Iconography and Language Use

The use of icons (iconography) in navigation was a popular technique long before
we began studying navigation for the Web. Navigation is, of course, a part of any
user interface—whether it be software programs such asWord, kiosks, CD-ROMs,
or Web sites.
Iconography typically relies on metaphor. Metaphor is the symbolic representation
of an object or idea. That representation defines some likeness between the symbol
and its related object or idea. Familiar uses of metaphor in iconography include
the following:
An envelope to represent e-mail
A shopping bag or stack of wrapped boxes to represent shopping
A stock ticker to represent finances
A pencil to represent articles
A briefcase to represent job and work
If you think about these examples carefully, youll see that they are very clear in
their relationship. This is referred to as a concrete metaphor. The symbol is very
literal . These icons were designed specifically to assist foreign
students whose first language might not be English in finding services online
such as e-mail, weather information, medical information, prescription refills, and
assistance.

Another type of metaphor in iconography is referred to as abstract. An abstract
metaphor can be a literal image that is abstractly related to the corresponding
object or idea. More commonly, abstract metaphors are created symbols that have
no specific meaning until related to the object or idea in question. The designer
makes the suggestion between the icons design and the related idea—with abstract
metaphors, the meaning is not literal.

Generally, if youre trying to make your site very usable, very concise, and are encouraging
the “Dont Make Me Think ideology, the designer should stick to concrete
metaphor in iconography. Of course, your content and audience will shape
your design decisions. For example, abstract iconography might work well on a
Web site featuring the works of abstract artists. Only your research and planning
will help you determine if abstract metaphor is a reasonable choice for your navigation
icons.
Of course, many designers never choose to use iconography because language
is sufficient. Simply styling the text or creating images using words to suggest
navigation options is a completely legitimate way to go. And now, with the many
ways we can use CSS for style navigation, we dont even need to use JavaScript
to toggle images for creative effects.