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Re: High-contrast icons

for

From: Emma Duke-Williams
Date: Jan 30, 2007 9:40AM

Given that IE 7 now lets you expand text and images to the size that
you like them best - rather than just the text; I'd be inclined to
start to think about icons that are easily scalable (e.g. svg) - and
concentrate far more on clarity of icons.
The biggest problem with icons for meaning is that people don't know
what they mean.
E.g. a door.
On some interfaces (esp. eLearning and/ or children) a door often means "exit".
However, if you're playing an adventure type game, then a door is
often an invitation to explore...

I'd therefore think far more about what you are trying to convey with
the icons, than how to make them high contrast. A good icon, in
anycase, should, I feel, be very simple - and you should be picking
contrasting colours anyway.
Have you seen any of the work done with rebus Symbols for those who
have difficulty reading?
See for example:
http://www.widget.co.uk - used a lot in the UK.
http://www.askability.org.uk/ (using the Widget symbols).
http://www.mayer-johnson.com/ - used a lot in the US.

Emma


On 1/30/07, Janna Cameron < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
>
> Just to be sure: Is there assistive technology that eliminates the need
> to specially-design icons? (what contrast ratio would this technology
> deliver?)
>
> What size should high-contrast icons be? Would it be acceptable to make
> the icons look in proportion with 40 or 60 px font?
>
> Janna



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