Cursorformen

Cursorformen is a term used in user interface design to describe the collection of cursor shapes and glyphs that appear on a graphical display to communicate interactivity and mode to the user. It encompasses the range of visual cues that guide a user’s interaction with on-screen elements.

Across operating systems, Cursorformen includes standard shapes such as the pointer (arrow) for general selection, the I-beam for text selection, the wait cursor (hourglass or spinning circle), the hand for links, the crosshair for precision tasks, and various resizing cursors (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal) for drag-to-resize actions. Custom cursors may be defined by applications or themes to reflect branding or specific affordances.

Implementation notes: Cursors are provided by the OS or window system as resources with defined hotspots, which designate the active pixel within the cursor glyph. They can be bitmap or vector-based, and their appearance varies by platform. In web design, the cursor property in CSS maps to a set of keywords or allows custom images; browsers apply them with fallback to default pointers. Performance and memory use are considerations when using high-resolution cursors.

Usage considerations include how Cursorformen convey action states and aid responsiveness, while inconsistent shapes across platforms can confuse users. Accessibility concerns include ensuring sufficient contrast, avoiding color-driven meaning, and providing keyboard or touch alternatives for users who cannot rely on mouse input.

See also: cursor, user interface, accessibility in human-computer interaction.