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Key symbols we lost to time, pt. 1: The PC side
TL;DR
Old computer keyboards featured unique symbols, particularly from brands like Commodore and Atari. Apple's recent design changes prompted a reflection on these forgotten icons, especially in the context of PC keyboards.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider how iconography can enhance user experience in your own software designs.
Key Takeaways
- Explore historical keyboard designs for inspiration.
- Investigate how iconography can enhance user interfaces.
- Consider the impact of regional design choices on technology.
- Utilize Unicode symbols to enrich modern applications.
Full Summary
Throughout the 20th century, a design battle emerged between text and iconography, influenced by regional needs, particularly in Europe. Companies like IBM experimented with various symbols on their keyboards, but as office PC users preferred text, only a few symbols gained acceptance: Shift, Enter, Tab, and Backspace.
The article showcases several interesting and beautiful symbols that have been lost over time, such as those for Print Screen, Insert, and Delete, which were inspired by proofreader marks. Some of these symbols still exist in Unicode, indicating their lasting impact on digital communication.
The exploration of these forgotten symbols reveals the rich history of user interface design and the evolution of keyboard layouts.