1. Approach icon design holistically
Make sure that all of your icons differ from surrounding icons and still work together as a whole.
2. Consider your audience
Cultural differences are important to consider when designing icons. What you think might be "universal" may not actually be so. This goes for knowing the age of the users as well. For example, in the first semester I remember us discussing in class using a floppy disk icon to represent "save". For older users familiar with disks it makes sense, yet for younger users this may not be understood.
3. Design for the size the icon will be used at
This rule discusses using the actual design of icons in Adobe Illustrator and how you shouldn't design the icons at a higher pixel size and then simply try to downscale them to smaller pixel sizes as they might appear to be blurry.
4. Keep icons simple and iconic
Hodge warns not to be tempted to add too much realism and detail to your icons, that simplicity might be better. As an example Hodge uses the below examples of icons to symbolize RSS feeds. At a larger pixel size it may be effective, but at a smaller pixel size it might be better to just keep things simple and straightforward.
5. Cast consistent lighting, reflections and shadows
If you use a light source coming from one direction then stick with it. Or you risk losing the integrated design of your icons.
6. Utilize a limited perspective
The range of perspective within your icon design set should work together. If you have icons being looked at from straight ahead then stick with that. If you place one at a specific angle, then make sure all the icons function that way. Imagine a camera being placed from a specific vantage point and looking at all the objects from the same perspective. This helps to maintain consistency in your icon designs.
7. Create consistent icon set styles
Lighting and perspective certainly contribute to the style of an icon, though there are many other factors that can contribute to the style as well.
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