In search of better visual metaphors for icons

[Diana Fong]

Hello...

Would like to start a discussion on finding better visual metaphors for 
icons. 

Icons are visual representations of tasks, items, and actions on the 
desktop.  Within the square proportioned box of usually 16x16 to 48x48 
pixels, an image resides to aide users in their interaction with the 
computer.  Most of the time, the icons are pretty straight 
forward...printer, for printer/printing/to print.  However, there are 
some that are less clear. 

- I'd like to start off by discussing the "system-log-out" icon.  The 
image of an arrow pointing to an open door is visually displeasing...I 
believe we can do better.  Visually, the current representation does not 
fit in...while most images are objects/symbols, the log-out icon is a 
doorway leading to a black space.  Hope that made sense. 

- [folder-remote]
Mola created one this weekend [1] and David Nielsen had a couple of 
suggestions of improvements [2].  It is a rather tough idea to 
visualize.  I'd like to come up with an idea to universally signify 
remote.  I'm not convinced about the "pipes" that Tango uses.

- [preferences-desktop-theme]
Do we like the "tie and shirt" icon?  I don't feel strongly either way, 
but thought there might be some better representation.  Bluecurve uses a 
block with different colors and I also see another icon with a file and 
a little hat overlaid on it.

Feel free to add others to this list...these are just the three I have 
been looking at recently.
Diana


[1] 
https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-art-list/2006-August/msg00047.html
[2] 
https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-art-list/2006-August/msg00048.html