Human and Information Interaction

Evaluation of user experience in symbols and visual signs in the graphics of websites and applications

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Rahman Marefat 1
Fatemeh Bazzi 2
Ghasem Azadi 3

1 Corresponding author, Assistant Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology Education & Head of Hiilab of Semnan University (https://hiilab.semnan.ac.ir), Semnan University, Semnan, Iran, E-mail: rmarefat@semnan.ac.ir

2 Master of Art Research from Faculty of Visual Arts, Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: Fatemeh.bazzi.art@gmail.com

3 Assistant Professor, Policy evaluation and Monitoring of Science, Technology, and Innovation Department, National Research Institute for Science Policy (Nrisp), Tehran, Iran. E-mail: azadi@nrisp.ac.ir

Abstract
Background and purpose: The user interface is an intermediary between humans and the computer environment, focusing on graphical elements and design criteria to ensure user satisfaction and meet user expectations. This research has reviewed Persian articles published in the field of user experience in symbols and visual signs in website and application graphics.

Method: This research was conducted based on the prism method, with the aim of a systematic review. Research studies that have focused on optimizing user experience while using websites and applications have been the main criteria for selection to be analyzed and reviewed in this descriptive-analytical research. After the initial search, the number of 86 articles published in Persian language databases and publications as well as conferences in this field were obtained, and after screening, 61 articles were selected for study and analysis. The articles were found by searching for the following keywords: website graphics, user experience, website design, graphical user interface, user interface design, visual elements, site visual symbols, user interaction with site, and user-centered design in the mentioned information databases and publications.

Findings: In general, 132 researchers worked in this field, of which 83 are men and 49 are women. The participation rate of men (63%) and women (37%) was measured. Three librarianship and information publications with the frequency of 9 articles, human and information interaction with 8 articles and national studies of librarianship and information organization with 7 articles were the most sources of article publishers in the field of user experience in icons and visual symbols in website and application graphics. Although it is customary to use all three quantitative, qualitative and combined approaches among researchers in the field of user experience in the symbols and visual signs in website and application graphics, but most of the researches conducted in this field have used survey methods and quantitative approach.

Conclusion: The thematic analysis of published sources in the subject area of ​​user experience in symbols and visual signs in website and application graphics showed that the authors of this area have published works in this area in 26 thematic areas. Out of a total of 61 articles, the most published articles were 33 scientific research articles (54.1 percent) and the least type of conference articles were 10 articles (16.3 percent). The highest frequency of words in the 61 articles reviewed was related to the term "user interface" (with a frequency of 28 cases), "web" (with a frequency of 23 cases), "library" (with a frequency of 13 words), and "computer" (with a frequency of 12 repetitions) in the text. Among qualitative research studies, only action research, phenomenology, and interpretive methods have garnered the attention of researchers in this field. Additionally, some researchers have utilized mixed or combined methods. Review and promotional articles included a total of 18 articles (29.6 percent) out of a total of 61 articles. Overall, the findings of this research indicated that most of the studies reviewed utilized survey methods and a quantitative approach. The thematic analysis of published resources in the field of user experience concerning symbols and visual signs in website and application graphics revealed that authors in this area have addressed topics such as apps, applications, customer feelings and perceptions, graphical user interfaces, mobile games, databases, cognitive research, user experience, human-computer interaction, mobile phones, computers, eye trackers, interactive media, Persian script, graphical user interface design, website design, digital visual culture, media technology, usability of user interfaces, digital libraries, website quality, computer graphics, search engines, visual symbols and indicators, digital interactive art, interface environment vocabulary, and display features in their articles and works. Awareness of the identified domains reveals the research gaps within this field. Researchers in human-information interaction can focus on axes that previous researchers have paid less attention to. Furthermore, exploring this topic in international articles is an important area for study, and its results can be compared with the findings of the current research. Attention to graphical signs and symbols and identifying user needs helps the designer create websites and applications that meet user needs and expectations.

Keywords

User interface design
site visual icons
user interaction with the site
user-centered design
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Human and Information Interaction
Volume 11, Issue 4
Winter 2025
Pages 20-41