korkus2000 - 11:50 pm on Aug 25, 2002 (gmt 0)

write out a description to go with it.

I apologize for not making my point clear. I think using icons with regular link text enhances usability. It can enhance normal text link navigation and save bandwidth instead of using flash navigation, rollover buttons, and basic graphic text. I think it will greatly damage your usability to use mystery meat navigation. Icons should always have a legend or text. I had to explain to my wife recently what the play triangle, stop square, and other VCR symbols meant. Trust me there is always a lowest common denominator.

try to use a real photo... they are as easy to use on the web as drawings... why use cheesy "clip-art"?

I highly discourage people from using photos at icon size. Photos need a high color pallet and will consume bandwidth. They also lose too much quality and recognition at 16x16. I am suggesting artists create their own from scratch, based on the common computer and Internet visual language, and not use "cheesy clip-art". If it works for you that’s great. I am an artist and never want to stifle creativity. For every rule there is an exception.

Nick_W I do understand your feelings. You are on the programmer/SEO side of the argument. You love it clean, lean, and mean. I am not saying that does not work. Tried, tested, and proved that it does. I am suggesting that there may be a more usable solution that is very bandwidth friendly.

Say I have an articles section of my site. I have sectioned my widget articles into 4 categories. In those categories are multiple articles. I put a linked folder icon next to the link text to communicate that multiple documents are at the other end of the link. It tells a user that there is more than just 1 blue widget article there before they choose whether to click or leave.