Question

i recently downloaded a free app and noticed that the icons on the apps tab were colored. and had a slight 3d perspective. so i just wanted to find out if there is anything wrong doing this in a commercial related application. because from reading the icons guideline documentation for android, they kind of sound very strict on things like that.

so are we allowed to create what is pleasing in the eyes and override the guidelines?.. 😉

Answer 1

Selector, you’re misunderstanding the question. He’s asking if it’s okay not to follow the icon guidelines to the letter.

Sparrow, as long as you understand that on some phones (I think the Galaxy S is one example) the color schemes are different. Instead of gray tabs, they have blue (or some variation of color), so your app will look different on devices like that, and your colors may end up clashing with the theme on the phone. But you’re free to do your design in any way you like; the design guidelines are there to try to keep apps looking consistent, but if you have a better idea for the design, I say absolutely go for it. 🙂