Re: Button vs. Icon
For us, the difference is whether it's text or a picture on the GUI
element. We use a lot of icons to cut down on screen translations for
globalization. So, for your example, if the element says the word "Save"
on it, I would call it a button. If it has a green checkmark or some other
symbol/picture, I would call it an icon.
My guideline:
* If it *looks* like a button (3D shading; moves "in" when you click
on it, "out" when you let go or roll off; etc.) then it's a button,
whether there's text or a picture on the "face" of the simulated
button.
* If it's just a picture (such as a little house for "home" or a door
for "exit") that doesn't move or change in any way when you click on
it, then it's an icon, like the icons on your computer desktop.
* If it's just text, it's a link, especially if it's underlined or
treated in some other way that makes it appear clickable. (Heck,
if it's *really* just text, your UI may have bigger problems than
what to call things you can click on!)
Side note: Using images to cut down on translations sounds good, but
it's hard to find images and colors that are universally recognized and
inoffensive.
--David
=========================================================================
A V A I L A B L E N O W ! http://www.html-indexer.com
HTML Indexer is still the easiest way to create and maintain real indexes
for web sites, intranets, HTML Help, JavaHelp, and other HTML documents.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
WEBWORKS FINALDRAFT - EDIT AND REVIEW, REDEFINED
Accelerate the document lifecycle with full online discussions and unique feedback-management capabilities. Unlimited, efficient reviews for Word
and FrameMaker authors. Live, online demo:
http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
Doc-To-Help 7.5 Professional: New version with new features, improved performance and reliability, plus much more! Download your free trial today at www.componentone.com/techwrlfeb.
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as:
archiver -at- techwr-l -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Send administrative questions to lisa -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
References:
Button vs. Icon: From: McKinney, Suzanne
Re: Button vs. Icon: From: Lisa M. Bronson
Previous by Author:
Re: site indexing tools
Next by Author:
Re: Button vs. Icon
Previous by Thread:
Re: Button vs. Icon
Next by Thread:
Re: Button vs. Icon
Search our Technical Writing Archives & Magazine
Visit TechWhirl's Other Sites
Sponsored Ads