This is a Dropbox
folder found on a Mac.
Representational
This object is
representational in that it looks like a real paper folder and the multidimensional look to it makes it feel like you can physically put
something in the folder. The shadows and gradients really add to the realness
of the folder. The designer even included a textured paper look to it. The role
this representational aspect plays in the whole design is it really lets the
user know that this is an icon capable of “holding” other files. It is slightly
open so it looks inviting unlike a closed folder or a zipped-file. This relates to the Abstract level in that it
gives the abstraction enough character to feel inviting, yet it does not
distract from the simple form of the abstraction. This level relates to the
Symbolic level in that it gives the Dropbox logo a place to reside. There is
also a representational bevel added onto the symbolic logo that makes it look
like someone etched it in stone giving it a high quality look to it.
Abstract
The abstract aspect
of this design is what lets people understand what it is. The abstraction of
office supplies was developed partially by Apple and partially by Xerox. That
is why we call a desktop a desktop and a folder a folder. The abstraction of an
every day object like a folder is genius because the user already has an idea
of use attached to a physical folder and having this folder icon lets the user
utilize their every day knowledge; therefore, enabling them to automatically understand
how to interact with this digital file system. There is also know wrinkles,
visible folds, or writing on the upper part of the file leaving a simplified
folder. This relates to the representational aspect in that it gives the
representational level a basic outline for placing the gradients and shadows. This
relates to the Symbolic level because the combination of the abstracted folder
and the symbolic logo creates an obvious meaning to the user. It demonstrates
the usage to the user.
Symbolic
The symbolic aspect
of this icon is the drop box logo on the folder. It lets the user know that
this folder is specifically a ‘Dropbox’ folder. This is important to the whole
design because without it, the user would know have an efficient way of
mentally separating the folder from all of the other blue folders on their
screen. The representational aspect tied with the symbolic logo gives the
folder a sophisticated look because sometimes-plain logos are boring, but now
with the added realistic textures, the simple logo is now more
interesting. The abstract logo works well with the abstract
folder in that the logo categorizes the folder into a specific type of folder
in the user’s head.