C H A P T E R 5

Icons

that display only black and white (no shades of gray or colors), particularly in the smaller icon sizes.

Newton icons do not have drop shadows. There is no assumed light source to create an artificial shadow.

Avoid Text in Icons

Avoid using text in your icons whenever possible. Text in icons can be confusing, and it’s hard to localize for other regions, languages, or countries. It’s appropriate to use text with icons, but not within icons. Figure 5-2 shows an example of icons with text in them and icons that convey the idea much better without text.

Figure 5-2Avoid text in icons

Keep icons pictorial

Don’t use text in icons

Make All Sizes of an Icon Look Alike

If you make an icon in more than one size, maintain a close visual relationship among all sizes. Design the large icon first, and then adapt the design to the small icon. You can leave out inessential details in the small version of your icon, but it shouldn’t look significantly different from the large version. Figure 5-3 shows examples of small and large icons.

You can’t design each variation of an icon in isolation. The large and small variants are incarnations of the same icon, so the basic design must work for all of them. Be flexible in adapting your design to all sizes. Icon design is an iterative process. During the design process, you may need to redesign one version of an icon when you find it doesn’t translate well to another version.

5-4

Designing Effective Icons

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Apple 2 manual Avoid Text in Icons, Make All Sizes of an Icon Look Alike
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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.
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