Jony Ive Put Apple's Marketing Team in Charge of iOS 7 Icon Design

[MacRumors]

The Next Web has given us a peek behind the scenes at the development of the new and controversial user interface in iOS 7.

One of the more revealing points in the piece is that Jony Ive, recently put in charge of software as well as hardware design, tapped Apple's marketing and communications team -- MarCom -- to design the look and feel of the icons. Then, with those as a guide, the iOS design teams went to work.

First of all, many of the new icons were primarily designed by members of Apple's marketing and communications department, not the app design teams. From what we've heard, SVP of Design Jony Ive (also now Apple's head of Human Interaction) brought the print and web marketing design team in to set the look and color palette of the stock app icons. They then handed those off to the app design teams who did their own work on the 'interiors', with those palettes as a guide.

The site goes on to note that the design is "firmly a 'work in progress'", and that the look and feel of the icons and other new UI bits are likely to change significantly as the iOS 7 beta proceeds.

Article Link: Jony Ive Put Apple's Marketing Team in Charge of iOS 7 Icon Design

 

[musika]

That explains that.

 

[cmathis]

The site goes on to note that the design is a "firmly a 'work in progress'", and that the look and feel of the icons and other new UI bits are likely to change significantly as the iOS 7 beta proceeds.

It sure as heck needs to.

 

[Andy-V]

The site goes on to note that the design is a "firmly a 'work in progress'", and that the look and feel of the icons and other new UI bits are likely to change significantly as the iOS 7 beta proceeds.

That's good. I think they've made a good start but the icons in particular do need some refinement.

 

[buckers]

As impressed as I am with the amount of work they've done so far, the icons let the rest of OS down, I feel.

 

[Schtumple]

I like the idea that stuff could actually change during the beta, some of those icons do look a little early or half baked, but I guess they're a bit too simple for my taste.

 

[collinmac]

Ok everyone, don't panic(get your towel if you need it) and step back from the edge. Everything is going to be ok.

 

[JustJeff]

Time to get the barbie out.

 

[korgri]

It is good news that it will change.

Now they can announce 10.9 will really be called "Sea Lion"

 

[Northgrove]

Wow. That explains a lot indeed, but why oh why...

Apple has entire teams of excellent designers. Not hardware designers, graphic designers.

What.

Anyway, this is kind of good news. That they're saying it's a WIP is confirmation that they've heard us.

 

[kiantech]

They need to take them off, because everything about ios7 is great, but the icons make my eyes bleed.

 

[RoboCop001]

Fascinating.

The bit about significant changes during the beta process makes me feel better about the icons. Even if they don't change, meh, it's just the stock apps. Then again that's the first thing you see with a new iPhone so..... well here's hoping for better icons!

 

[doug in albq]

I would deny responsibility for those icons also.



The site goes on to note that the design is a "firmly a 'work in progress'", and that the look and feel of the icons and other new UI bits are likely to change significantly as the iOS 7 beta proceeds.

I called this one also...

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1594492/

 

[MacsRgr8]

In my short experience with iOS 7 it seems that the more "experienced" iOS user finds the new look rather... too colourful... but, the younger teenager seems to find the new look super cool.

 

[JilzVT]

The site goes on to note that the design is a "firmly a 'work in progress'", and that the look and feel of the icons and other new UI bits are likely to change significantly as the iOS 7 beta proceeds.

Best news I've heard all day.

 

[robkubasko]

Good. Then they can let the compass be a compass.

I hope they realize Safari needs a new icon and one that doesn't completely look like what another app on the phone does. Plus, take the red from the Music app and use it on the Calendar icon so the day and date will stick out. Plus, anyone else find the flashlight icon woefully out of place on Control Center? A simple lightbulb works. In the end, good to know these WILL change over time.

 

[samac92]

I really hope they do change.
Also I think something needs to be done about how the icons and text sit on the wallpaper. With the ultra light font and no drop shadow most wallpapers just look cluttered. I'm finding just putting a plain black wallpaper looks the best, which is a shame.

 

[JustJeff]

Best news I've heard all day.

You need a better day then.

 

[Daws001]

I guess I'm in the minority but I actually like the new icons.

 

[donutbagel]

Phew, I thought Ive had lost his mind. I think of the cheap world of Samsung and Microsoft using iOS 7 beta 1. Please fix it.

 

[Daalseth]

Scary

Putting Marketing people in charge of ANYTHING critical is a bad idea. They aren't engineers, they aren't interface people, heck, they aren't even graphics and design people. Marketing is full of glorified sales people. As others have said this explains a lot.

 

[DotCom2]

Thank gawd! There is hope!

 

[Rogifan]

goes on to note that the design is a "firmly a 'work in progress'", and that the look and feel of the icons and other new UI bits are likely to change significantly as the iOS 7 beta proceeds.

Nice

 

[sigamy]

I'm hopeful that the final product will be beautiful and functional.

I think that Apple still believes that "customers pay us to make decisions for them" but I also think there is less of the Jobs-era arrogance of "my way or the highway".

Just look at the background color "themes" that iOS 7 has...

I see Apple listening to beta feedback and adjusting the look of the OS for the better.

I hope.

 

[donutbagel]

You need a better day then.

Yeah, he needs to beat Bunker on 00 Agent in Goldeneye 64 like I did.