Logos, Icons and Descriptive
Graphics
Jessica Kubik
385E Information Architecture and Design I
October 12, 2004
A Brief History
• Symbols are the most enduring form of
written communication, whether phonetic
or ideographic.
• They are part of what is known as
‘Iconography.
• Iconography goes back to the Stone Ages,
as early as 35,000 BC.
Logos
• A combination of characters and/or
graphics creating a design used to identify
a company.
• Used as identifiers, whether it is
inside/outside of a building, in ads, or more
recently found on the web.
Logo implications
• A logo signifies the
image of a company.
• Often placed in the
upper left-hand corner
of a web page.
• Usually a link.
Examples of Logos
Icons
• Icon comes from the Greek work Eikon, which
means ‘an image’.
• Communicate across languages and cultures.
Two categories of Icons
• Symbols associated
with objects, where
the visual image is
preserved.
• Symbols which once
had visual
associations that have
since vanished and
now represent
syllables or ideas.
Icon implementations
• They can successfully
compliment textual
labels.
• A familiar icon is
processed more
quickly and easily
than a text link.
Disadvantages of Symbols and
Icons
• Can be more limited
than text.
• Sometimes can be
ambiguous.
• Avoid using icons for
complex ideas.
Ambiguous icons
Descriptive Graphics
• Maps
• Buttons
• Thumbnails
• Browser icons
Maps combine use of logos and
icons
Interactive Maps
Conclusion
• In conclusion, logos, icons and descriptive
graphics can be very helpful in conveying
the message you want to get out.
• Avoid ambiguous symbols and complex
ideas.
• Take advantage of using them in design—
because they are graphic, they can make a
website more appealing.