A comparison between Maya hieroglyphs and computer icons

Interface design normally follows the traditional approach of Art and Design, which requires reworking to refine an idea through visual playfulness until a solution has been achieved. This article explores a successful writing system from the past that has retained visual characteristics to inform computer iconography of the present, by using what is known about one system to suggest new ideas about the other. This article uses examples of Maya hieroglyphs, computer icons, and parts of other contemporary symbol systems either forced, or as a natural development of visual language, to compare individual or reused elements of these systems. Then to consider the potential of visual language systems that have been refined, and used over a long period of time against computer icons which are a recent development.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2000
• Where: AIS
• Authors: Paul Honeywill
• Keywords: AIS 2000, Artificial Intelligence, Visual, Visual Language, Visual Playfulness