korrents

What Susan Kare thinks about simplicity

@susan-kare · 19 positions · 0 changes of mind

Graphic designer and type designer, who created the original Macintosh icons and typefaces at Apple from 1982 and has since designed interface graphics for NeXT, Microsoft, Facebook and Pinterest.

Susan Kare did not write this page.

We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.

2 dated positions, 2026, in their own words. Our reading of what Susan Kare has said — not written or endorsed by them.

2 positions so far — this page is not yet offered to search engines.

  1. Our readingDetail a symbol could technically carry still costs you, because it distracts from the instant recognition the symbol exists for.

    Their wordsthere's not a technical reason that they couldn't have plaid lunchboxes and shoelaces or be singing a song, but it would probably be more distracting and just take away from that instant recognition that you're aiming for.

    ↗Susan Kare: Designing Icons & Graphics For the Original Macyoutube.com 7th of 19 in this recording

    Interesting

  3. Our readingDrawing the printer as it really looked shortened the icon's life; stopping sooner and drawing something simpler would have made it last.

    Their wordsBut again, too much detail. It would have had a much longer lifespan if I had just stopped and made it simpler.

    ↗Susan Kare: Designing Icons & Graphics For the Original Macyoutube.com 10th of 19 in this recording

    Interesting