1. Logos, Icons and Descriptive Graphics Jessica Kubik 385E Information Architecture and Design I October 12, 2004

2. A Brief History Symbols are the most enduring form of written communication, whether phonetic or ideographic. They are part of what is known as ‘Iconography. Iconography goes back to the Stone Ages, as early as 35,000 BC.

3. Logos A combination of characters and/or graphics creating a design used to identify a company. Used as identifiers, whether it is inside/outside of a building, in ads, or more recently found on the web.

4. Logo implications A logo signifies the image of a company. Often placed in the upper left-hand corner of a web page. Usually a link.

5. Examples of Logos

6. Icons Icon comes from the Greek work Eikon, which means ‘an image’. Communicate across languages and cultures.

7. Two categories of Icons Symbols associated with objects, where the visual image is preserved. Symbols which once had visual associations that have since vanished and now represent syllables or ideas.

8. Icon implementations They can successfully compliment textual labels. A familiar icon is processed more quickly and easily than a text link.

9. Disadvantages of Symbols and Icons Can be more limited than text. Sometimes can be ambiguous. Avoid using icons for complex ideas.

10. Ambiguous icons

11. Descriptive Graphics Maps Buttons Thumbnails Browser icons

12. Maps combine use of logos and icons

13. Interactive Maps

14. Conclusion In conclusion, logos, icons and descriptive graphics can be very helpful in conveying the message you want to get out. Avoid ambiguous symbols and complex ideas. Take advantage of using them in design— because they are graphic, they can make a website more appealing.