ISO/IEC 11581-2:2000

Overview

ISO/IEC 11581-2:2000 defines international requirements and recommendations for object icons used in graphical user interfaces. Part of the ISO/IEC 11581 series on icon symbols and functions, this standard covers icons that users can manipulate and open and that represent data or system functions by association with an object (for example: document, folder, printer, mail, telephone, diskette, waste paper can). It complements ISO/IEC 11581-1 (Icons - General) and focuses on the conceptual construction, behaviour and presentation of object icons to promote consistent, usable iconography across systems.

Key topics

• Conceptual construction: Metaphor, function, and the distinction between abstract, generic and specific objects; basic units and components that form an icon graphic.
• Graphic representation: How components form the displayed icon (the “presented icon”) and the role of metaphor (commonly the office metaphor).
• Behavioral conventions: Rules for interaction such as opening an icon to access functionality or view contents.
• Visual requirements:
  • Orientation - icons should be used in the orientation shown in the standard to avoid ambiguity.
  • Opacity - enclosed areas must be opaque; surrounding cell area may be transparent or opaque.
  • State changes - consistent conventions for indicating icon states across a set.
  • Sensitive region - each object icon must define an interactive region for manipulation.
• Submission guidance: Annex A specifies the minimum information required when proposing new object icons for inclusion in the standard.

Requirements (high level)

• Systems claiming conformance must implement object icons in accordance with ISO/IEC 11581-1 (clause 5 and subclause 6.1) and the object-icon rules in this part.
• If an icon matches the graphic specified in clause 7 within allowed variations, it must serve the primary function defined in clause 7.
• Consistency in behaviour and state indication across all icons in an icon set is required.

Applications and practical value

• Useful for UI/UX designers, software developers, system integrators, and product managers who need consistent, internationally recognized iconography for desktop, mobile, embedded or enterprise applications.
• Helps improve usability, reduce user confusion, and support cross-platform consistency in operating systems, productivity suites, device firmware, and HMI applications.
• Facilitates interoperability and clearer communication in multinational deployments where standardized icon meanings reduce localization errors.

Related standards

• ISO/IEC 11581-1:2000 - Icons - General (normative reference)
• Other parts of the series: Part 1 (General), Part 3 (Pointer icons), Part 4 (Control icons), Part 5 (Tool icons), Part 6 (Action icons)

Keywords: ISO/IEC 11581-2, object icons, icon symbols, user system interfaces, GUI standards, iconography, usability, ISO icon standard.