Icons, Logos, and Symbols ENGL 3190: Document Design

Icon “a sign or representation that stands for its object by virtue of a resemblance or analogy to it” (dictionary.com) Concise design element Design signals meaning Signal warnings, topics in a text, or they can function alone

Logo Abstract image that represents an organization, program, or project Must have strong clarity and ethos

Symbol “something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial; emblem, token, or sign” (dictionary.com) Images that represent concepts Symbols are more abstract Symbols suggest rather than represent

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1926 London Underground Map

London Underground Simplified

Parts of Illustrations Labels Numbers Titles Callouts

Parts of Illustrations Column/Row Headings Legends Captions Footnotes

Figure 2.4 EPA National Priorities List www.epa.gov

Document Design Decisions Do I use text or a visual representation? Where do I place text, visuals? How many columns should I use? How do I group common elements? What type styles and sizes should I use? How do I accommodate different types of readers?