I don't mean to defend the trend of using undecipherable icons with no text labels, but this is an example of how requirements can clash: internationalization.

I don't mean to defend the trend of using undecipherable icons with no text labels, but this is an example of how requirements can clash: internationalization. Sometimes the text label that would fit in English is too long when properly translated to another language. (Icons are problem too: they can be meaningless to an user. However, they have the benefit of a somewhat constrained size, unlike words and phrases.) I personally prefer interfaces that scroll, like web pages, to interfaces with a fixed or partially fixed frame, like mobile apps. A fixed frame works when you can fit it in full in your screen; this was easier on a low-resolution but large display than on a very high resolution 4-6 inch display.