Usability for Nerds/Self-explaining interfaces

Self-explaining user interfaces are preferred if they can be implemented without too much complication. A drop-down menu is a good example of a self-explaining interface. center|Drop down menu A bad example is a desktop shortcut in Microsoft Windows 7. This square, which just looks like an empty space, is actually a shortcut that you can click on to view the desktop. It is not obvious that this little square actually has a function - or what that function might be. A user looking for a shortcut to the desktop is very unlikely to find it. center|Clickable square in Windows 7 to launch desktop An icon or pictogram is intended to be self-explaining, and it works well if it is easy to understand or the meaning is generally known. center|Pictogram for handicap access But an icon or pictogram is useless if incomprehensible or easily misunderstood. This pictogram means Remember, but it may be misinterpreted to mean Emergency room. center|Pictogram Dressed finger This icon, named Control Center 3, opens the software for controlling a scanner. This is not obvious to the user. center|Icon Control Center 3 While a self-explaining button or icon can be useful, it should not be so conspicuous as to be disturbing or importunate. center|Popup message for Java update The user should be in control Predictability