Icons can be a useful tool to aide usability in website navigation but, all too often they vary from site to site, rendering them meaningless in a larger context. So, what do we do about it?

A good first place to look is the RSS icon by Matt Brett. This icon represents an immaterial idea without using a recognizable object as its metaphor. It does this beautifully and is quickly being adopted. In fact, the main reason it works so well is that it is being adopted widely. After all, symbols obtain meaning only after a long period of association and consistent usage. So what can we learn from this?

Well, it clearly demonstrates that we need some central place to developed web icon metaphors and icons that can be implemented across many websites. If a critical mass of designers start using the same icon for any one concept then that icon will become the symbol for that concept. And, as a group, we can develop better, more universal, symbols for our icons. Imagine the power that an “alphabet” of icons could give to both user and designer. We could greatly simplify navigation across the web.

I am not saying that all icons should look the same. For example, one of the few icons that is instantly recognizable throughout the web and applications is the “home” icon. It’s a house, it reads instantly and we all know what it is. However, the look of the home icon can vary in appearance and style and we still know what it is. It works because the metaphor is strong enough to transcend the stylistic variations. This is ideal because it frees designers to incorporate the icon into many different websites in a natural and unobtrusive way.

There are lots and lots of icons that need standardization. Too many for me to list here but, I’ve compiled a short list of items I’ve come across often with different icons.

• blog
• about
• submit
• donate
• join
• services

I am sure that there are many many more not listed here. Please use the comments to add your ideas. I hope to compile a more complete list soon. I believe that only a group effort will be sufficient to developed a complete set of standard web icon metaphors. This will need to be an ongoing effort as new icons will be needed in the future.

Related links:
Using Icons for Web Site Navigation — a Waste of Time? – Smile Cat Web Design Blog
Icon Semiotics: A Common Visual Representation – Functioning Form
Learning to Love the Pixel: Exploring the Craft of Icon Design – Boxes and Arrows

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