Optimus launch v19.202.000 with its new suite of icons

Added by Sharon Mordey on May, 10, 2013

Each time we see a computer, a washing machine, a cell phone, or whatever device that needs a system for us to interact with, we see icons. Icons are a predominant and essential element in any user interface, and as such, their design is important. Optimus is very pleased to announce the launch of v19.202.000 with a whole new suite of icons.
 

The objectives

When given the brief for reviewing the "iconography" within Optimus there were two specific objectives:

1. Consistency of the icons throughout every single module

2. Clear, simple and easily to identify icons to assist training
 

The challenge

Effective design is to nail the essential characteristics of the object, reduce the idea only to its basics, so the icon is immediately recognized. In other words, it must be… ”iconic”

What makes a home… “home”? is it the door? the porch? or the triangular shaped roof? Would you symbolize “home” with any other object besides a house?

What makes a film camera recognizable? The lens? The matte box? The film load? To simplify the objects to their essential forms and shapes is subjective.

This was one of the most important issues we had to think about in our designing of the new icons. Designing an icon for the print function was certainly much easier than designing an icon to depict a material stock item.

The results

Icon design is a compromise between clarity, aesthetics, and most importantly usability. It's this usability that inspired us use colours throughout our icon design. We have already found this not only helps with the clear identification of the object, and its status it also helps with the menu icons to depict actions too.

The feedback we have received in the training room has been hugely positive so please discuss the new icons with your Business Manager before upgrading to v19.202.000 and we hope you enjoy the new look of Optimus.