> FWIW, I still disagree with pictograms replacing labels. I'm a fan of the idea conceptually, but in every instance I've seen it done it simply hasn't been int

> FWIW, I still disagree with pictograms replacing labels. I'm a fan of the idea conceptually, but in every instance I've seen it done it simply hasn't been intuitive enough for me to consider it a working solution. It is a working solution. Pictograms are used in place of labels everyday, in large scale. Look no further than all traffic signs in the planet earth for an example. For instance, the "back button" is obvious for you because you understand the metaphor. It isn't so clear for someone used to right-to-left scripts, like arabic. On the other hand, the "send email" action on that particular software you mention has a confusing icon because there's no clear metaphor for what "sending an email" should look like - it's a relatively new idea and no one agreed on a symbol for it, therefore you don't know what to expect. This is just lack of vision from whoever designed this interface, not a problem with pictograms. You only use pictograms when you can transmit an idea more concisely. If the most concise explanation you have is a label, then a label it should be.