The author argues that relying solely on icons in interfaces creates cognitive overload. Icons, even good ones, can be ambiguous and require additional effort to interpret. As interfaces become more complex, the use of icons alone becomes even more challenging. Text labels are more efficient and familiar, reducing cognitive load and increasing usability. Icons can still be valuable as visual anchors in text-heavy applications. The key is to find a balance between icons and text labels, understanding that they are complementary tools. By carefully considering when and how to use icons, interfaces can improve communication and user understanding.
https://www.chrbutler.com/in-defense-of-text-labels