When developing an application we have to take into account several aspects to make it effective. Some of this aspects are the fact that it's easy to work with, it's attractive and appealing for users and specially the fact that it stands up against other similar applications. When all these characteristics are achieved together we're most likely to have a successful application. The image our application needs to give is friendly and not too shocking, if our graphic interface differs a lot from what the user is used to, they might not like it and change it, so here's where we need to have our own personalized icons that make the user of our application feel he's in a familiar environment.





Custom Icons made for Steven Webb from Iconshock



One way in order to stand out in front of other similar applications, is to add custom icons. Icons are one of the first things noticed by users when working with an application, and the better they look, the more comfortable they're going to feel. Custom icons represent you, your company and your application completely. There's no way you'll find the same icon elsewhere. This gives your application more quality and more professionalism, therefore customers will rely on it.

When you work with a designer in order to get a custom icon you are totally involved in the process but without the load of making the correct decisions. For this matter, professionals will guide you and give you the correct support, you just need for them to know what you want. When you do that, the typical process of designing an icon takes place. Sketches are shown in order for them to be approved and then create the final version of the icons. One of the biggest advantages this process has is the fact that you can suggest to the designer as many changes as you need and he will do what suits best for your application and end up with a unique product. This process might not only be done to a single icon, or for just a couple of icons you might need in the moment. You can then ask the designer to make a complete set of icons, that way, if you expand your company or your application, you can continue to add icons and make sure you'll always have icons for your applications, which might not happen with already existent sets or even free ones.

Definitely, having custom made icons helps your application stand up from other similar ones. Similar looks will confound users, and an outstanding original icon can do the difference from someone using your application or another one.