What Is Iconography?

Iconography is vital to user experience (UX) design as it improves clarity and enhances user interface navigation. The term refers to using icons, which are simple, recognisable symbols created by user experience (UX) designers to communicate a message. Icons can replace words or ideas to reach their targeted audience and increase awareness for a business or company. 

As a UX designer, your goal is to ensure that the products you promote are positive and provide a meaningful experience for users. Part of that experience involves using iconography.

How do UX designers use iconography? 

UX designers conduct user research and create prototypes to test out different icons and how users may react to them. Evaluating the effectiveness of iconography is a vital part of the UX design process because it helps designers understand the value of different icons and when to use them on web pages. 

Qualities of iconography

When you design icons and symbols, it’s critical to ensure the iconography reflects the brand of the company, communicates a clear message, and promotes a positive user experience. The following are qualities of good iconography:

• The visual appeal of an icon shapes users’ experiences and ideas and can influence different actions or reactions a user may have from engaging with an online site. 

• The universal accessibility of icons is crucial when used with text or defining labels, as they need to be understood by everyone who encounters them on a web page.

• Iconography is a visual tool for helping users navigate the software and mobile interfaces; therefore, it must consist of universally recognisable symbols. Used interchangeably with commands or directions on an interface, icons can improve the user experience and help UX designers improve upon and design new user outreach strategies. 

Related terms

• UX designer

• UX strategy

• UX researcher

• UI designer

• Web designer

• Computer graphics

Get started in UX design

Iconography, using recognisable symbols in UX design, is vital for communicating messages and enhancing user experiences. As a UX designer, you will use icons to ensure visual appeal and product accessibility. 

Continue building your UX design knowledge with the Google UX Design Professional Certificate on Coursera. You can equip yourself with the job-ready skills you’ll need for an entry-level role in UX design, including the tools needed to understand UX research, apply foundational concepts, and create prototypes to test and improve upon.