From Real-World Entities to Digital Icons: A Conceptual Analysis of Affordances and Signifiers in UI Design

Abstract: Icons are central to user interface (UI) design, functioning as visual signifiers that guide interaction. Traditionally, real-world metaphors have been favored for their intuitive affordance, yet minimalist and abstract icons are increasingly common. This study investigates whether icons designed using real-world metaphors are more intuitively recognized and confidently selected than abstract counterparts. A two-phase study was conducted with 134 participants. In Phase 1, participants selected between real-world (A) and abstract (B) icons for 10 common UI tasks and rated their confidence. In Phase 2, responses were scored based on whether real-world icons were selected. Recognition rates, confidence levels, and age-based trends were analyzed. Results showed that real-world icons were strongly preferred for Gallery, Download, and Lock, while abstract icons for Send and Share received both higher selection and confidence. Statistical testing confirmed significant differences for 9 of 10 tasks. These findings challenge the dominance of metaphor and suggest symbolic abstraction plays a growing role in UI affordance.