LibreOffice Pictogram Redesign For Yaru Theme A Visual Integration Enhancement

Hey guys! Today, let's dive into an exciting topic: the LibreOffice pictogram redesign for the Yaru theme. We're going to explore how these icons can be tweaked to better integrate with the overall look and feel of Yaru, Ubuntu's default theme. This is super important because consistent visual design makes for a much smoother and more enjoyable user experience. So, let's get started and see how we can make LibreOffice and Yaru play even nicer together!

Discussion Category: Ubuntu, Yaru

We're focusing on the Ubuntu and Yaru ecosystems here. This means we're thinking about how the pictograms will look specifically within this environment. Yaru has a distinct aesthetic, and our goal is to ensure that the LibreOffice icons feel like a natural part of that. It's all about creating a cohesive visual language that enhances usability and looks great.

Additional Information: Super Ellipse Pattern

When designing Yaru Icons, especially when dealing with rounded corners, a super ellipse pattern is preferred over traditional hard round corners. This approach helps to avoid sharp turns, creating a smoother, more organic look. This is a key element of the Yaru design philosophy, and we want to carry this over into the LibreOffice pictograms. By using super ellipses, we can ensure that the icons have a consistent visual language with the rest of the Yaru theme, providing a more unified and polished experience for users.

Current Design Analysis

Close to Upstream, Yet…

The current design of the LibreOffice pictograms is commendable for its closeness to the upstream design. This is a solid starting point, ensuring that we're not straying too far from the original intent of the icons. However, while fidelity to the upstream design is important, it's equally crucial that the pictograms integrate seamlessly with the Yaru theme. Right now, some of the pictograms don't quite blend as well as they could with the overall Yaru aesthetic. This is where our redesign efforts come in. By carefully tweaking certain elements, we can bridge the gap between the upstream design and the Yaru visual language, resulting in a more harmonious and visually pleasing experience for users.

Pictograms and Yaru: A Clash?

In my honest opinion, some of the current pictograms don't fully align with the Yaru theme's design principles. They stick out a little, and not in a good way. The goal here isn't to completely overhaul the icons, but rather to subtly refine them so they feel like they belong in the Yaru ecosystem. This involves paying close attention to details like corner shapes, curvature, and overall visual language. By making these adjustments, we can create a more unified and polished user interface.

Key Considerations for Yaru Pictogram Design

When designing pictograms for the Yaru theme, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. These considerations are crucial for ensuring that the icons not only look good but also contribute to a consistent and harmonious user experience. The design process should prioritize elements that align with Yaru's unique aesthetic, making the icons feel like a natural extension of the theme rather than an afterthought. By adhering to these principles, we can create pictograms that enhance both the visual appeal and the usability of LibreOffice within the Yaru environment.

Avoiding the Typical Rounded Corner

One of the primary goals is avoiding the typical rounded corner. Instead, we aim to replicate the smooth transition of a super ellipse. This is a distinctive feature of the Yaru theme and crucial for maintaining visual consistency. Super ellipses offer a more organic and fluid appearance compared to standard rounded corners, aligning perfectly with Yaru's design language. By incorporating super ellipses into the pictograms, we can ensure that the icons seamlessly integrate with the rest of the interface, providing a cohesive and polished look.

Adding Curvature for Organic Shapes

Another crucial consideration is to add curvature when encountering organic shapes or paths. This approach is very common in Yaru's symbolic icons and helps to create a softer, more natural feel. The addition of curvature ensures that the pictograms align with Yaru's aesthetic, which often emphasizes smooth, flowing lines. This technique is especially important when dealing with elements that are not strictly geometric, as it helps to avoid sharp, jarring transitions. By incorporating curvature, we can make the pictograms feel more harmonious and visually pleasing within the Yaru theme.

Proposed Changes: A Glimpse into the Future

Experimental Background Template

Before we dive into the specifics, it's worth noting that the background template used in the proposed changes is experimental. The current focus is primarily on the pictograms themselves, but the background template is an element we're considering as well. If the changes to the pictograms are well-received, we'll then turn our attention to the background template. It's all about taking things one step at a time to ensure we get the best possible result. For now, let's concentrate on how the pictograms can be improved to better align with the Yaru theme.

Pictogram Focus

The primary focus of this discussion is on the pictograms. We're exploring how we can refine their design to better match the Yaru theme's aesthetic. This involves careful consideration of shapes, lines, and overall visual style. The goal is to create pictograms that not only look good but also enhance the usability of LibreOffice within the Yaru environment. By concentrating on the pictograms, we can ensure that they contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing user interface.

Visual Harmony: The Ultimate Goal

Ultimately, the goal of this redesign is to achieve visual harmony between the LibreOffice pictograms and the Yaru theme. This means creating icons that feel like they naturally belong within the Yaru environment, contributing to a seamless and enjoyable user experience. By paying close attention to details like corner shapes, curvature, and overall style, we can ensure that the pictograms enhance both the visual appeal and the usability of LibreOffice. It's all about creating a cohesive design that makes users feel right at home.

In conclusion, redesigning the LibreOffice pictograms for the Yaru theme is an exciting opportunity to enhance the visual integration and user experience within Ubuntu. By focusing on key elements such as super ellipse patterns and organic shapes, we can create icons that not only look great but also feel like a natural part of the Yaru ecosystem. This iterative process ensures that the final result is a polished and cohesive interface that benefits all users. What do you guys think about these proposed changes? Let's discuss!