Why does the “DELETE ” icon on the latest iPad resemble a steel trash can—an object that has itself been replaced by newer designs?

“Blueprints” have been antiquated for 80 years, but we occasionally use the term to refer to construction drawings when we feel that reference to “construction documents” might be confusing to a client.

“Punch list” is still understood as the to-do list for contractors prior to project close out. The name comes from the old practice of punching holes in a paper list to indicate a task is complete. Today, not only is the list likely not on paper, it’s probably an entry on a tablet screen. But we still say “punch list.”

A “cut sheet” still refers to a specification sheet for a particular product or assembly, whether or not cutting is involved in the item’s fabrication. “Spec sheet” is gaining ground, but ironically, it’s almost never a sheet anymore – it’s a webpage.

In our E/A practice, we constantly assess the value of retaining or replacing familiar, but perhaps outmoded terminology, striking a balance between outdated symbols or references (blueprints, floppy disks, wastebaskets) and that which will have a longer shelf life.

With the advent of AI, it will be interesting to see which traditional icons survive and which are supplanted. Any guesses?

You can always ask ChatGPT…