![drop down computer arrow symbol drop down computer arrow symbol](https://image.shutterstock.com/image-vector/computer-mouse-pointer-cursor-arrow-260nw-429012916.jpg)
This will be self-explanatory to the user, regardless of whether the second position is pointing up or down, because it's at a ninety-degree different angle. Instead, they should start with a right arrow/triagle/chevron, like ►, to show the item is closed, changing to down ▼ once open. Thus, I would always let the arrow point in the direction that the action will happen: If it drops down, point to the bottom.īecause of the very problem you identify, no interface should depend on down and up arrow to expand information. What I try to say is: Making it differently will oppose common standards and rather confuse. The UP arrow usually represents a "return to top", or a collapse functionality, while the DOWN arrow - even by default html - implies actions that OPEN something that is hidden. The reason for this is most likely PAGES in a book, where the next page is "after the current one", which requires an action on the right. The second point - standard implementation: If you take a look at mobile standards, you will find, that arrows that point left and right control a back-and-forth progress: The "back" button has a left pointing arrow and the right will point to the right. So this argument says: If arrow is pointing down, things should go down. So every action that goes to a different direction will feel alien, detached. You will automatically look up, not down. To the first point - visual connection: If you see an arrow that points up, you expect something to happen in that direction.