In summer 2019, we’ve got an offer from HUAWEI to collaborate on design of basic icon set for the EMUI custom Android user interface. Our task was to redesign 54 icons using clean and simple design language that would meet the general trends and patterns, however, would still be different from the competitors. The main goal was not to come up with something completely different, but to make more of an aesthetic update that would be loved by current Huawei fans and would attract new users.
We designed 35 core icons in one consistent style. To support them, we developed a design system that defined the color palette, corner radius values and their proportional relationships, as well as the overall flat visual style. This system helped keep all icons consistent while still making each one visually engaging on its own. We used a limited color palette to preserve a sense of sophistication, while keeping the icons bright enough not to feel overly serious. The shapes and geometry are simple and concise, without unnecessary tiny details, so each icon remains clear and readable on a mobile phone screen.
In summer 2019, we’ve got an offer from HUAWEI to collaborate on design of basic icon set for the EMUI custom Android user interface. Our task was to redesign 54 icons using clean and simple design language that would meet the general trends and patterns, however, would still be different from the competitors. The main goal was not to come up with something completely different, but to make more of an aesthetic update that would be loved by current Huawei fans and would attract new users.
The chosen style direction featured elegant icons based on geometric primitives, minimum of details and decor, and simple color palette limited to only four colors.
Subsequently, we developed the set further by adding smooth gradients given the upper-class feeling which was one of the key criteria for the new style.
The final version keeps the square shape for all icons as well as the reduced radius of the rounded parts. The gradients work harmonically with minimalism and basic geometry as core design priorities.
The outcome of this Icons project has been commercially deployed in HUAWEI flagship smartphones. The first flagship smartphone using these icons is Mate 30, and then, P40.
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Art direction Graphic design Project management
Sergii Valiukh Arthur Avakyan Polina Taran
