An Analysis of Users' Cognitive Factors Towards Icon in Interactive Interface

Icon is the unique visible element in an interactive interface, which not only bears certain information itself, but also has the function of connecting and executing in delivering messages. The users' cognitive factors towards icon include the cognition of visual information, the relationship of connection and the role of executing. They have direct influence on users' understanding, judgment and behavior towards the interface. Thus affect the process and result of interaction. This article does analysis and research to the cognitive factors of icon in an interactive interface in order to verify the points as below: the icon acts as a connective level in interaction; it does psychological guidance in users' operation; and it acts as the role of executing in interpreting interaction correctly. The article also tries to put forward some basic principles and methods which should be followed when designing icons in interactive interface.