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What's Behind the Graphic? The Impact of Pictogram-Semantic Mapping Structure on Icon Understanding.

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Title: What's Behind the Graphic? The Impact of Pictogram-Semantic Mapping Structure on Icon Understanding.
Authors: Hou, Guanhua (AUTHOR), Pan, Yongsheng (AUTHOR)
Source: International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. Oct2025, Vol. 41 Issue 20, p12959-12969. 11p.
Subjects: User interfaces, User experience, Experimental psychology, Concept mapping, Picture-writing
Abstract: Icons map computational concepts through pictorial representations, assisting users in learning and using interfaces. However, constructing effective mapping structures and graphically expressing icon semantics remain challenges. This study explores how pictogram-semantic mapping structures impact icon understanding, employing a 3 (Pictogram-semantic mapping structure: Direct mapping, Metaphorical mapping, Metonymical mapping) × 2 (Semantic congruity: Semantic congruence, Semantic incongruence) within-subject design with behavioral experiments and Event-Related Potential (ERP) measurements. Results reveal that mapping structure significantly influences understanding: direct mapping enhances understanding efficiency, enabling quick and accurate interpretation; metaphorical mapping improves semantic processing fluency and emotional arousal, enriching the emotional experience; while metonymical mapping reduces efficiency without notable benefits in semantic coherence or emotional engagement. These findings offer practical insights for designing understandable icons and a theoretical foundation for strategically improving user experience through icon design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
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  Data: What's Behind the Graphic? The Impact of Pictogram-Semantic Mapping Structure on Icon Understanding.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Hou%2C+Guanhua%22">Hou, Guanhua</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Pan%2C+Yongsheng%22">Pan, Yongsheng</searchLink> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22International+Journal+of+Human-Computer+Interaction%22">International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction</searchLink>. Oct2025, Vol. 41 Issue 20, p12959-12969. 11p.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22User+interfaces%22">User interfaces</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22User+experience%22">User experience</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Experimental+psychology%22">Experimental psychology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Concept+mapping%22">Concept mapping</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Picture-writing%22">Picture-writing</searchLink>
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Icons map computational concepts through pictorial representations, assisting users in learning and using interfaces. However, constructing effective mapping structures and graphically expressing icon semantics remain challenges. This study explores how pictogram-semantic mapping structures impact icon understanding, employing a 3 (Pictogram-semantic mapping structure: Direct mapping, Metaphorical mapping, Metonymical mapping) × 2 (Semantic congruity: Semantic congruence, Semantic incongruence) within-subject design with behavioral experiments and Event-Related Potential (ERP) measurements. Results reveal that mapping structure significantly influences understanding: direct mapping enhances understanding efficiency, enabling quick and accurate interpretation; metaphorical mapping improves semantic processing fluency and emotional arousal, enriching the emotional experience; while metonymical mapping reduces efficiency without notable benefits in semantic coherence or emotional engagement. These findings offer practical insights for designing understandable icons and a theoretical foundation for strategically improving user experience through icon design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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