Microsoft calls on users to contribute ideas to redesign Office icon

In late 2018, Microsoft announced a new design for its Office app icons, replacing the simple flat version from 2013 to "honor its heritage and welcome the future." Now, six years later, the company is testing a new set of icons for its office apps and is asking for feedback from the community.

A user with the nickname jbgski on X (Twitter) posted a screenshot of the redesigned Office icons that Microsoft included in an email survey, which asked users to provide feedback to help the company "better understand preferences and opinions related to exploring different icon designs for Microsoft 365." To encourage participation, Microsoft offered a $10 gift card to each individual who completed the survey.

According to the email, these icons are not final and may change before release (if implemented). The new design seems to be an attempt to synchronize the look of all Microsoft 365 apps with the new version of Outlook, which many users have objected to. The proposed version has more vibrant colors with more gradient shadows, rounded corners, and depth to each icon.

The Office icon refresh also fits in with the graphic overhaul Microsoft announced in September 2024. After more than a decade of pursuing flat design, the company is gradually returning to skeuomorphic and 3D design trends for icons and illustrations across its operating systems, apps, and services.

You can learn more about Microsoft's new design concepts in this post on the Microsoft Design site, where the company also shared a bunch of wallpapers, including its recent 50th anniversary photo.