Download the resource: 35 Icon Resources
I have a scandalous confession to make. I’m in love with icons. I think they are brilliant. I love the way icons distill an object or concept to its essence. If you’re looking for new ways to get your message across, then read on for more on icon styles and ways to use icons in eLearning.
Icons communicate through an efficient use of shape, line, and color. They are reduced or abstracted versions of an object, like the simple image of a bus you see on a bus stop sign. Icons can also communicate concepts, like a light bulb that represents “new idea.” Concept icons are often symbols that we learn as we become visually literate.
Context and nuance. Context strongly affects the meaning of an icon. For example, when placed with clouds, concentric curved lines represent a rainbow. When associated with a transmitter, the concentric curved lines are a symbol for wireless communication. Nuance also adds to the meaning. A circle beneath two concentric lines has come to be the symbol for an RSS feed. See the varied meanings of concentric lines in the examples below.
Benefits of Using Icons in Learning
- Quick to recognize and process. Icons embody a quality that cognitive theorists call computational efficiency, meaning they minimize the processing required for an accurate interpretation. Thus, iconic forms are quickly recognized and processed, and their meanings are memorable (Malamed, 2011).
- Builds context. The efficiency of the icon form gives learners a head start. Before they even read the text, they have a sense of what it will be about. It puts the information in context, which may save time and improve comprehension.
- Improves memory. Images can improve memory of a fact or concept when used as a mnemonic device. The principle of the Picture Superiority Effect states that people have a better memory for pictures than for words, particularly when referring to concrete objects. When images and words are used together, learners are likely to remember the image and associate it with the key point.
- Enhances aesthetics. When designed with intention, adding relevant graphics to instructional materials can improve a learner’s aesthetic experience. Aesthetically pleasing materials are preferred by users and can increase their motivation. Well-designed materials also improve the credibility of the content.
As with all visual communication, it helps to pay attention to the visual language of each style. All of the styles shown below are appropriate to use in eLearning, though each one conveys a unique personality. Some popular icon styles include flat, flat with a long shadow, line, filled, detailed, hand-drawn, detailed and folded corner. See the examples below.
- Flat icons are a modern trend that grew out of a need for quick downloads on mobile devices. The flat style is also the antithesis of the older skeuomorphic design style, which mimics physical objects. Flat icons are flexible and appropriate for a variety of uses, from assistance with navigation and functionality to enhancing explanations in information graphics.
- Flat icons with a long shadow provide more detail to the flat look. They are part of the Flat 2.0 trend, adding a little personality and interest to this minimalist design approach.
- Line icons are extremely minimalist and thus quick to download. Objects and symbols drawn as line icons are easy to identify as the mind of the viewer fills in the missing information. These lightweight icons are ideal for navigation and buttons and anywhere you need to fit an icon in a small space. In addition, they are subtle images that won’t detract from the main message if that is your goal.
- Filled icons are essentially silhouettes of known and recognizable objects. Similar to line icons, the mind of the viewer fills in the missing details. Unlike like icons, filled icons are more conspicuous.
- Hand-drawn icons may be created on the computer, but they purposely appear as though they were illustrated by hand. The lack of straight lines and 90º angles provides a casual look that conveys a novel or playful message.
- Detailed icons are the most realistic of this visual format. They are small illustrations that provide more detail than the icon styles with more color, gradients, shading, lines or shadows. They can be hand-drawn or created with illustration software.
- Folded corner icons have a small fold in an upper or lower corner that adds a third dimension to their look. They appear to be a slightly peeling sticker. Perhaps the fold adds a touch of personality or novelty to the icon.
Some Ways to Use Icons in eLearning
1. Icons in the User Interface
2. Icons as Bullets
3. Icons to Enhance Explanations
In this eLearning example, I used icons to enhance three facts related to patient safety. This approach improves the aesthetics of the presentation and chunks the message into three distinct entities. The purpose of this approach is to increase the impact of the information.
4. Icons in Games
Icons are ideal for game environments. Simplified illustrations fit well in small spaces and may serve as game elements. In the example game board shown below, people icons represent patients and the clock icon represents a time-out break. With the many icon styles that exist, it should be easy to find a style that reflects the personality of the game.
5. Icons in Information Graphics
Where would information graphics be without icons? They add relevance and appeal to diagrams, graphs and charts. All it takes is a quick glance for the viewer to get a sense of what the information is about as opposed to using boxes and words alone. In the example diagram below, the icons assist in the visualization of the content curation process.
6. Icons for Categorizing Information
Chunking information into categories is a standard way to help people learn. Categories provide a framework for storing information. Icons can enhance the framework because the image is associated with a category.
If you want to improve your visual design skills, check out my latest book, Visual Design Solutions: Principles and Creative Inspiration for Learning Professionals.
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