WINDOWS MDL2
MONOLINE ICON SYSTEM
INTRO
During my tenure at Microsoft Windows, I was responsible for the concept, creation, and delivery of many new interface icons and illustrations. The accessibility (ease of access) icon is one example of work I was responsible for.
(The above hero banner includes other examples I delivered, with an addition of a fun fish concept.)
THE CHALLENGE
Microsoft user research found that the legacy Windows accessibility icon (a 90-degree arrow intersecting a circle) was unclear, ambiguous, and difficult for users to relate to.​
​MY ROLE
As part of the Microsoft Windows Fonts & Icons Team, I was responsible for developing a new visual direction for the accessibility icon (as shown in the examples) while maintaining compatibility with the existing MDL2 icon system.
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DESIGN APPROACH
I designed within a 32x grid system with established rules for proportions, padding, corner treatments, and line weights. With already 3,000+ published icons in the library, I prioritized consistency and reused existing visual elements wherever appropriate.
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EXECUTION
I developed multiple icon directions and presented them for review. Selected concepts were refined into variations and evaluated through in-context mockups to assess their effectiveness within the broader Windows interface.
THE RESULT
The resulting accessibility icon was well received within the tech community, with feedback highlighting its improved clarity and ease of understanding.
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Examples of the final, shipped concept are shown below.
