Susan Kare is a pioneer. Laymen might look at those classic icons today and not think much of them, but UX designers should be able to appreciate the challenge

Susan Kare is a pioneer. Laymen might look at those classic icons today and not think much of them, but UX designers should be able to appreciate the challenge of conveying explicit ideas through symbolism. Now consider the limitations of the Macintosh for a single icon - black and white, 32x32 pixels and little to no prior UX work to draw inspiration from. Kare worked within these parameters and designed some of the most fun and memorable icons of computing history in the process. Not to mention, her playful approach to design is something we don't see enough of in this modern age of UX. When I look at my iPhone's home screen, I see a grid of geometrically identical, sterile icons. Generally speaking each icon is flat, uses a limited color palette and contains a perfect or near-perfect balance of positive and negative space. Consistent, well-designed and aesthetically pleasing icons; and yet, lacking the personality that make Kare's icons so great.