.
At the end of this phase, we may have a favourite, and that’s good, but be sure to test it with your audience. Do they grasp the message quickly? Fresh eyes can often spot issues you might have missed, and constructive criticism can help refine your designs.
Doodling for designers to encourage divergent thinking
We don't doodle enough, as designers. I think that it is due to years of training to solve a problem within our field of work.
Doodling ideas freely serves other purposes too:
It focuses our creativity and allows us to have fun and be innovative. It is a powerful tool for thinking, learning, and creating.
Doodling is a form of visual thinking, where abstract thoughts and ideas are expressed through imagery rather than words. This can help clarify complex concepts, making them easier to understand for ourselves and others.
The random, free-flowing nature of doodles disrupts rigid thinking patterns and encourages divergent thinking. It’s a great way to get unstuck and find fresh perspectives.
The more bizarre and absurd our ideas, the better the outcome, as scaling back is always possible.
An example:
30 ICONS FOR 30 LEADER CORE COMPETENCIES
Recently I designed 30 icons for a client to help managers identify the competencies they need as leaders - and to understand who they need to be to inspire as managers. This was part of an app created online under the title 'Thrive to Perform' & Perform to Thrive'.
Thrive to Perform is an innovative, evidence-based leadership development and well-being programme rooted in positive physiology principles. It is designed to empower emerging, confirmed and senior leaders with the skills and mindset needed for personal and professional success.
The mood board phase brought us from animals and shapes to tidy, technical, intelligent icons that communicate to the audience. The initial doodles helped the client and me focus on what we needed to communicate and how.
This was one of my first sketches, Fifi the fish trying to solve a problem. This direction was evidently not used in the end product, but it made me think outside the box.
This is the progression board to establish 30 Icons. You can find out more about the work my client is undertaking here: www.positiveperformances.org.
