A patch is currently underway that aims to replace Dashicons within the WordPress admin bar and sidebar with new WordPress icons utilizing the wp_get_icon() function introduced in WordPress 7.1. This adjustment represents a significant visual alteration within the user interface, spotlighting contributions from various developers who have facilitated its advancement. Given the visibility of this change, it merits consideration from a broader audience within the WordPress community.

In the current landscape of the WordPress ecosystem, there is an increasing acknowledgment of the limitations associated with icon fonts like Dashicons, particularly in terms of accessibility and visual consistency. The shift to SVG icons, which offer greater reliability in rendering—especially under various user settings—aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance web accessibility and user experience. This change reflects a broader trend towards improving design usability for a diverse user base.

The technical advantages of this transition are noteworthy. SVG icons, as opposed to font-based icons, address several key issues: they provide predictable accessibility features through explicit aria-labels, ensure conformance with user color settings through the currentColor attribute, and mitigate issues related to font file errors that can lead to incomplete visual representations. A unified icon set simplifies the interface, potentially improving usability for individuals with different perception and information processing needs.

For developers seeking further technical details, the source material includes open discussions on potential changes to specific icons, including the search and posts icons, as well as guidelines for providing feedback through a designated Trac ticket. These insights may inform future configurations and use cases as the implementation progresses.

Author of the original text: Joen Asmussen (Make WordPress Core)