[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread] 

List:       kde-usability
Subject:    menus: icons and text
From:       Mikolaj Machowski <mikmach () wp ! pl>
Date:       2003-12-28 23:49:06
[Download RAW message or body]

Hello,

One of arguments about 'KDE bloat' is heavy(?) use of icons in KDE menus
(submenus, context menus, etc.)

I don't understand this accusation. For me and for persons I was talking
with combination of text and icon gives in most if not all situations
the fastest recognition of element[1]. 

There are some situations (especially in Actions submenus) where
consecutive icons aren't helpful but don't significantly worsen
recognition.

One of arguments is Apple and Windows don't use icons in submenus or use
it very rarely. But these persons are forgetting Apple has the best
on-screen font on the market[2] and MS isn't far behind. Linux still has
problems with really good displaying of fonts (especially small which is
case in menus) - and icons could really help with recognition.

Of course such icons should be placed carefully. I like iconified
context menus in umbrello but they are using icons which have different
meaning in other context which is Bad Thing(tm):
- the same icon for Show and Properties
- icon for 'Change name...' is the same as for Encoding in Konqueror.

Because such icons will be used for really fast recognition they should
be carefully chosen. Sometimes even relative position of element in menu
to the icon will be better then mischosen icon.


But:
	What is the official KDE-usability position here?

m.


[1] This wasn't real test, just talk about 'feelings'.
[2] It can be also something with backward 'visual' compability

-- 
LaTeX + Vim = http://vim-latex.sourceforge.net/

_______________________________________________
kde-usability mailing list
kde-usability@mail.kde.org
https://mail.kde.org/mailman/listinfo/kde-usability
[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread]