The problem is not that icons are not self-describing (diskette save icon does not describe "save" operation either), but that these icons look like indistingui

The problem is not that icons are not self-describing (diskette save icon does not describe "save" operation either), but that these icons look like indistinguishable grey circles until you start to focus attention to them. The same applies to iOS and Android application icons, despite they have vibrant colors. I always can't find what I need, they look the same. I end up using search box if I want to run app that is not on home screen.