Usefulness of icons on the computer interface: Effect of graphical abstraction and functional representation on experienced and novice users

Abstract

Icons have become a main component of interface design (Familant & Detweiler, 1993). This study examined functional representation and graphical abstraction components of icons using experienced and novice computer users. Current interface (e.g. word processing) icons were evaluated in a search and select paradigm. Experienced participants were faster and more accurate than novice participants. Functionally representative and graphically concrete icons were recognized faster and more accurately than functionally arbitrary and graphically abstract icons, respectively. Experienced participants were affected more by graphical abstraction than novice participants. Graphically concrete and functionally representative icons were recognized faster than any other type of icon in the study. These data suggest when creating icons, the icons should be made to look as much like the object of reference as possible.