For developers shipping an app
Test the icon
before the release.
App icon testing is a fast way to learn which direction earns the first tap. IconBattle puts two directions in front of real people, hides the names, and records a simple preference.
A clean signal
How blind icon testing works
Bring two directions
Use App Store listings or upload an unreleased design. Keep the comparison focused on one decision.
Hide the names
People choose on the first impression, without an app name or reputation steering the answer.
Read the preference
Share the Battle, collect valid votes, and use the directional result in your next design review.
Why blind?
A familiar name can win before the icon gets a chance.
When the identity is hidden, the test asks a narrower question: which visual direction would someone tap first? That makes early feedback easier to compare across a small team, a beta group, or the wider community.
Before you ship
A practical icon test checklist
- Compare directions that solve the same product problem.
- Keep the prompt specific to the moment of choice.
- Do not reveal the app names until after the vote.
- Use the result as directional evidence alongside store experiments and retention data.
FAQ
Common questions
What is blind app icon testing?
Blind app icon testing shows people two icon directions without names or other context. Their first choice measures visual preference before brand familiarity influences the decision.
How many votes should an icon test collect?
Use a consistent vote threshold across variants and treat the result as directional feedback, not a guarantee of store conversion. More valid votes make small differences easier to interpret.
Can I test an unreleased app icon?
Yes. Upload an unreleased direction as one side of a Battle, or compare it with an App Store icon. Uploaded artwork is checked before activation.
Does IconBattle change the vote result for paid placement?
No. First Look is an optional sponsored placement that changes which Battle appears first. It never changes vote weight, choices, or the result.