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ABSTRACT

Icon's distinctiveness could be divided into physical distinctiveness, which is related to recognition of the objects the icon is comprised of, and perceptual distinctiveness, which is related to the understanding of what the objects in the icon represent. An icon is usually designed in an environment that consists of a set of icons. In this setting, the icon has to be physically and perceptually distinguishable among the other icons in the set. Icons performing similar functions, however, should bear family resemblance to increase family distinctiveness.

REFERENCES

• 1: Apple Computer Inc. Icon Colors. Available online at: http://developer.apple.com/techpubs/mac/HIGuidelines/HI Guidelines-172.html#HEADING 172-0
• 2: Blattner, M.M., Sumikawa, D.A. & Greenberg, R.M. Earcons and icons: their structure and common design principles. Human Computer Interaction 4, (1989), 11-44.
• 3: M. Elliott Familant , Mark C. Detweiler, Iconic reference: evolving perspectives and an organizing framework, International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, v.39 n.5, p.705-728, Nov. 1993 [doi>10.1006/imms.1993.1080]
• 4: Geiselman, R.E., Landee, B.M., & Christen, F.G. Perceptual discriminability as a basis for selecting graphic symbols. Human Factors 24, (1982), 329-338.
• 5: S. J. Guastello , M. Traut, Verbal versus pictorial representations of objects in a human-computer interface, International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, v.31 n.1, p.99-120, July 1989 [doi>10.1016/0020-7373(89)90034-5]
• 6: William K. Horton, The ICON Book: Visual Symbols for Computer Systems and Documentation, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, 1994
• 7: ISO (International Organization for Standardization) ISO DIS 9186: Procedure for the Development and Test of Public Information Symbols. Geneva: ISO.
• 8: May, J., Tweedie, L.A. & Barnard, P.J. Modelling User Performance in Visually Based Interactions, in Proceedings of the HCI'93 Conference on People and Computers VIII, (1993), 95-110.
• 9: IEEE Software Staff, Do Icons Make User Interfaces Easier to Use?, IEEE Software, v.5 n.3, p.97-99, May 1988
• 10: Sanders, M.S. & McCormick, E.J. Human Factors in Engineering and Design, 7th ed. McGraw-Hill Inc, New York NY. (1993).
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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: User interfaces

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Evaluation/methodology; Screen design (e.g., text, graphics, color); Graphical user interfaces (GUI)

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Management, Measurement, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
human-computer interaction, icon, visual modality