# Alternatives to lock icon for categories **URL:** \ **Category:** UX\ **Created:** [2015年二月4日 19:45 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815 "2015-02-04T19:45:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/codinghorror/32/110067_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://meta.discourse.org/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 03:06 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/21 "2015-02-05T03:06:18Z")
Eye slash is already used for unlisted topics. Shield would only work for categories limited to staff. ---
**Author:** ![chapel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/chapel/32/122414_2.png) [@chapel](https://meta.discourse.org/u/chapel)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 03:10 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/22 "2015-02-05T03:10:46Z")
> [@codinghorror](#): > > Eye slash is already used for unlisted topics. That I didn’t know. Then again I haven’t really unlisted topics in a while or just didn’t notice. > [@codinghorror](#): > > Shield would only work for categories limited to staff. That is my point, at least those would be easier for staff to differentiate visually. Then again minor issue here. User secret then definitely edges out as far as appropriate in context and meaning: [http://fortawesome.github.io/Font-Awesome/icon/user-secret/](http://fortawesome.github.io/Font-Awesome/icon/user-secret/) [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/4X/d/e/c/decdb792227d6442934b39df1d7e0a3c4f1a65b9.png) ](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/gbz0ezwbq0rc7pd/Screenshot%202015-02-04%2019.10.41.png?dl=0) ---
**Author:** ![DeanMarkTaylor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/deanmarktaylor/32/102462_2.png) [@DeanMarkTaylor](https://meta.discourse.org/u/DeanMarkTaylor)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 03:34 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/23 "2015-02-05T03:34:57Z")
Just to share again, this is what a “Facebook Group” privacy settings looks like: ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/5/1/519e393b8e7c86a5ee08245e8932a35d4f6f9ae4.png) A group being Facebook’s closest comparison to both public and private discussion forum. ---
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/codinghorror/32/110067_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://meta.discourse.org/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 03:52 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/24 "2015-02-05T03:52:46Z")
The lock is very, very well understood. ---
**Author:** ![jvzr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/jvzr/32/102885_2.png) [@jvzr](https://meta.discourse.org/u/jvzr)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 09:43 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/25 "2015-02-05T09:43:46Z")
We just hide the icon on our forum. Users with rights have access to more categories. They don’t have to be reminded every time that this is a special category. We are used to it from the phpBB days. Instead, we just have a particular set of colors for restricted categories. Obviously, it doesn’t work for everyone. ---
**Author:** ![anon25879736](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e95f7d/32.png) [@anon25879736](https://meta.discourse.org/u/anon25879736)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 15:07 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/26 "2015-02-05T15:07:10Z")
> [@codinghorror](#): > > The lock is very, very well understood. You seem to be the only one who thinks so. If you are going to use an icon: - go back to the fa-group icon, as @sam suggested - switch to fa-user-secret as @chapel and @JSey have suggested. - use fa-diamond as @DeanMarkTaylor suggested The main issue with the lock is that it already has multiple meanings in Discourse. Using the same icon over and over to mean different things is bad UX design. ---
**Author:** ![Kasper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kasper](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Kasper)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 15:40 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/27 "2015-02-05T15:40:58Z")
@abarker Codinghorror is not the only one, I think that a lock is perfectly fine and better than the other options. And every facebook user is used to the lock, and just to rembemer you, facebook has quite some users… ---
**Author:** ![purldator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bcef8e/32.png) [@purldator](https://meta.discourse.org/u/purldator)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 17:20 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/28 "2015-02-05T17:20:51Z")
For the simple fact that a lock (a closed padlock) means something cannot be entered into and a key implies the ability to _be able to pass_ that padlock, I’m going to stick my vote on using a key for those private (but enter-able if visible) categories, if I had any say regardless of anything else. _However_, Discourse has the open padlock for the login which already gives prior context that ‘fa-unlock’ means ‘give credentials (or have the right ones) and you will gain access’, which I think is a good **compromise** here. I think the disconnect with this might be those who see these icons as their basic, fundamental _actions_ and some who want to _specifically label the concept of private categories that only certain groups can enter into_. ---
**Author:** ![DeanMarkTaylor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/deanmarktaylor/32/102462_2.png) [@DeanMarkTaylor](https://meta.discourse.org/u/DeanMarkTaylor)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 17:42 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/29 "2015-02-05T17:42:20Z")
My current thoughts are that I will try and add the world icon next to the public categories to streamline the indications. My case might be different to others as I have 10 public categories and 32+ well organised categories with configured group permissions. This might make more sense to our users (for the specific Discourse instance I am thinking of). ---
**Author:** ![DeanMarkTaylor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/deanmarktaylor/32/102462_2.png) [@DeanMarkTaylor](https://meta.discourse.org/u/DeanMarkTaylor)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 20:41 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/30 "2015-02-05T20:41:24Z")
I don’t think there is a problem with using the same lock / padlock icon - as long as there is a clear enough context. A padlock next to a category name can mean something different to a padlock next to the text “close poll”. Again another reference image, here is a Google+ privacy selector: ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/f/c/fc7ec507a781be0b687653555a7aa0f5c20bb4ac.png) In this case the icon used for “Your circles” is the same as used for selected groups of people (circle = group of people). ---
