SKILLBUILDER: SYMBOLS AND ICONS

What is a symbol?

• A symbol is a picture, shape or letter that represents an object, action or idea.
• A symbol does not look like the object, action or idea it represents.
• A symbol’s meaning has been agreed upon by society, industry, government, a user group, etc.
• A symbol’s meaning must be taught and learned (e.g.) most WHMIS and TDG symbols

What is an icon?

• An icon is a picture that represents an object, action or idea.
• An icon looks like the object, action or idea it represents.
• An icon’s meaning is intuitive (automatic or instinctive).

What is a computer icon?

• A computer icon is a picture on a computer screen that you click to produce an action.
• The computer icon usually looks like the action or idea it represents.
• A computer icon in many cases is the creation of Microsoft.

Advantages of using icons and symbols

• Icons can be quickly understood.
• Symbols and icons can be “read” at a glance.
• Symbols and icons are easier for low literacy or non-native language speakers to understand.
• Icons can be understood by young children.
• Icons and symbols are more visually recognizable than words.
• Icons and symbols are more “compact.”

Parts of an icon or symbol

• An icon may be made up of several parts: a picture (a requirement), border (optional), background (optional), and label (optional).
• If the meaning of an icon is not obvious, a label can be added. A picture plus a text label can be understood faster than a picture alone (unless the picture is self-explanatory).