Add: Domains

[folletto]

From a discussion on Automattic/wp-calypso#3320, here's an idea for the Domains icon:

/cc @breezyskies @mikeshelton1503

[davewhitley]

Oh yea, I remember that issue. I have some issues with this icon:

• very complex
• not very readable
• looks outdated (no cursors on touch devices)

I think the globe icon would be a good fit for Domains. Also, I'm not against the same icon being used for different things. Domains and the default blavatar in this case. Time would be better spent creating a more appropriate default blavatar in my opinion.

I prefer using the plain globe icon for this, but here are some ideas to improve the icon.

• Use a magnifying glass instead of a cursor
• Use www text instead of a cursor
• maybe a different style of globe? (so we would have 2 different globe icons)

[mikeshelton1503]

Thanks @folletto! It's a valiant effort but I agree with @drw158 that it's a little too complex for the size we need to use it. Also the cursor obscures the globe enough that it could be harder to recognize as a globe.

The need for the domain icon in the sidebar may go away when we get back to the IA changes I suggested a few months ago. Those changes involved moving domains within settings. Those changes are only on hold until we can devote dev resources to it.

There certainly will be other places than the sidebar where we may want a graphic representation for domains, however I think a proper illustration for domains will suit better in those cases. Something that's not restrained as much by needing display very small. Domains is an abstract concept that would be represented with a little more detail than allowable in an icon.

[folletto]

(no cursors on touch devices)

This is interesting because I wanted to do a hand: even on desktops links use a hand. But that would have made it even more complex, so I went for the cursor as a symbolic stand in. But given the feedback I feel it's too off. :D

The need for the domain icon in the sidebar may go away

I see that. But if we can come up with a good idea maybe we can push that live too. I feel it will be useful once it's there to be used. :)

Domains is an abstract concept that would be represented with a little more detail than allowable in an icon.

I agree, that's why I'm not overly concerned on having an icon that is unequivocally meaning "domains". I think it will be always just a complement to a textual label :)

💯 to do more illustrations ;)

[folletto]

I tried using "www" but there aren't really enough pixels. Magnifying glass gets more complicated visually even than the one above.

So, keeping exploring:

Here a few alternate ideas. I think that the label one is the most effective, combining the idea of labelling with the idea of the "world wide". The option (A) is in a sense just a simplified version of that.

[folletto]

Aside: I should redraw the globe, since it's more of a ball with random spots than a globe. :D

[breezyskies]

I should redraw the globe, since it's more of a ball with random spots than a globe.

Domains is a tough one. Agree, the smaller size combined with label or square overlay makes it tough to tell this is a globe too.

Other ones that come to mind, just for brainstorming purposes:

• A variation on link
• A browser address bar ('www' / '.com')
• Just the mouse cursor (maybe with a similar treatment to checkmark-circle)

[davewhitley]

Here's what I was thinking for

maybe a different style of globe? (so we would have 2 different globe icons)

[folletto]

I tried the "www" idea and unfortunately "w" isn't a letter that renders well (and is compact enough) at small resolutions. Basically the smalles "w" I can make once tripled takes all the horizontal space so there's no space for anything else. Sample sizing diagram:

I think @drw158's globe could work. :)
...even if I still prefer the concept (B) with globe + label above. :)

[davewhitley]

I think the idea of A or B is a viable solution, but in the end I think it's a bit cryptic. I don't think it's as good as the regular globe.

[afsheenirani]

Just an idea...how about url with maybe a + sign for adding a domain? It might give you more pixel space than www.

[folletto]

In general icons should try to be word-less, and I'm not sure "URL" is understandable to the general public enough to break that general idea. :)

Let's go for the globe @drw158 suggested then. :)

[folletto]

Ok, here it is. :)

Are we all ok on this one for domains?

[mikeshelton1503]

Are we all ok on this one for domains?

👍 I think this is a good compromise. I can't say it adds any clarity but domains is abstract so I don't think we're going to without being too complex.

[breezyskies]

👍