I think that the usability of words/pictograms/etc. depends a lot on the user. I find pictograms generally easier to distinguish at a glance, but only if the c

I think that the usability of words/pictograms/etc. depends a lot on the user. I find pictograms generally easier to distinguish at a glance, but only if the color content is different, or if the shape is strikingly different. I tend to have a problem with the way a lot of icons for programs come in a couple different shades of blue. Words only work effectively for me if the words are different lengths or at least if the first letter is different -- I tend to only notice the first letter and the shape.