1

I am trying to come up with an icon that would capture the concept of "in use". I have a list of files, some of which will be used by other objects in the system, and I need a visual cue to present to the user that a given file is "in use" - i.e. has an established relationship/dependency with another object.

So far I have come up with a simple green light indicator.

|improve this question

migrated from ux.stackexchange.com May 26 '14 at 18:16

This question came from our site for user experience researchers and experts.

  • Seems to me you want something like what is used in revision control systems such as SVN: as documents are linked and "in use", "expired"? – benteh May 29 '14 at 19:48
  • This sounds more like a question about "reference counting" than "restroom occupied" or "that book is checked out." A subtle difference, but the answers seem to address the latter concept. – horatio May 29 '14 at 19:52
1

Actually, it could be the same icon presenting "busy" situation or "wait" situation.

I personally like something like this -

enter image description here

There is TWO systems both using the same material. Probably it can match your situation. Different colors can be also pictographic.

|improve this answer
  • Thank you for quick response! This is good but not quite there. This icon implies a temporal factor - that is, in short future the relationship will expire and the object in question will no longer be "in use". I can this would work for "processing". – user41234 May 27 '14 at 14:39
  • I would think in terms of "embedding". Example: a file is embedded in a project. Similarly to Windows- when you try to rename a folder/file that is in use by an application, you will get an error pop up. Hope that helps – user41234 May 27 '14 at 14:52
1

Do not get too digital native on this. Usage of signs is to make user understand at first glance. You may use regular circular turn-knob lavatory "in use" style.

|improve this answer
0

could be a white sheet of paper with an animation of a pencil going up and down?

|improve this answer
0

If animation is ok - gear in rotation?

|improve this answer
0

Simple arrows might work, it give the idea that the object is currently doing something or is being "worked on."

enter image description here

|improve this answer
0

How about an icon of three people waiting in line? Similar to the top left portion of this pic:people waiting in line for their turn

|improve this answer
0

If the context is a list of files to be deleted, then green is a bad idea, perhaps red instead. (Ignoring any potential color-blindness issues)

If you need to quantify the number of references, then perhaps a circular area with a number such as magnitude (1 = few, 5 = many etc). You could even use, say, the Wingdings typeface for this.

Presumably this is to be in a long list, so the focus should be on quick assimilation of information, not "iconic fetishism."

|improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.