The term “icon” originally referred to a form of religious art. Most of us now think of computer icons instead of paintings, but Brami thinks computer icons are also a form of art. Some people are already creating computer icons to reflect their own interests (for example, science fiction or cartoon characters). Others collect these tiny artworks.

Both religious and computer icons are metaphors. They rely on the culture and general knowledge of the time to carry them. Because they are to be taken metaphorically, a lack of knowledge or a change in the culture can make icons incomprehensible. Some computer icons are not understood by computer novices but are obvious to more experienced users.

The difficulties with computer icons are the limited use of color and the resolution. Effective use of color and line can cause the viewer to see more than is actually there. Dithering can fool the eye into seeing more colors than the screen is displaying. Shading can give the impression of depth.

Brami is an artist who has entered the field of software visual design. He points out that many of the icons used in software today are created by programmers rather than artists. Artists can draw on a long history of art and techniques from many cultures to create icons that are easier to understand.