5 min read

Design , UX , Icons

A closer look at accordion icons, why split menus are harmful, and why it’s better not to have icons and text labels link to different actions. Plus, why the caret is the safest icon choice. You’ll find more useful guides and online workshops here on Smashing Magazine, so make sure to browse and explore.

So what icon is the most reliable to show expansion and collapsing for accordions? Is there really any noticeable difference between carets, chevrons, arrows, and triangles?

Well, research shows that there is some difference indeed. But what’s more interesting is that split menus are harmful , why it’s better to not have icons and text labels link to different actions, and why the caret is the safest icon choice. Let’s dive in!

Research from NN/g on which accordion icons work and which create confusion. If it’s a link, underline it. If it opens an accordion, use a caret. It’s that simple.…