C H A P T E R 5

Icons

Thinking Up an Icon Image

An icon is like the proverbial picture that’s worth a thousand words only if it clearly identifies what it represents. Coming up with a tiny, grainy, black-and- white visual image that is even relevant, let alone unambiguous, can be difficult. Far more of us have learned basic verbal skills than basic visual skills. There are several approaches you can take to finding a visual image that identifies what it represents.

If an icon has some correlation to a physical device, such as a calculator or a clock, the icon should resemble the device. If the icon represents part of a metaphor, such as an in box as a metaphor for the place where incoming communications are kept, the icon should resemble its metaphorical counter- part. For example, the In Box icon resembles a real in box, not some other repository such as a folder or a flour canister.

If you need to design an icon for a more conceptual entity, such as an applica- tion or part of an application, you can use one of the following approaches. Try making the icon represent the function of the application. If the function is complex and hard for new users to understand, think about how you could explain the idea to someone who doesn’t use a Newton device, and try to generate some images that way. Often the terms you use and the analogies you come up with to explain the concept can provide clues for visual images.

Another approach to designing conceptual icons is making the icon represen- tative of a product name. This may work for your product in one location, but remember that some product names, and thus product icons, may be impossible to localize. For example, in the United States, an icon for extensions could have something to do with an extension cord. In other languages, the word used for extension cords may have nothing to do with extensions, and therefore an icon based on the word extension cord would be meaningless. Another drawback to this approach is that product names are often not finalized until late in the development process, so you might not have much time in which to design an icon based on the final product name.

It is often easiest to create icons that represent objects (nouns) rather than actions (verbs). For example, the function of deleting something is represented by a wastebasket (an object) rather than by some image of the action of

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Designing Effective Icons

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Apple 2 manual Thinking Up an Icon Image

2 specifications

The Apple II is a defining product in the history of personal computing, first introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer, Inc. Designed by Steve Wozniak, the Apple II was one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products and played a significant role in bringing personal computers into homes and schools.

One of the Apple II's standout features was its color graphics capability. It was one of the first personal computers to provide color output, thanks to its built-in video interface. The initial model supported a resolution of 280x192 pixels with a palette of 6 colors, which allowed for vibrant visuals that set it apart from contemporaries like the monochrome Altair 8800.

The Apple II was notable for its open architecture. This design allowed users to expand the computer's capabilities easily through a series of expansion slots. Users could add floppy disk drives, additional memory, and various peripheral devices, making the system highly adaptable to individual needs. This encouraged a thriving ecosystem of third-party hardware and software, which contributed to its popularity.

Another significant feature was its use of the 6502 microprocessor. This 8-bit CPU was not only affordable but also powerful for its time, allowing the Apple II to run various applications efficiently. Along with a built-in keyboard and an innovative plastic case that housed its components, the design was user-friendly and appealing.

The Apple II also introduced the concept of “bootable software” through the use of floppy disks. The disk operating system (DOS) allowed users to store and run multiple programs without having to reload software manually, providing a level of convenience that had not been widely available before. Key software like VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program, helped boost sales, showcasing the Apple II's utility in business and education environments.

The computer was also well-known for its early adoption of BASIC programming language. Apple provided an operating system that supported Applesoft BASIC, which enabled users, including students, to write their programs, further fostering a community of developers.

In summary, the Apple II's color graphics, open architecture, powerful 6502 processor, innovative use of floppy disks, and support for BASIC programming made it a revolutionary product in its time. Its legacy laid the groundwork for future personal computers and established Apple as a leader in the burgeoning tech industry. The Apple II remains an iconic symbol of the early personal computing era, reflecting a generation's transition into a digitally connected world.