Visual Index

Building an Icon Language

In 2017 we decided to update the macOS Human Interface guidelines. With the new design came an opportunity to create something very different from what we've traditionally done inside the mac HIG. Our goal was to create a visual language to facilitate recognition and understanding in an instant. Together, with writers and designers we refined our concepts to the simplest form. You'll notice some icons include micro animations, on a roll over—helping to drive concepts home and offering a level of surprise and delight. In the end we were left with a new and thoughtful approach to navigation.

Check out the index in action macOS Human Interface Guidelines.