designtechnology Symbols, Signs & Labels

Why do we use Symbols, Signs and Labels? designtechnology Don’t have to read the language Categorize meanings Internationally recognizable Takes up less space Speed to interpret Saves lives Reduces accidents Why do we use Symbols, Signs and Labels?

What makes a Good Symbol, Sign or Label? designtechnology Not misleading Informative Bold Simple Clear The right position What makes a Good Symbol, Sign or Label?

a Symbol, a Sign and a Label? designtechnology What is the difference between a Symbol, a Sign and a Label?

Symbols Pictograms Ideogram • Abstract symbol designtechnology Symbols Pictograms Ideogram • Abstract symbol • Conveys a feeling, a movement or an idea • Not instantly recognizable • Represent an event, an object or an activity • Illustration • A graphically reduced form

Signs Use symbols Use colour Use shapes designtechnology Signs Signs are often used to communicate information very quickly and often in a very small space. To do this successfully signs use a number of strategies. Use symbols Use colour Use shapes

Health & Safety or the Environment designtechnology Categories of Signs Blue Green Red Brown Yellow Health & Safety or the Environment Mandatory Danger or Prohibitive Tourism Warning

designtechnology Labels Labels use similar strategies to signs to communicate information quickly. However, labels are primarily attached to an object such as a clothes label or a hazard-warning symbol on a car dashboard. Where might you see a label then?

Why Symbols, Signs and Labels sometimes designtechnology Why Symbols, Signs and Labels sometimes don’t work.

Can signs be misinterpreted? designtechnology Can signs be misinterpreted?

Can signs be misinterpreted? designtechnology Can signs be misinterpreted?

Can signs be misinterpreted? designtechnology Can signs be misinterpreted?