What I originally though was Beta place holder graphics turns out to be the actual icons that will be used for the next release of Adobe's Creative Suite Applications. Adobe's attempts to merge in Macromedia's line of products and redesign for consistency has some interesting results.
Although abstract, I did like the Creative Suite nature theme that was introduced for Photoshop 8 but that is all about to change starting with CS3. Adobe is moving away from the works of MetaDesign and moving towards a more identifiable usable color/initial combo system. A solid color to group the application with a two letter abbreviation using the typeface Gauge created by Robert Slimbach.
Sr. Experience Designer at Adobe Ryan Hicks explains.
Top-level point products (authoring environments eg. Photoshop, Illustrator, etc) follow a two-letter mnemonic 'nickname' system as their primary identifier. 'Feature' and supporting-technology products use a more descriptive figurative icon in a similar style as in-product 'workflow' icons.
A product's icons are paired with a specific color, usually based on historical color association (Flash is red, Dreamweaver is green) and familied within a particular vertical. This color association is carried throughout the product's desktop brand in lieu of 'primary imagery', from install screens through app icons and reinforced through details on document and supporting icons.
I have only seen the next Photoshop and Bridge (Brown/Br) and both have showed significant interface changes (Photoshop at a Glance). After only a couple days of use, I admit that I first thought the new icons were weird but I also admit that they are quickly growing on me. It is a big change and although I have not seen them all together yet, overall I think it's a good direction Adobe is going for.
Update: John Nack has posted the entire suite of icons. View the new Adobe Color Wheel Periodic Table.
