I think the message get confusing on these icons for the general public. If I looked quickly and didn't think about it what they mean, I may not understand their functionality.
I think it should be more of a natural lock vs. Unlock. I agree I don't like the idea of it being public - not private. Maybe you could visually simplify it by having an open key hole (unlocked) with the lock bar hanging off the the left vs filled key hole (locked) with lock bar in place?
Also, I think it depends on context. What is being locked/unlocked? Images? Files? Settings? Personal info? That may bring up another connotation if the wrong symbol is used, maybe an Open/closed eye icon is more suitable for images or personal info for example.
The slash being used on the public icon kind of gives off a negative connotation which can be good or bad depending if you want both icons to feel neutral. I might agree with @Russell Schofield about having the public lock bar hanging off to the left as opposed to using the slash it might be a less negative visual or trying a different visual for the set other than the lock.
5 Responses
Pro
Joshua Hynes
One more iteration I thought of. I'm not a huge fan of using a negative to describe an item. As in Public is something that just isn't Private.
Again view the full image and offer any feedback. I'd appreciate it.
4 months ago
Pro
Dustin Leer
I think the message get confusing on these icons for the general public. If I looked quickly and didn't think about it what they mean, I may not understand their functionality.
4 months ago
I think it should be more of a natural lock vs. Unlock. I agree I don't like the idea of it being public - not private. Maybe you could visually simplify it by having an open key hole (unlocked) with the lock bar hanging off the the left vs filled key hole (locked) with lock bar in place?
Also, I think it depends on context. What is being locked/unlocked? Images? Files? Settings? Personal info? That may bring up another connotation if the wrong symbol is used, maybe an Open/closed eye icon is more suitable for images or personal info for example.
4 months ago
The slash being used on the public icon kind of gives off a negative connotation which can be good or bad depending if you want both icons to feel neutral. I might agree with @Russell Schofield about having the public lock bar hanging off to the left as opposed to using the slash it might be a less negative visual or trying a different visual for the set other than the lock.
4 months ago
Rebound
Locks
by Kyle Sollenberger
Here's the Public / Private Icons I'm using on Seesaw. No doubt, It's a tough concept to illustrate.
4 months ago