Ask HN: What icons would you use for "past", "now" and "future"?

5 points by bujatt 12y ago ↗ HN

What icons would you choose or make?

9 comments

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I would use visual metaphors from a music player. Back (<<) Pause/Present(||) Forward (>>)

Thought about it myself but I am afraid it is too widely used for navigation in pagination. So IMHO it might be misleading. Thanks for the suggest, though.

mkempe 12y ago ↗

Would these icons represent data filters or actions?

bujatt 12y ago ↗

Filters for actions: past = done, now = in focus, future = deal with later.

mkempe 12y ago ↗

checkmark on top of thin square, square, dotted outline of a square?

bujatt 12y ago ↗

Good idea, but added an arrow (?) to the future. Made a sketch, what do you think? http://cl.ly/image/2m121A351M0F

tptacek 12y ago ↗

If I could simplify them enough to read well, I might use a calendar with a backward or forward arrow on it, or an hourglass with same.

determinant 12y ago ↗

Past: A sundial

Now: a digital watch/alarm clock/iPad with time showing

Future: A robot (maybe with an iPad for a head)/terminator coming out of a portal.

wikwocket 12y ago ↗

When I need ideas, I like to search existing icon repositories.

Here are some ideas:

- https://www.iconfinder.com/search/?q=past

- https://www.iconfinder.com/search/?q=future