ICONIC REPRESENTATION
Iconic representation involves the usage of pictorial images in the form of signage such as road signs and warning signs to explain a concept of a particular subject so that it can be easily understood and recognized for its purpose. There are four types of iconic representation and they are similar icons, example icons, arbitrary icons and last but not least, symbolic icons.
SIMILAR ICONS
Similar icons used visual images that closely represent actions, concepts and objects as simple as possible since similar icons tend to be less effective when their complexities increased.
Example: Arrow signs on the road
Source: Picture taken in UNIMAS
Explanation: Arrows symbols on the road ease drivers' navigation.
SIMILAR ICONS
Similar icons used visual images that closely represent actions, concepts and objects as simple as possible since similar icons tend to be less effective when their complexities increased.
Example: Arrow signs on the road
Source: Picture taken in UNIMAS
Explanation: Arrows symbols on the road ease drivers' navigation.
EXAMPLE ICON
Example icons on the other hand use images that have a close relation or association with behaviour, concept and an object. They are more effective in representing action, concept and object with a higher level of complexity.
Example: The signage for washroom
Source: Picture taken in Hong Kong Disneyland.
Explanation:
A male icon on the washroom entrance provides the concept that the washroom is only for the usage of males.
Example icons on the other hand use images that have a close relation or association with behaviour, concept and an object. They are more effective in representing action, concept and object with a higher level of complexity.
Example: The signage for washroom
Source: Picture taken in Hong Kong Disneyland.
Explanation:
A male icon on the washroom entrance provides the concept that the washroom is only for the usage of males.
ARBITRARY ICON
Arbitrary icons use images that have no relationship or connectivity to an action, concept or object. The association of an arbitrary icon to an action, concept or object has to be learned or acquired. Arbitrary icons are encouraged to be used in the industrial field. An example of arbitrary icon is the symbol for radiation. The symbol of radiation has to be learned and this symbol is understandable universally.
Example: The icon for the plastic material
Source: Taken from the wrapping of facial cotton.
Explanation:
This icon is arbitrary. Without having learned what it meant, a user would not be able to know what it actually represent. This symbol which represent the chemical composition of plastics is being used widely in the industrial field.
Arbitrary icons use images that have no relationship or connectivity to an action, concept or object. The association of an arbitrary icon to an action, concept or object has to be learned or acquired. Arbitrary icons are encouraged to be used in the industrial field. An example of arbitrary icon is the symbol for radiation. The symbol of radiation has to be learned and this symbol is understandable universally.
Example: The icon for the plastic material
Source: Taken from the wrapping of facial cotton.
Explanation:
This icon is arbitrary. Without having learned what it meant, a user would not be able to know what it actually represent. This symbol which represent the chemical composition of plastics is being used widely in the industrial field.
SYMBOLIC ICON
Symbolic icons use images representing an action, concept or object to display the possible actions that can be done, the applicability of knowledge and also the usability of an object.
Example: The staircase symbol
Source: This picture was taken at Level G, FSKPM.
Explanation:
This symbol symbolizes the shape of the staircase. Therefore, it provides the knowledge that this door leads to a staircase.
Symbolic icons use images representing an action, concept or object to display the possible actions that can be done, the applicability of knowledge and also the usability of an object.
Example: The staircase symbol
Source: This picture was taken at Level G, FSKPM.
Explanation:
This symbol symbolizes the shape of the staircase. Therefore, it provides the knowledge that this door leads to a staircase.