Software Icon Books
The following icon related books are excellent resources to learn more about the art of icon desing. Each book has its strength and should be considered as a reading. All books should be available via Amazon.com.
The Icon Book: Visual Symbols for Computer Systems and Documentation
by William Horton
This book uses a practical, research-based approach to the design of icons. Icons are used widely but not always used wisely. This book will prescribe an orderly process for designing sets of icons, suggest ideas for ``unpicturable'' concepts, explain how to refine and test icon ideas, demonstrate how to design large sets of related icons, guide the development of icons for the international market. There is an icon glossary which features over 1,500 icons. The book/disk version features the icon glossary in both PC (Windows) and Mac files.
Symbol Sourcebook: An Authoritative Guide to International Graphic Symbols
by Henry Dreyfuss
This unparalleled reference represents a major achievement in the field of graphic design. Famed industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss recognized the importance of symbols in communicating more quickly and effectively; for many years he and his staff collected and codified graphic symbols as they are used in all walks of life throughout the world. The result is this "dictionary" of universally used graphic symbols. Henry Dreyfuss designed this sourcebook to be as practical and easy to use as possible by arranging the symbol information within ingeniously devised sections: Basic Symbols represents a concise and highly selective grouping of symbols common to all disciplines (on-off, up-down, etc.). Disciplines provides symbols used in accommodations and travel, agriculture, architecture, business, communications, engineering, photography, sports, safety, traffic controls, and many other areas. Color lists the meanings of each of the colors in various worldwide applications and cultures. Graphic Form displays symbols from all disciplines grouped according to form (squares, circles, arrows, human figures, etc.) creating a unique way to identify a symbol out of context, as well as giving designers a frame of reference for developing new symbols.
Icon Design: Graphic Icons in Computer Interface Design
by Steve Caplin
Icon design is important and very crucial in designing the universal world. Being able to communicate an idea and concept thru symbolism simplifies and optimizes life for the graphical reader. The key concept to the computer's GUI (Graphical User Interface) is the icon and what it represents. Our world is filled with icons and symbols and this book explores this world and logically presents you with the neccessary ideas and tools to help build, develop and design strong icons.
Visual Thesaurus: A Quick Flip Brainstorming Tool for Graphic Designers
by Hatmaker
Each page offers a single-word concept, which the authors illustrate with icons. Organized alphabetically, each entry is accompanied by a stream of associated images that mirror the way the artist's creative mind actually works. From client brief to final presentation, designers can call on this one-of-a-kind idea generator to find distinctively different visual solutions for every kind of design project. And with only about 600 word-concepts, this thesaurus feels spare and remedial.