The present study investigated the effect of modality and language on icons' appropriateness and meaningfulness for Chinese users. Based on the findings of the previous studies of computer icons, three hypothesis were developed: H1: Bimodal icons rate the highest; H2: Icons with Chinese characters rate higher than icons with English words; and H3: Pictorial icons rate higher than verbal icons. Fifty Hong Kong Chinese daily computer users participated in the experiments. The results suggested that H1 and H2 are partially supported and H3 is not supported. A significant interaction between the language and modality was observed. The best icon group for Chinese users is the bimodal Chinese group.
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