Crowding impairs recognition of framed icons

Pictograms are graphic symbols designed to function within limited space. They are characterized by overlapping elements within a frame, which can lead to visual crowding, where neighboring objects merge and become indistinguishable. While visual crowding has been extensively studied in reading and vision research, its impact on pictograms remains underexplored. This study aimed to measure the effect of spacing between two icons and between icons and an outline frame on icon recognition. Using Auckland Optotypes to construct fictive pictograms, we conducted an experiment within an object recognition experimental paradigm, involving 25 participants. Results showed significant interaction between the effects of icon-frame distance and the spacing between the two icons, with the most limiting factor for recognition being two icons overlapping or placed in close proximity to each other. Strategic spacing adjustments within framed pictograms can reduce the impact of crowding on recognition, particularly when icons are not overlapping. Keywords: icons, crowding, psychophysics