Icons
The Foundation Medicine custom icon library utilizes a simple, abstracted and flat style with a consistent line-weight. Icons are a key part of our digital and print communication and are used to graphically represent a concept, help summarize topics, or draw attention to important information. Icons should typically be used in multiples within a certain section, to represent various topics or disease types mentioned in that section. We typically do not use just one icon by itself. Icons are used at a smaller scale and should never be the focal graphic of a piece. Instead, they support and visually align with specific text.
Icon Variations
There are two versions of each icon:
One version contains a one-color outline.
The other version contains a one-color outline and a partial fill of another brand color. Partial fills can be utilized when emphasis is needed, or when the icon functions more as a graphic than as a true icon. Avoid using partial fills when icons are used at small scale, as legibility is risked.
DO
Commitment To Consistency In Icons
Please use existing Foundation Medicine icons. If an icon is needed and not currently represented in our library, it can be created using the following guidelines. Please do not use any other icon style. Feel free to reach out to the Creative Team, who can create icons for you.
Creating New Icons
If you create new icons, please follow the guidelines here and send your finished .eps files to the Creative Team so we can add them to our library.
Specs
New custom icons should be created using a 2pt line weight within a 1”x1” artboard, and must be outlined before scaling.
Fills
Fills should never be applied to the entirety of an icon. Instead, opt for partial fills when appropriate. Consult existing partially filled icons for reference.
Caps
Strokes should always have rounded end-caps to give the icon a finished look and takes away sharp edges.
Details
Icons can have at least one break of 3pts in their lines or contours, which helps abstract the icon and creates visual interest.
The body
When representing people, avoid showing a whole human figure. Instead, focus on specific areas of the body affected by various cancer types, such as colon, breast or lung.
Icons in use
One-color outline
One-color outline with partial fill
DON’T
Use different line-weights within an icon
Use different sized icons on a given piece
Use iconography as illustrations
Combine icons to create one larger image