A rule of thumb of icons' visual distinctiveness

Abstract

Icon's distinctiveness could be divided into physical distinctiveness, which is related to recognition of the objects the icon is comprised of, and perceptual distinctiveness, which is related to the understanding of what the objects in the icon represent. An icon is usually designed in an environment that consists of a set of icons. In this setting, the icon has to be physically and perceptually distinguishable among the other icons in the set. Icons performing similar functions, however, should bear family resemblance to increase family distinctiveness.