Guide to good symbol content

1) Identify key concepts

When using key symbols, the first step is to identify the key concepts of the information that you want to illustrate. If one or two symbols will not be enough to communicate this information, you may need to use a more detailed method of symbolising, such as using a symbol highlight or symbol summary.

Key symbols can often be used to replace text entirely. For example, on a sign for wayfinding, the basic message might be ‘The lift is this way’, although this explicit message would not appear in text on the sign.

To communicate this message effectively, a symbol could be used to represent where the sign reader is being directed to, with an arrow indicating the direction to travel in. The arrow would therefore illustrate the ‘is this way’ element of the message without the need for text.

2) Decide upon a suitable symbol to represent each concept

In order to communicate as much information as possible, it is essential that the key symbols you choose are as specific as possible to the text that they support. This may involve using symbols that would normally illustrate different concepts from those which you are communicating.

At South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre, the symbols used to illustrate each gymnasium represent the sport activity that takes place within each room, rather than using the symbol for ‘gym’ each time. These symbols, along with the accompanying arrows, give a clear message to all visitors familiar with the leisure centre. They offer greater, more specific information than could have been communicated by using the ‘gym’ symbol to represent both gymnasiums. As the signs also feature the name of the room/place in text, any misunderstanding of these symbols by non-symbol readers is avoided, and a symbol reader would be able to ask an non-symbol reader for reassurance on their interpretation of the signs meaning.

Please see the ‘Meaning’ section in Symbolising your content for detail on how to choose the right symbol.