A venture-backed aviation tracking startup needed a premium app icon that would stand out in the App Store while maintaining versatility across iOS contexts. The client required multiple creative directions explored before committing to a final design system.

Role: Lead Icon Designer Timeline: 2 Weeks Client: Enhanced Radar Deliverables: 4 concepts, 15 variants Industry: Aviation/SaaS Tools: Figma

• Analyzed 50+ aviation and travel apps for market positioning • Identified opportunity for premium, lighting-focused differentiation

Four distinct creative directions were developed to give the client strategic choice in brand positioning.

The client selected the Tail concept for its premium positioning, immediate aviation recognition, and versatility for lighting and livery explorations.

Why this direction won: • Most recognizable aviation symbol with premium connotations • Strongest dimensional form for showcasing lighting versatility • Clean, scalable geometry that works at all icon sizes • Unique positioning vs. competitor apps (less literal than whole planes/maps)

With the core form established, extensive lighting studies created seven distinct atmospheric variants for different contexts and times of day.