The article argues that enforcing uniform shapes and styles across icon sets limits each icon’s potential to be distinctive and memorable. It contrasts macOS’s original, varied icons—which excel individually—with modern, systematized icons that sacrifice uniqueness for easy consistency.

The article critiques the icon design in macOS Tahoe, highlighting issues such as clutter, inconsistency, and poor usability. It argues that the proliferation of icons dilutes their effectiveness, making it harder for users to navigate and understand the interface. Additionally, the piece discusses how the small size and detail of icons contribute to confusion and frustration.