Instabase

Product icons Design

Product icons Design

Product icons Design

A short story of designing scalable, clear, and consistent product icons for Instabase.

Client

Instabase

Project Timeline

2021 – Present

Industry

Software/Technology (Enterprise SaaS)

Scope of work

Icon Design

Scalable System

Intuitive Iconograhy

Why we needed these icons

Challenge

Instabase had no product icon system, and as the platform grew, it required consistent, clear visual cues to enhance usability and strengthen the brand. The challenge was to design a full icon system from scratch that was scalable, recognizable, and visually cohesive.

Solution

To address the need, I established a structured approach. Each icon was crafted on a grid system to ensure balance and consistency, and colors were drawn from the brand palette to maintain visual alignment. The system was designed to be flexible and extensible, allowing new icons to be added seamlessly as the platform grows.

Why we needed these icons

Challenge

Instabase had no product icon system, and as the platform grew, it required consistent, clear visual cues to enhance usability and strengthen the brand. The challenge was to design a full icon system from scratch that was scalable, recognizable, and visually cohesive.

Solution

To address the need, I established a structured approach. Each icon was crafted on a grid system to ensure balance and consistency, and colors were drawn from the brand palette to maintain visual alignment. The system was designed to be flexible and extensible, allowing new icons to be added seamlessly as the platform grows.

Icon Anatomy

Each icon is designed with a four-layer framework. Gradients made with brand colors are used to add clarity and depth.

Defining the four-layer framework:

Supporting Element

Contextual cues or badges that add meaning.

Primary Symbol

The main visual metaphor (e.g., chart, workflow, doc).

Grid / Spacing

Invisible structure ensuring alignment and balance.

Container Shape

The consistent base form (e.g., rounded rectangle).

Defining the Icon System

50+ unique icons

A versatile collection covering a wide range of product and workflow needs.

Instabase Color Palette

Designed exclusively with brand colors to ensure seamless visual consistency.

Grid & Gradient Precision

Built on a consistent grid system with subtle gradients for depth and harmony.

High Resolution

Crisp, scalable icons that adapt beautifully across digital and print formats.

Usage Mockup