
International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research
E-ISSN: 2582-2160
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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal
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Volume 7 Issue 4
July-August 2025
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From Real-World Entities to Digital Icons: A Conceptual Analysis of Affordances and Signifiers in UI Design
Author(s) | Mr. Subramanya Prajwal R |
---|---|
Country | India |
Abstract | Abstract: Icons are central to user interface (UI) design, functioning as visual signifiers that guide interaction. Traditionally, real-world metaphors have been favored for their intuitive affordance, yet minimalist and abstract icons are increasingly common. This study investigates whether icons designed using real-world metaphors are more intuitively recognized and confidently selected than abstract counterparts. A two-phase study was conducted with 134 participants. In Phase 1, participants selected between real-world (A) and abstract (B) icons for 10 common UI tasks and rated their confidence. In Phase 2, responses were scored based on whether real-world icons were selected. Recognition rates, confidence levels, and age-based trends were analyzed. Results showed that real-world icons were strongly preferred for Gallery, Download, and Lock, while abstract icons for Send and Share received both higher selection and confidence. Statistical testing confirmed significant differences for 9 of 10 tasks. These findings challenge the dominance of metaphor and suggest symbolic abstraction plays a growing role in UI affordance. |
Keywords | UI Design, Affordance, Signifiers, Icon Recognition, User Confidence, Real world entity Icons, Abstract Icons, Metaphorical Icons |
Field | Computer > Design |
Published In | Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025 |
Published On | 2025-07-20 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.51470 |
Short DOI | https://doi.org/g9t2cc |
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E-ISSN 2582-2160

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IJFMR DOI prefix is
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