Effects of training and representational characteristics in icon design

Icons are a very important component of graphical user interfaces. However, icon design is still predominantly artistic in nature and as a result icon selection is generally based on usability evaluations after a set of alter native icons are developed. This process tends to be time-consuming and cos tly. In this research, we address the issues of what should be depicted in an icon, given the function it should represent, and how training affects t he performance of novice users when using an iconic interface. A set of 36 concrete icons (12 functions) were selected and tested with a total of 30 p articipants. The experimental results indicate that complete representation s are generally superior for both untrained and trained participants. Resul ts also show that trained participants had shorter response times when comp ared to untrained participants. Further analysis suggests that ambiguity, u niqueness and dominance are three important aspects to consider when design ing and developing icons. Applications of this research include the design of appropriate icons for graphical user interfaces prior to usability testi ng and the importance of a short training period to illustrate the composit ion of an icon in an effort to improve the mental model associated with eac h design. (C) 2001 Academic Press.