Re: [Usability] Rational for icons in button

[Julien Olivier <julo altern org>]

> This is only half a step in the right direction, it removes the problem
> of keeping two icon sets consistent, but it doesn't fix the real
> problems.
> 
> Making complete and consistent icon sets is very hard work[1], and with
> some of the icons in gtk/gnome today it is in fact impossible to make a
> "correct" set that makes sense in any locale. Too many of the metaphors
> in use rely on an understanding of American expressions and culture
> (such as a green light to indicate approval, or red to indicate error or
> dismissal - I think red is associated with luck in China(?)). 
> 

Well, to solve this problem, we should implement localized icons:
different icons for each locale in each icon theme. In pratice though, I
think that would be too much work AND that would be a bad idea as icons,
by definitions, are expected to be explicit to anyone, and, thus,
shouldn't be localized.

> While it may have been pure coincidence that caused gnome to use icons
> in buttons initially, I don't think it's a coincidence that no other
> desktops use them.
> 

If we really can't find universal icons for most actions (at least
cancel, close and validate type of icons), you're right that it could be
better to remove them.

> Relying on theme designers to either only design themes that doesn't
> clash with random icons from existing icon themes or to design suitable
> icons to go with their themes, just isn't a good idea.
> 

Well, when it comes to icon designing, I think (icon) theme designers
are the ones to rely on (who else ?). But I'm not sure I understand you
here...

> 
> [1] None of the desktops I've seen the last 15-20 years ever implemented
> more than a couple of complete icon sets.
-- 
Julien Olivier <julo altern org>