They are found in maps, signs, schemes, manuals and many other sources of information. As an object of communication, they have a long and diverse history rooting in ancient times. Obviously, icons weren’t invented by interface designers. However, even the slightest misperception can become the reason for poor UX so the solutions on the type of icons should be carefully tested to reach the good balance of icons and copy for a particular target audience. The process of the research showed that usage of recognizable and clear icons had a great potential in strengthening navigation as most people perceive images faster than words. In one of our earlier articles, we gave details about the relations of copy and icons and their influence on usability. In computing and digital design, icons are pictograms or ideograms used in the web or mobile interface to support its usability and provide the successful flow of human-computer interaction.ĭiving into the benefits of icons, one of the most important among them is the ability to replace the text. Icons present signs which are informative and support data exchange between the informer and addressee alongside with words and sentences: while copy is served with letters or characters, icons communicate via the images showing pictorial resemblance with an object of the physical world.
In general terms, an icon can be defined as an image that has a high symbolic value and is used for the purpose of communication. So, today let’s discuss what are their types and how they can be used in interfaces. Guru of user experience design Steve Jobs said: “Details matter, it’s worth waiting to get it right.” Obviously, icons are on the top of details making interface usable and navigable. And only designers know how much time and effort is needed to make them simple, helpful and expressive. They become little keys to usability and intuitive navigation. Small and meaningful, they solve numerous problems. Icons in user interfaces are the elements that cannot be overestimated.
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