Iconography

Icon tooltip usage guidelines

Tooltips are optional per icon, based on the icon’s universally understood meaning or lack thereof. These guidelines help you decide whether your icon requires a tooltip. Keep in mind that even some universally understood icons may require a context-dependent tooltip.

 

When to add a tooltip to icons

---

Ambiguous or non-standard

• If the icon is from the AI or restricted icon groups
• If the icon has a slash
• If the icon is not universally understood
• If the icon was not immediately understood during testing
• If the icon could have multiple meanings
• If you don’t recognise the icon

Examples:

• Sparkle, does it represent AI, automation, or enhancement?

• Sliders, do they represent settings or filters?

 

Context dependent

• If the icon could be confused with another
• If the context for the icon is unusual
• If the meaning changes based on a screen, feature, or state

Examples:

• Bell, does it represent notifications, alerts, or reminders?

• Star, does it represent favorite, featured, or rating?

• Facebook icon, does it represent a redirection to Facebook, Genesys’ Facebook page, or that information is taken from Facebook?

• The meaning of an icon in its context must be clearly understandable

 

Custom or brand-specific

• If the icon is unique to your product or system
• If the brand is presented without a label of any kind and is not universally recognised

 

Critical actions

• If the icon is an action with no label
• If the icon action is unavailable
• If there is a risk of error if misunderstood
• If the actions have meaningful consequences
• If the action is destructive or irreversible

Examples:

• Delete, archive, transfer

• AI actions that modify content

 

Mistakes when adding tooltips to icons

---

 

When tooltips are not required

Tooltips are not necessary when icons are universally understood and low risk.

---

Examples of commonly recognised icons

 

Edge cases

Even universally understood icons may require tooltips when:

• Used outside their typical context
• Paired with unusual behavior
• Targeting less technical or new users
• The icon's meaning could be confused with another icon
• The icon is difficult to understand on certain screens

Example:

• Gear icon; usually means Settings, but if it opens “Advanced AI Config”, then add a tooltip

 

Decision framework

Ask:

“Would a first-time user understand this icon instantly without hesitation?”

If yes: no tooltip required

If no/maybe: add a tooltip