Lesson Plan
Course Title: Graphic Design & Illustration
Session Title:
Universal Symbols
Lesson Duration: Approximately 1-3 days
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to create universal symbols that
are easily understood and are appropriate for the intended subject.
Specific Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit the learner will be able to:
 Describe the purpose and function of universal symbols.
 Identify universal symbols.
 Analyze universal symbol design.
 Define design standards.
 Re-design five universal designs.
 Create 8 new universal symbols.
 Create a presentation piece with the 8 newly created symbols.
 Present and evaluate work.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
130.88 ( c) (1) (A)
…apply English language arts knowledge and skills by demonstrating use of content, technical
concepts, and vocabulary; …and composing and editing copy for a variety of written documents
such as brochures, programs, posters, flyers, and magazine covers;
130.88 ( c) (2) (A)
…adapt language for audience, purpose, situation, and intent such as structure and style;
130.88 ( c) (2) (C)
…interpret and communicate information, data and observation;
130.88 ( c) (2) (D)
…present formal and informal presentations;
130.88 ( c) (11) (E)
…analyze and apply art elements and principles;
130.88 ( c) (11) (F)
…Employ a creative design process to create original two- and three-dimensional projects;
130.88 ( c) (11) (F) (i)
…creating designs for defined applications;
130.88 ( c) (11) (F) (vi)
…demonstrating drawing in one-point, two-point, and multi-point perspective;
Instructor/Trainer
References:
 Search online for information regarding Universal Symbols
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Universal Symbols
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Instructional Aids:
 Online sites for symbols – print or project from the teacher computer
 Symbols Slide Presentation
 Symbols Worksheet
 Symbols Rubric
Materials Needed:
 Pencils
 Paper
 Eraser
 Pen
 Ink
 Pigment (paint) optional
 Construction paper (for cut paper images)
 Scissors
 Craft cutting knives
 Glue
 Illustration board
Or
 Computer
 Printer
 Computer paper
 Software for digital imaging
Equipment Needed:
 A projection system to display the Slide Presentation
 Computer
 Printer
 Computer paper
 Software for digital imaging
Learner
 Review universal symbols currently in use
 Note the simplicity
 Note that all are visual symbols carrying an important piece of information
 Plan for the creation of new symbols
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Universal Symbols
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
 Information for the masses is very necessary
 Where to go and how to get there is vital information which aids in crowd
control, personal care needs, and other important facts
 Examples of universal symbols depict the global common thought process
 Visual communication has the need to be quickly and easily understood.
 Examine the simplicity and effectiveness of the designs
 Determine if the designs are effective in their messages
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I.
Review existing universal symbols (examples on
the internet).
A. Symbols must be easily understood
B. Symbols must be used consistently
C. Symbols must be placed in visible locations
D. Symbols must mean what they say
E. Symbols must be simple
Instructor Notes:
NOTE: Print and pass out
copies of symbols or project
enlargements from online
sources for class review.
II. Identify universal symbols
Bring in other examples for
students to identify and
analyze.
III. Analyze universal symbols
A. Meanings
B. Color association
C. Shapes used
D. Elements that make symbols recognizable
E. Societal standard/traditional conventions
Points for discussion:
 Shapes like the one used
for the telephone symbol
do not necessarily relate to
current standards for
telephone design, but fit a
conventional standard for
what a telephone design
may look like.
 The guy is blue, a color
traditionally associated with
boys, and wearing pants
while the woman is wearing
a dress even though girls
are rarely required to wear
dresses for school or work
in today’s society.
IV. Define design standards
Show examples of previous
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Universal Symbols
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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A. Symbols rendered in silhouette
B. Symbols placed within a square
C. Squares placed on a solid background of a
selected color
D. Designs not labeled
E. Designs clean and neat
work so students have an
idea of the standard of
excellence expected.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):




MI
Redesign 5 existing symbols
Create 20 thumbnails for new designs
Select 8 of the 20 to create a final design
Participate in discussions
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):







Redesign 5 existing symbols
Create 20 thumbnails for new designs
Select 8 of the 20 to create a final design
The student will place their design within a square
The squares will be placed on a solid background of a selected color
Do not label the designs
The student will create a list for teacher identification and place it on the back of
the final work
 Classroom presentation will allow the student to present his or her creations and
allow an opportunity to see the effectiveness of the designs – if classmates can
determine the meaning of the designs
 Turn in clean, well-thought out project for a grade
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):




Universal symbols are easily recognizable labels
Universal symbols are easily understandable
Simple designs, easily noticed
Visual communication has an impact, a message, value, and correctly
communicates its purpose
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
The teacher monitors individual/group progress as students work on activities, and
provides individual help/redirection as needed.
1. Ongoing evaluation by the instructor (the instructor may wish to develop a rubric
on this)
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Universal Symbols
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
4
2. Classroom critique
3. Information repeated, restated as needed
4. Extension of time allowed as needed
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
 Rubric-based grade
 Instructor-driven
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
 Research Universal Symbols used in other countries.
 Discuss how these symbols are similar or different from those in our country.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Universal Symbols
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
5
Symbols Worksheet
Use the following spaces below to create 8 new symbols.
Symbol #1
Symbol #2
Symbol #3
Symbol #4
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Universal Symbols
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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Symbol #5
Symbol #6
Symbol #7
Symbol #8
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Universal Symbols
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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Symbols Rubric
Discussion
Critique
Makes
No attempt
Makes
Partial
Attempt
Meets
BASIC
Requirements
Exceeds
Requirements
0
1
2
3
No
Minimal
Participates
Very active –
participation
Participation
and is
Offers new
somewhat
active
3-4 symbols
information
Redesign
Five universal
Symbols
Not done
2 symbols
Thumbnails
For new
designs
Not begun
Little work
Completed work
Not done
Incomplete
Complete – Not
cleaned –
minimal
details
All finished –
Cleaned,
Detailed,
Reaches Ideas
No work done
Weak
concept
Good concept –
not clean
Excellent
concept – wellproduced
Too short
Good
presentation –
Excellent
presentation
Little
information
Too rushed –
Proper time
Little new
information
or insight
New information
or insight
Clean images –
good composition
Final
presentation
Not given
Work complete
but not
finished with
detail
Five plus
Detailed
quality work
Total
TOTAL SCORE:
Point to Grade Conversion Scale:
17-18 = A
15-16 = B
13-14 = C
11-12 = D
Below 11 = F
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Universal Symbols
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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