Navigating the emoticon landscape: A systematic review of comparative studies on emoticon design

Abstract

This comprehensive systematic review delves into the nuanced dimensions of emoticon design, exploring cultural, gender, and social media influences. Adhering to Kitchenham's guidelines, the study meticulously progressed through the planning, conducting, and reporting phases. Following stringent inclusion/exclusion criteria, 19 pertinent papers surfaced, revealing eight core research areas. These areas spotlight the pivotal roles of culture, gender, and social media in shaping emoticon creation and usage. The findings underscore the growing significance of emoticons in online communication, with an increasing focus on gender-related and culturally sensitive research. However, notable gaps were identified, including the absence of universal emoticon design principles and limited regional diversity. The study emphasizes context-aware emoticon design and underscores the influential role of social media, providing valuable implications for both academia and practical application. Ultimately, the research advocates for further exploration in diverse cultural contexts and the development of universally comprehensible emoticon design models.