In some cases, they are not the layout elements of direct interaction also, you can often find them in combination with copy supporting their meaning. They are visual markers explaining particular features or marking out categories of content. These are the icons aimed at explanation. Types Based on Functions Clarifying icons Talking about the classification of icons, we can mark out several aspects of grouping them on types. Although there are many ready-made packs, the database of icons is growing all the time in search of new solutions appealing to users. These days icons are presented in digital design with numerous packs and sets in all the themes and styles possible. They featured another approach to the style when icons combined functionality and informative capacity with attractive and harmonic appearance. In particular, it applied the icons of folders and trash bins that have been used so far.Īnother milestone easily remembered on this way is presented with the color icons Apple revealed first in 1991 and then later with their further updates for Macintosh. Still, that was the beginning of a long story: in 1981, Xerox Star was released and it’s referred to as the first consumer computer which used icons as a part of its interface. Historically, Xerox is mentioned in credits for creating the first icons for a graphical UI in the early 1970s: the icons were implemented in a machine called Xerox Alto which was very expensive and didn’t really go to the wide masses. However, with the advent of new technologies and graphical user interfaces, icons experienced the new twist of progress. 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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