BRAILLE & SYMBOL SIGNS Using Pictograms in


way finding by Danny Schneider


Pictogram, as defined by Webster Dictionary, is a "figure which describes a situation or prescribes specific behavior and which is used on a signboard or illuminated surface". Pictograms and icons are a keystone of nonverbal


communication. The earliest examples of pictographs include ancient or prehistoric drawings or paintings found on rock walls. Early written symbols were based on pictures which resembled what they signified (i.e. pictographs) as well as symbols which represented ideas (i.e. ideograms). Pictograms remain in common use today, as a means of


conveying information (concept, object, activity, place or event). Because of their graphical nature and fairly realistic style, they are widely used to indicate public areas such as information stands, toilets, security check post, and many other places.


Sign featuring Widgit, tactile Braille from Architectural Symbols & Signs. Makaton and Widgit symbols


These are used extensively throughout schools to assist with learning and are being specified a great deal more now within mainstream buildings such as leisure centres, colleges, council buildings, and the like. Makaton Symbols have been specially designed. Most of


them are black and white pictures illustrating the important meaning of the words we use. Children and adults who cannot read or write can now have, for example: stories, instructions to carry out tasks, timetable events, shopping lists, letters and messages, all written in symbols. The Widgit Literacy symbols (previously known as Rebus) have


developed over the past 20 years and are used in many countries worldwide. The symbols are clean, concise and suitable for all ages. They too have been carefully designed to illustrate a single concept without adding unnecessary information such as gender. There are more than 7000 images in both colour and black and white covering a vocabulary in excess of 20,000 words. Colin says “There’s a lot of information to digest and a lot of


different systems that can come under the umbrella of ‘Accessible Signage’. Architects and designers often need a lot of support and help when including this type of signage into their buildings so if you need some advice and help please contact an expert supplier, such as Architectural Symbols & Signs.” For further information, contact Architectural Symbols & Signs


Ltd via website www.braille-signs.co.uk or telephone 01922 454656. Walsall Society for the blind’s website is www.walsallblind.org


Icons used alongside text mean this sign can be understood by more people. Signage by Vista System International.


26 Sign Update ISSUE 126 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116