Adobe's DNA has been modified predictably due to its merger with Macromedia. The Adobe CS 3 icons are looking more like Macromedia Studio 8 icons for Flash, Dreamweaver, and Fireworks -- based on the designs published by John Nack on Adobe Blogs.
I recall reviewing the Macromedia Studio 8 Branding and Icons before launch and the CS 3 icon desings look familiar. It is quite possible that the designers who worked on Studio 8 are involved here too.
Users of design software are very sensitive to icon changes -- beyond the mere usability angle. Graphic and Web desingers tend to be visual, creative, expressive individuals. I am not surprised to find that some of Adobe's users are upset with the icon design changes in CS 3.
Branding and Functional Value of New Icons
New icons are useful for Branding and Marketing. They provide visual clues to users that their favorite company has worked for 18 months to build new features and (hopefully) a better product for them. A new icon is an intricate and important part of the brand experience that a user has after installing a new software version -- especially if the new version costs lots of $$$!
Functionally also new icons help. During Beta Programs and sometimes after final release, users find ways to keep multiple versions of their favorite software for file compatibility reasons.
Newer icons are also very helpful for users and journalists reviewing software or trying to analyse the evolution of a particular software product. If you search for the evolution of Photoshop before buying a copy; the icon differences would be very valuable in sifting through the online reviews you will find.
Do you like the new CS3 icons?
