Niko Kitsakis skillfully argues that the recent trend towards minimalist, text-based, or icon-only “buttons” is a misguided attempt to appear modern and streamlined, often at the expense of usability and user experience.
The core of the argument revolves around the concept of signifiers – visual cues that communicate the functionality of an interface element. Buttons with clear, distinct shapes serve as powerful signifiers, letting users know at a glance that an action can be performed. In contrast, the author demonstrates how text-based or icon-only “buttons” often fail to provide this crucial feedback, leaving users unsure of what can be interacted with.
The author’s clear, well-reasoned arguments and use of relevant examples make a strong case for the continued relevance and importance of buttons in modern user interfaces.
