NN/G UX Podcast 42. Icons that Work (feat Kate Kaplan, Insights Architect @ NN/g)
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Sep 13, 2024 Kate Kaplan, an Insights Architect known for her research on digital iconography, dives into the critical role icons play in enhancing user experience. She discusses how icons can simplify interfaces but notes that not all icons communicate effectively across cultures. Kaplan shares fascinating insights about the evolving meanings of icons, like the floppy disk symbol for saving, and the importance of icon design in conveying messages, especially regarding safety. Her upcoming book promises to reveal more about crafting effective digital icons.
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Origin of Icon Research
- Designers frequently ask about universal icons to simplify interfaces and reduce text.
- However, data-driven research on icon universality was lacking, prompting a dedicated study.
Icons as a Fine Wine
- Icons, like a fine wine, are subtle yet impactful design elements.
- They enhance user experience but require skillful implementation to avoid clutter and confusion.
Icons vs. Logos
- Icons are visual representations of ideas or actions within a specific environment, aiding navigation and understanding.
- Logos represent brand personalities and do not serve the same navigational function as icons.