**Author:** ![DeanMarkTaylor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/deanmarktaylor/32/102462_2.png) [@DeanMarkTaylor](https://meta.discourse.org/u/DeanMarkTaylor)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 23:40 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/31 "2015-02-05T23:40:14Z")
oh gawd, I’m posting again - conversation with myself much - shhh quiet - what did you say!? ####The Circle of Trust ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/e/b/eb52099d714db2c99549daeb2b3720eecfa2d2c6.png) [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/4X/e/2/4/e240ca647104977a3716d434f3ecf02b714c8ec4.jpeg "Meet the parents / Meet the fockers - Circle of trust compilation") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHJGoZpFeM8) ---
**Author:** ![riking](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/riking/32/170938_2.png) [@riking](https://meta.discourse.org/u/riking)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月5日 23:53 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/32 "2015-02-05T23:53:33Z")
> [@DeanMarkTaylor](#): > > ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/e/b/eb52099d714db2c99549daeb2b3720eecfa2d2c6.png) [The Cheese Stands Alone](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=9773) ---
**Author:** ![loopback0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/loopback0/32/37486_2.png) [@loopback0](https://meta.discourse.org/u/loopback0)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月6日 00:01 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/33 "2015-02-06T00:01:09Z")
> [@Kasper](#): > > every facebook user is used to the lock It means the same thing each time it’s used in Facebook. This is not the case here. As a TL3 user, I can’t post here: ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/7/3/730d820c4f04ae7b780cc07e23a637b6e94e0218.png) But I can post in here: ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/c/1/c1bf092e408026562d540dfb70a594c30529f1ee.png) ---
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/codinghorror/32/110067_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://meta.discourse.org/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月6日 00:40 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/34 "2015-02-06T00:40:20Z")
Ah, but as a moderator or staff member, you _could_ post in those closed topics. Sadly you are neither. 😢 So yet again – it’s a permissions issue. Which is what lock means. ---
**Author:** ![cpradio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/cpradio/32/4970_2.png) [@cpradio](https://meta.discourse.org/u/cpradio)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月6日 00:42 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/35 "2015-02-06T00:42:52Z")
I don’t have an opinion either way, as it can easily be overridden via CSS, but typically users can’t see Categories they do not have access to right? So when the category becomes available for the first time, they see a lock icon… when they actually do have permissions to enter it. May not seem the most inviting, but it also doesn’t bother me that much with the way it is today (and I’d get used to it if it were something else). ---
**Author:** ![elberet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/elberet/32/122404_2.png) [@elberet](https://meta.discourse.org/u/elberet)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月6日 03:34 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/36 "2015-02-06T03:34:03Z")
So there’s this door I want to walk through. Unfortunately, a big bouncer is blocking my way, glaring daggers through my skull. Obviously, I have a permission issue, but I would _really, really_ like to know if he’s going to push me through the nearest brick wall or let me through the door before trying to reach for the handle. Ideally, the icon should really tell me more than just “hey, there’s _ **some** _ restriction in place here”. If that restriction affects me, I would like to know right away how it’s going to affect me. * * * ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/b/e/beaaf28f4af63e279774d18cc4b1bd52c21a354c.png) or ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/b/3/b3feec1c40217e88bf98905f138aa9e7639cfab4.png) “I can view this category, but I won’t be able to talk in it”. ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/5/2/526cd1023c58150d16579d64d185485a4075f423.png) or ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/a/5/a50c28399d2b707246d1dd39ec2d1d26d49bb958.png) “I can view this category, but I can only reply to existing topics.” ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/a/2/a2aabf076bcba209be447af3447fed47beb5b4f9.png) “I can view and use this category without restriction, but I will only reach a small group of people.” ---
**Author:** ![Mittineague](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/mittineague/32/114259_2.png) [@Mittineague](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Mittineague)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月6日 03:40 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/37 "2015-02-06T03:40:04Z")
Maybe it’s because I put the icon into context that I have no problem with it meaning somewhat different things. i.e. If it’s with a _Category_, that Category requires _permission_ to see it, enter it If it’s with a _Topic_, it’s Closed - unless less I’m a Mod with _permission_ to post in it if need be. ---
**Author:** ![loopback0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/loopback0/32/37486_2.png) [@loopback0](https://meta.discourse.org/u/loopback0)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月6日 08:43 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/38 "2015-02-06T08:43:42Z")
> [@codinghorror](#): > > Ah, but as a moderator or staff member, you could post in those closed topics. Or TL4 😉 So I can anyway, but I was thinking from the POV of someone without Leader power. Fair point though. ---
**Author:** ![DeanMarkTaylor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/deanmarktaylor/32/102462_2.png) [@DeanMarkTaylor](https://meta.discourse.org/u/DeanMarkTaylor)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月6日 13:37 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/39 "2015-02-06T13:37:52Z")
> [@elberet](#): > > ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/b/e/beaaf28f4af63e279774d18cc4b1bd52c21a354c.png) > > “I can view this category, but I won’t be able to talk in it”. > > ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/a/5/a50c28399d2b707246d1dd39ec2d1d26d49bb958.png) > > “I can view this category, but I can only reply to existing topics.” > > ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/3X/a/2/a2aabf076bcba209be447af3447fed47beb5b4f9.png) > > “I can view and use this category without restriction, but I will only reach a small group of people.” I could get behind this, but there are cases where a category can be both of the bottom two. Hover tool-tips to explain the icons would help desktop users. ---
**Author:** ![JBert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/edb3f5/32.png) [@JBert](https://meta.discourse.org/u/JBert)\ **Post date:** [2015年二月6日 17:08 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815/40 "2015-02-06T17:08:47Z")
> [@elberet](#): > > \ > “I can view and use this category without restriction, but I will only reach a small group of people.” It’s too bad that there isn’t a “users” icon with a slash because that could convey the meaning “not for the general public”. [上一頁](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815.md?page=1) [下一頁](https://meta.discourse.org/t/alternatives-to-lock-icon-for-categories/24815.md?page=3)