Rumor mill: Microsoft is exploring a brand refresh for some of its most iconic applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. To gather insights on this potential redesign, the tech giant recently sent out a survey seeking user feedback on new icon concepts for its Microsoft 365 suite.
The discovery was first reported by Windows Central, which received details about the survey from a reader who shared the email.
"At Microsoft, we're always striving to improve our products and create a user experience that truly resonates with you," the email states. The survey, which is expected to take about 15 minutes to complete, invites participants to share their preferences regarding the proposed iconography.
Early glimpses of the new icons reveal a shift toward greater visual depth and personality compared to the current flat designs that have been in use for years. While flat design has been a dominant trend in recent years, these new icons incorporate layered elements that add dimension and individuality.
This marks a significant departure from the current Microsoft 365 icons, some of which have been criticized for being overly similar, with only color variations distinguishing them. For instance, the proposed designs for Word and Excel are notably more distinct in this new iteration.
This redesign comes more than six years after Microsoft last updated its Office app icons. That overhaul introduced a modernized look aligned with the Fluent design system and simplified ribbon interfaces within the apps. Before that, Office icons had retained the same designs for roughly five years.
The new icons appear to build on Microsoft's evolving Fluent 2 design language, which has also influenced other visual updates across its ecosystem, such as the 3D emoji in Windows 11 and a revamped sign-in interface featuring dark mode.
Interestingly, despite recent changes to the Microsoft 365 logo – which sparked jokes and criticism – the new app icons do not incorporate branding elements like the Copilot logo.
Microsoft has yet to officially announce or confirm when – or if – these designs will be rolled out publicly. According to Windows Central, Microsoft might use this survey to fine-tune the designs based on user feedback before making final decisions.
Reddit users have also commented on the potential redesigns after spotting them in online discussions. The community's reactions range from excitement about the added depth and individuality of the icons to curiosity about how these changes will integrate into Microsoft's broader branding strategy.
Microsoft surveys users about new icon designs in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
