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In the same chapter that Dian mentions, Horton states that ""There is
almost no arrangement of the human hand that is not an obcene, rude, or
impolite gesture somewhere in the world." He suggests not using hand
icons at all, or if you must, at least show them "holding, pressing, or
moving something." You will see examples of that advice in his book --
particularly in Chapter 10.
I also recommend the book. It is full of good and creative ideas. It's
also entertaining reading even if designing icons is not your primary
objective.
Bob Armao
barmao -at- dataware -dot- com
----------
From: WRK/dlchute
To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject: Re: Offensive symbols
Date: Tuesday, July 29, 1997 4:46PM
Scott J. Wilson wrote:
> Our documentation team has gotten feedback that the "thumb's up"
> symbol
> used in one of our products is offensive in Australia. (If anyone can
> confirm or refute this, could you e-mail me privately.)
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has familiarity with William Horton's "The
> Icon Book", and, if so, does it address problems of this nature
> (symbols meaning different things in different cultures)?
I do not know about Australia, but I do know that in Italy, Greece, and
Turkey the "thumbs up" sign is, to quote William Horton's "The Icon
Book," "an invitation to insert the thumb into a private part of the
anatomy." (page 245).
Yes, the Horton book is a great resource. Chapter 10 is on "Icons for
International Products."
--
Dian Chute
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