On Thu, 2006-03-23 at 20:20 +0000, Joachim Noreiko wrote: > --- Shaun McCance <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > The Help button is a perfect example. Because Apple > > uses the single ? icon very effectively, they can > > put > > it almost anywhere in an interface. > > Is ? a universally understood symbol? > I quite like the GNOME lifebuoy.
It's used prominently on the Mac, so Mac users will quickly ascertain its meaning, if it's not obvious at first glance. We also use the life buoy frequently and consistently, so I do think it can stand on its own just fine. >From a first-impression standpoint, my guess is that the question mark icon is more obvious than the life buoy. But then, for long-term use, that's not as important as one might think. When was the last time any of us used a floppy disk? But we all know that old Save icon. The Tango folks are experimenting with using a question mark icon for Help. I'm fond of the life buoy icon as well. I have a sort of nostalgic attachment to it. In the end, though, I think the most important thing is that we have a single Help icon metaphor, and not just inside GNOME. So if the whole free world decides they like the question mark better, then I'm on-board. -- Shaun _______________________________________________ Usability mailing list [email protected] http://mail.gnome.org/mailman/listinfo/usability
