In recent years, there’s been a growing trend of removing text labels altogether, leaving users to decipher an array of symbols with no explanation.
Andrei Ghimpu March 03, 2025 A 3 minute read

Why Icon-Only Design is Failing Users – And What to Do Instead

Icons have long been a staple of web and app design, providing quick visual cues to help users navigate interfaces with ease. But in recent years, there’s been a growing trend of removing text labels altogether, leaving users to decipher an array of symbols with no explanation.

The result? Confusion, frustration, and a poor user experience. At O’Brien Media, we believe that web design should be intuitive and accessible to everyone. Let’s explore why icon-only design is failing users and what you can do to make your website or app more user-friendly.

The Problem with Icon-Only Design

At first glance, icon-only design seems like a great idea. It’s minimalist, saves space, and can look sleek and modern. But the issue is that not all icons are universally understood.

Here are some common problems with icon-only navigation:

  1. Icons Can Be Ambiguous
    Unlike words, icons don’t always have a clear meaning. While some, like the magnifying glass for search or the envelope for email, are widely recognised, others aren’t so obvious. For example, a heart might mean “like” on one site and “save” on another. Without a text label, users are left guessing.

  2. Icons Lack Context
    Even familiar icons can become confusing if they’re used in an unexpected way. A gear icon usually represents settings, but if it’s placed in an unfamiliar context, users may not immediately recognise its function.

  3. Accessibility Issues
    Not all users process visual information in the same way. People with cognitive impairments or those unfamiliar with common digital symbols may struggle to navigate an icon-heavy interface. This can lead to frustration and even exclusion.

  4. Icons Can Have Cultural Differences
    Something that makes sense in one culture might be interpreted differently elsewhere. For example, a thumbs-up icon is generally seen as positive, but in some cultures, it can be considered rude.

  5. Icons Require a Learning Curve
    New users to your site or app shouldn’t have to spend time learning what your icons mean. Navigation should be intuitive from the get-go, and that means providing clear, immediate cues.

Why Text Labels Matter

So, what’s the solution? Simply put: icons should be paired with text labels. Here’s why:

✅ Immediate Clarity – A label tells users exactly what an icon does, removing any ambiguity.

✅ Improved Accessibility – People with disabilities, those using screen readers, and non-tech-savvy users all benefit from clear, descriptive labels.

✅ Faster Navigation – When users don’t have to guess what an icon means, they can move through your site more efficiently.

✅ Stronger UX Design – Good user experience (UX) design is about making things easier for people, not more complicated. Labels provide a clear and consistent experience.

How to Implement Effective Icon + Text Design

If you want to keep your website or app user-friendly while still using icons, follow these best practices:

  1. Always Pair Icons with Labels
    Wherever possible, place a short text label next to or below each icon. This is particularly important for navigation menus, action buttons, and toolbars.

  2. Use Familiar Icons
    Stick to widely recognised symbols to reduce confusion. The more intuitive your design, the better.

  3. Consider a Hover Tooltip for Space-Saving
    If you’re concerned about taking up too much space, consider adding tooltips that display a label when the user hovers over an icon.

  4. Test with Real Users
    User testing is the best way to ensure your design is intuitive. If users struggle to understand an icon’s function, you know it needs a label.

  5. Prioritise Accessibility
    Use high-contrast icons and ensure they have appropriate alternative text for screen readers. Accessibility should never be an afterthought.

The Bottom Line

Minimalist design is great, but usability should never be sacrificed for aesthetics. If users can’t immediately understand how to navigate your website or app, they’re more likely to leave – and that’s bad for business.

At O’Brien Media, we specialise in creating intuitive, user-friendly websites that not only look great but also function seamlessly. Whether you need a new website, a UX review, or a refresh of your current site, we’re here to help.

Want to improve your website’s usability? Get in touch with us today!