Guidelines
When to use
- Better readability: Use the Icon List to enhance readability, highlight key features, and simplify complex information.
When not to use
- Overcomplicating simple content: If the content is straightforward and easily understood adding icons can unnecessarily complicate and clutter the interface.
- Unclear or redundant icons: If icons don't add value or clarity, it might be better to use a Simple List instead.
Label property
Given the complexity of the presented data, the optional text label might be useful for adding context and removing any possible confusion.
For the best user experience, the labels should be used consistently on all items. Therefore, you should enable or disable the label on the list level, not individual list items.
Use labels consistently. Disable or enable them on the list level.
Don't disable the labels on individual list items level. This creates inconsistency and hinders the readibility.
Best practices
- Follow general Icon guidelines: Ambiguous or repeated icons can confuse the user. Make sure the icons bring extra clarity or improve the interface's usability.
- Label consistency: Disable or enable labels on the entire list level instead of the individual list items.
- Don’t overuse links: while the item’s Value can include an Inline Link, it shouldn’t be used to create an interactive list with each item performing an action.
Content
While Values should be kept in mind when they are being defined, the most relevant content to be aware of in Icon Lists are Labels. Labels will define which set of Values may be listed underneath. Keeping this in mind, write Labels with all possible values, and the full hierarchy in mind.
Do
- If a value set only includes 1 or none, use a Label that indicates the Value is “Yes/No” or “On/Off”.
- Always use 1 hierarchy level above the items that will be listed.
Example: If the values could be “Rooms” and “Dorms”, then the Label should be “Spaces”.
Do not
- Use multiple Value sets under the same Label.