Google is preparing for radical changes in application icons

Google is preparing to change the simple and flat design approach that it has adopted for a long time. It seems that the company has turned to a more vibrant and gradient-oriented visual language in its application icons. While this approach first attracted attention in Google Photos and Maps applications, it appears that a similar design line will now be carried to Workspace applications.

According to the information revealed; Core Google applications such as Gmail, Drive, Calendar and Meet will be affected by this new design language. In the previous period, it was a standard to use four main Google colors in icons. In addition, choosing similar backgrounds in application interfaces created visual integrity, especially in the application drawer. However, this approach is giving way to more distinct and differentiated icons.

Rather than a radical change on the Gmail side, the evolution of the current design attracts attention. While the “M” symbol in the envelope form is preserved, a look dominated by the color red is preferred. Yellow, green and blue are used in more limited touches. On the other hand, it seems that the red color in the Google Drive icon has been completely removed. The presentation of green, yellow and blue tones with softer transitions in a rounded triangular form reflects the general character of the new design.

Icon language changes in Google Workspace applications

There are also notable changes in the Docs, Sheets and Slides applications. While Google Docs continues to maintain the vertical page form; Sheets and Slides apps are available in a horizontal layout. This choice creates a visual structure that is more compatible with the usage habits of the applications. In the calendar application, the four-color frame is abandoned and a simpler icon with blue tones stands out.

The changes made to the Meet application offer a more significant difference. Moving away from the current color structure, an icon that highlights the yellow tone is preferred. Although the reason behind this choice is not yet clear, it can be said that it is visually striking. The chat application is being redesigned with a pill-shaped speech bubble in green tones.

In addition, by removing the background in Google Keep, the light bulb icon becomes more prominent. The Tasks application preserves the check mark in a structure that resembles a touchable button. While Google Voice has been updated with a more rounded phone icon, it maintains its visual connection with the Chat application with its light green tones.

These design changes are not yet available to users. These icons are not found in any beta version or server-side update. Still, available information shows that Google aims to create a more vibrant and distinguishable visual identity in its application ecosystem in the coming period. This approach can make icons faster to recognize, especially for people who use a lot of Google apps; On the other hand, changing the familiar design may require an adaptation period for some users.