Selecting the right solid modeling software is a complex, multi-criteria decision making problem. There are many issues a decision-maker needs to take into account, such as ease of learning, educational materials built into the software, learning curve issues, performance of the software for different solid modeling functions, operations and utilities, and cost. Beyond selecting the right software, the decision-maker should also be concerned about (1) conceptual learning of the solid modeling

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... pics while "the right software" is being used, and (2) transfer of conceptual learning between solid modelers. This is because a sound conceptual learning might increase the probability of learning another solid modeling software in less time. Accordingly this paper investigates the impact of icon recognition as an aid to transfer conceptual learning between solid modelers. The investigation includes a review of the literature on icon design and usage as it relates to solid modeling, in addition to an experiment in which the icon recognition correctness and duration for over 20 operation icons were compared across two modelers. The results shed light into the impact of icon designs on the transfer of learning between solid modelers using the correct recognition counts as the transfer measure.