Microsoft surveys users about new icon designs in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Rumor mill: Microsoft is exploring a model refresh for a few of its most iconic purposes, together with Phrase, Excel, and PowerPoint. To collect insights on this potential redesign, the tech big just lately despatched out a survey in search of person suggestions on new icon ideas for its Microsoft 365 suite.

The invention was first reported by Home windows Central, which obtained particulars in regards to the survey from a reader who shared the e-mail.

“At Microsoft, we’re at all times striving to enhance our merchandise and create a person expertise that actually resonates with you,” the e-mail states. The survey, which is predicted to take about quarter-hour to finish, invitations members to share their preferences concerning the proposed iconography.

Early glimpses of the brand new icons reveal a shift towards better visible depth and character in comparison with the present flat designs which were in use for years. Whereas flat design has been a dominant pattern lately, these new icons incorporate layered parts that add dimension and individuality.

This marks a major departure from the present Microsoft 365 icons, a few of which have been criticized for being overly related, with solely colour variations distinguishing them. As an example, the proposed designs for Phrase and Excel are notably extra distinct on this new iteration.

This redesign comes greater than six years after Microsoft final up to date its Workplace app icons. That overhaul launched a modernized look aligned with the Fluent design system and simplified ribbon interfaces inside the apps. Earlier than that, Workplace icons had retained the identical designs for roughly 5 years.

The brand new icons seem to construct on Microsoft’s evolving Fluent 2 design language, which has additionally influenced different visible updates throughout its ecosystem, such because the 3D emoji in Home windows 11 and a revamped sign-in interface that includes darkish mode.

Apparently, regardless of latest modifications to the Microsoft 365 emblem – which sparked jokes and criticism – the brand new app icons don’t incorporate branding parts just like the Copilot emblem.

Microsoft has but to formally announce or affirm when – or if – these designs will likely be rolled out publicly. Based on Home windows Central, Microsoft would possibly use this survey to fine-tune the designs based mostly on person suggestions earlier than making remaining choices.

Reddit customers have additionally commented on the potential redesigns after recognizing them in on-line discussions. The group’s reactions vary from pleasure in regards to the added depth and individuality of the icons to curiosity about how these modifications will combine into Microsoft’s broader branding technique.