Microsoft Shows New Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Icons and Asks Users What They Think

Microsoft is considering refreshing the icon designs of some of its most recognizable apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. As part of that effort, the software giant recently sent out a survey asking users to weigh in on new icon concepts for Microsoft 365.

Image source: .techspot.com

«At Microsoft, we are always striving to improve our products and create user experiences that you will truly love,” the company said in a letter. The letter includes a survey that takes about 15 minutes to complete. It gives users the opportunity to express their opinion on the new app icon design.

The new icons are different from the current ones, with more visual depth and personality. While flat design has been the dominant trend in recent years, the new icons feature layered elements that add dimension and character. This is a noticeable departure from the existing style of Microsoft 365 icons, which have previously been criticized for being too similar.

The last time Microsoft updated its app icon design was in 2018, when elements of the current style were introduced. The new icons appear to be based on the evolving Fluent 2 design language, which has already influenced other visual components of the Microsoft ecosystem, including 3D emoji in Windows 11 and an updated login experience with dark mode support. It’s not yet known when exactly the new icons will be officially unveiled.