Using clear and universal icon metaphors

Metaphors determine how quickly users understand what an icon represents. The most reliable icons use shapes that are widely recognized across products and cultures. Familiar metaphors reduce the risk of misinterpretation and support faster decision-making. For example, arrows for navigation or a magnifying glass for search remain effective because users see them repeatedly across interfaces.

Because of this, clarity matters more than novelty. Icons built on uncommon or ambiguous metaphors often force users to stop and think, which slows interaction and increases the risk of misunderstanding. Relying on patterns that are already common across platforms helps keep interfaces predictable, especially in dense layouts where users scan quickly instead of reading carefully.

For this reason, pairing icons with text labels is strongly recommended. Labels remove ambiguity and make the intended action clear, even when an icon is unfamiliar or slightly repurposed. Together, icons and labels support faster recognition, better accessibility, and more confident decision-making.^[1]