How do you use icons to increase user engagement?

1 Choose relevant and consistent icons

The first step to using icons effectively is to select icons that are relevant to your content, context, and audience. Icons should match the purpose, tone, and style of your website, and communicate clearly what they represent or what action they trigger. Avoid using icons that are ambiguous, misleading, or confusing, as they can frustrate or distract users. Also, make sure that your icons are consistent in size, shape, color, and format throughout your website, and follow common conventions and standards for icon design.

2 Design simple and scalable icons

The second step to using icons effectively is to design icons that are simple and scalable. Icons should have a minimal and clean design, with enough details and contrast to be recognizable and distinctive, but not too cluttered or complex to be distracting or hard to decipher. Icons should also be scalable, meaning that they can adapt to different screen sizes, resolutions, and devices without losing quality or clarity. You can use vector graphics, SVGs, or icon fonts to create scalable icons that are responsive and flexible.

3 Implement accessible and interactive icons

The third step to using icons effectively is to implement icons that are accessible and interactive. Icons should be accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments or disabilities, by providing alternative text, captions, labels, or tooltips that describe their meaning or function. Icons should also be interactive, meaning that they can respond to user actions, such as hovering, clicking, or tapping, by changing color, shape, or animation. You can use CSS, JavaScript, or frameworks like Bootstrap or Font Awesome to create interactive icons that can enhance user engagement and feedback.

4 Use icons to complement text and images

The fourth step to using icons effectively is to use icons to complement text and images, not to replace them. Icons can help users scan, skim, and digest your content, by highlighting key points, breaking up long paragraphs, or illustrating concepts or processes. However, icons should not be used as the sole source of information or communication, as they can be misinterpreted or overlooked by users. You should always provide text or images that support or explain your icons, and use icons sparingly and strategically to avoid clutter or redundancy.

5 Use icons to create visual hierarchy and balance

The fifth step to using icons effectively is to use icons to create visual hierarchy and balance in your web design. Icons can help users focus on the most important or relevant elements of your website, by creating contrast, emphasis, or alignment. You can use icons to draw attention to your calls to action, headlines, or navigation menus, by using different sizes, colors, or positions. You can also use icons to balance your layout, by creating symmetry, harmony, or rhythm. You should use icons to enhance your web design's structure, flow, and aesthetics, not to disrupt or distract them.

6 Use icons to express personality and emotion

The sixth and final step to using icons effectively is to use icons to express personality and emotion in your web design. Icons can help users connect with your website, by creating a mood, tone, or voice that reflects your brand identity, values, or message. You can use icons to convey humor, excitement, curiosity, or trust, by using shapes, colors, or animations that evoke these emotions. You can also use icons to personalize your website, by using custom or unique icons that showcase your creativity, style, or niche. You should use icons to enhance your web design's appeal, relevance, and memorability, not to dilute or contradict them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?