SF Symbols (iOS) y Material Icons (Android)

Iconography is a fundamental element in mobile interface design that can make the difference between a successful or confusing user experience. Mastering native iOS and Android iconography systems not only improves the visual consistency of apps, but also ensures a more intuitive and professional navigation for users.

What are the key differences between SF Symbols and Material Symbols?

The native iOS and Android iconography systems have distinctive features that make them unique:

What makes SF Symbols on iOS special?

• It integrates seamlessly with San Francisco typography.
• It features more than 4,000 categorized icons.
• It works like a typeface, inheriting text weight and size properties.
• It is compatible with Dynamic Type, automatically adjusting to the user's preferences.

What characterizes Material Symbols for Android?

• It is based on the principles of Material Design.
• It works through a system of reusable vectors.
• It allows you to adjust thickness, weight and opacity.
• It requires the installation of an official plugin in Figma for its implementation.

How to correctly implement iconography systems?

What are the best practices for SF Symbols?

• Use the right icon for each specific function.
• Keep the original meaning of each icon.
• Respect typographic variants and weights.
• Do not modify the base structure of the icon.
• Ensure accessibility.
• Test legibility in different sizes and backgrounds.

What are the considerations for Material Symbols?

• Keep the default version for consistency.
• Include both filled and unfilled versions.
• Follow the official documentation to create custom icons.
• Respect the grid system and design guidelines.

How to apply icons to specific components?

What to consider when designing a Tab Bar?

• Limit to maximum 5 sections in iOS.
• Use filled icons only for selected elements.
• Maintain visual coherence between sections.
• Align icons with text and buttons.

What to consider for the Navigation Bar?

• Prefer non-filled icons for better readability.
• Consider the space available for icons.
• Maintain consistency with the native system.
• Adapt the design according to the platform.

The correct implementation of these iconography systems can significantly transform the user experience in mobile applications. Have you noticed how well implemented icons improve navigation in your favorite apps? Share your experience in the comments.