Contents
Placing them to the left of your button label allows users to see the icon first. If you place icons to the right of your button label, they’re not helping users scan because users see them last. If users read the label first, your icon serves no purpose other than decoration.
What does it mean to label an icon?
A label is a classifying name that adds clarity and aids navigation. Write labels that identify objects. Use plain language. Test the readability score of your labels. Use consistent naming conventions. Use the same label for an icon every time.
Do you have to label icons in mystery meat?
Icons are not the only kind of mystery meat navigation. Poor link text also confuses readers. The symptoms of mystery meat navigation include decreased click confidence, wayfinding challenges, longer task completion times, and abandonment. You have to give icons alt text anyway. You may as well give them labels.
Why do icons need to be visible at all times?
Icon labels should be visible at all times, without any interaction from the user. For navigation icons, labels are particularly critical. Don’t rely on hover to reveal text labels: not only does it increase the interaction cost, but it also fails to translate well on touch devices.
The active imperative form turns verb phrases into commands. This form allows you to drop the subject and unnecessary articles for a more concise button label. All you need to include on your button label is a verb with an adverb or direct object. Users trust and understand commands on button labels more.
What your buttons say is as important as how they look. Using the wrong words on your button labels cause users confusion, more work, and slower task times. If you want to make it easy for users to take action on your app, you need to choose the right words on your button labels.
What does all lowercase mean ON button labels?
An all-lowercase style conveys a casual and lazy tone in a mumbling voice. It makes users feel as if no one put care or attention into the design. Users can sense a lack of professionalism and not trust the button. The call to action speaks as loud as the words on your button label.