Validating a predictive model for computer icon development

A predictive model for icon design was evaluated. Eleven participants gave their interpretations of and rated thirteen icons. Average information content and articulatory distance measures were calculated from the interpretation results. Semantic differential scales resulted in ratings which provided a subjective measure of the icon. All measures were then combined to develop a model to predict icon communication. This model was then statistically compared with the model developed previously for existing icons. Overall results indicate the model is a very good one, but there should be further research using newly designed icons to determine proper weights for each of the factors of the model. Also, there appear to be gender differences which suggest the model is a better predictive tool for males than for females. Further research should be done to determine whether this is due to the small sample size of this study.