Shipaton 2025 - Day 17 - Custom App Icon

What I Built Today

Today was about making the app recognizable at a glance.

✔️ Created a simple launcher icon.
✔️ Replaced the default icon in the Android project.

🎯 Result: the app now shows a distinct icon instead of the default and is ready for a proper design later.

Why the App Icon Matters

Your icon is your handshake on the home screen. It’s how users spot you in a crowded grid, associate you with quality, and build habit. Even a clean placeholder:

✅ Stands out from the generic default so testers can find it fast.

✅ Signals care before the first tap which is useful in alpha and beta builds.

✅ Buys time for brand decisions without blocking progress.

As developers, we often get so caught up in the code that we forget the importance of visuals. A simple yet effective app icon can make a world of difference in how users perceive our application.

Conclusion

The app now installs with a clear, custom launcher icon - no more generic default and no confusion. Just “install → instantly recognizable.”. This was a crucial step because it not only enhances the visual appeal of my Android app but also sets the stage for quicker iterations in the future. Once I have defined the brand direction, I can easily modify or enhance the icon without having to start from scratch.

This small change might seem minor, but it’s a significant step forward in building the user experience. Having a unique icon means our app stands out in app stores or on users' devices. Overall, I’m feeling positive about this progression, and I’m eager to dive deeper into the design process.