[Updated] X (formerly Twitter) app icon redesign making users think their screens are cracked

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on August 16, 2023) follows:

The recent redesign of the X app icon (formerly known as Twitter) has caused some users to think that their smartphone screen is cracked.

However, if you see the illusion of cracks on your X app icon, do not panic. The new icon features a white ‘X’ against a gray background with a subtle ‘cracked’ or grunge filter effect.

Several users reported feeling perplexed and even alarmed upon seeing the updated icon on their screens (1,2,3,4,5,6).

Users mistook the design for actual screen damage, leading them to believe that their device’s screen is cracked or broken.

Therefore, users are flooding social media platforms and forums with posts expressing concerns and frustration at the unintentional psychological distress caused by the redesign.

Even app review sections contains posts by users expressing anger at this design.

This redesigned app icon has not gone down well with X users.

Anyone else think their phone screen was scratched looking at the new Twitter/X app icon?
Source

Huh, I thought my iPhone display had some dirt on it, but… is the #Twitter app icon dirty/cracked?
Source

In July, Elon Musk took to his Twitter account to display a redesigned logo that resembled something like this.

Regrettably, users seemed to have ignored or missed it.

The X app icon redesign fiasco underscores the crucial importance of user-centered design principles.

Innovation and rebranding are essential for keeping an app’s image fresh and relevant. But they should never compromise the user experience.

Designers must make design choices with a keen understanding of user behaviors and perceptions, especially those that could trigger negative psychological responses.

11:49 am (IST): More people (1,2,3) are now getting the updated X icon, and they all seem to be reacting the same way and believe that their screens are damaged or dirty.

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