T10243: Some KDE applications could use better icons

[Nathaniel Graham]

ngraham added a comment.


  I have a problem with //extreme// minimalism in same the way that I have a problem with extreme ornamentation. I don't like either one, when taken too far. The problem with doing this is that it irritates people who really dislike that style, and they push you to go in the opposite direction, and then the people who dislike that style object and push you back, and so on forever.
  
  This is by no means limited to icons; it's part of a global aesthetic cycle that has played out across the centuries. The way the excessively ornamented romantic style gave way to modernism in art and architecture is a great example.
  
  In my opinion, the best way out of this seemingly endless cycle is balance: you strive for simplicity, but with reasonable ornamentation. In the same way that artists and architects are re-discovering the value of targeted ornamentation in their designs, so too can we--but in a reasonable, focused way. You can't go too simple, or else it looks cold, barren, and excessively harsh and masculine. But you also don't go overboard on ornamentation or else it feels smothering, claustrophobic, and excessively feminine. A pleasing mixture is needed.
  
  In my opinion, macOS and ElementaryOS icons do a great job of this. They're simple, but not too simple. That have visual flourishes, but they don't go overboard. And they just look rich and beautiful. IMO. :)
  
  Regarding the Konsole icon, I like the idea of drawing a frame around the dark part to make it look more like an old-fashioned terminal and provide better visual continuity with the original Konsole icon (which after all we are trying to be faithful to). I'm not sure I like the diagonal swooshy bit that appears to overlap the central display though. It looks sort of weird and out of place. IMO it would look better without that. I also don't think the symbols in the middle need soft shadows. That makes then seem like they're popping out of the display when in fact the opposite is true: they're embedded within it. An embossed effect might be better, if anything at all is needed.

TASK DETAIL
  https://phabricator.kde.org/T10243

To: ngraham
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