The Icon Book

Icons are images which represent an object or task in computer user interface screens and documentation. Icons draw the user's attention to something of importance and allow them to select a task or function more easily and process that function in less time. Although icons are intended for ease-of-use, they are often quite unclear and difficult to associate with the task at hand. This same confusion occurs when translating software manuals, computer books and the software itself for other countries. With an exhaustive supply of examples, this practical guidebook offers readers clear research-based guidelines for designing, testing, refining and implementing icons into international markets for true user-friendly communication.