This week, we're sending you out into the world on a visual thinking treasure hunt. One quick, easy way to build your visual vocabulary is with symbols. Think of symbols as visual thinking shorthand, where you can tell a lot of information with just a few strokes.
Recognizable symbols can vary depending on cultural context and personal experience, but here is a list of 24 widely recognized symbols from around the world:
Recognizable symbols can vary depending on cultural context and personal experience, but here is a list of 24 widely recognized symbols from around the world:
These symbols are generally recognized around the world and hold various cultural and universal meanings. They often transcend language barriers and are widely used in communication, branding, and everyday life. These are great additions to your visual thinking toolkit, but are just the tip of the iceberg. Discovering new symbols can be an exciting and creative endeavor.
Here are some places and ways to look for new symbols:
Remember that symbols are subjective and can carry different meanings for different people. What's important is that the symbol resonates with its intended audience and effectively communicates the desired message or concept. Be open to inspiration from various sources and interpretations. Let your creativity guide you in discovering and creating new symbols. Be sure to test new creations for understanding before launching more broadly.
Our challenge for you this week is to collect at least 10 new symbols.
Step 1: Go on a symbol treasure hunt. The next time you are out and about, look for new symbols to add to your toolkit. When you start noticing, you'll find symbols everywhere, from smart devices to websites to billboards and signs and everywhere in between.
Step 2: Capture new symbols. Draw out your version of the symbols and jot down a brief description of what each represents. Tip: We like to capture ours in a small address book to keep them in alphabetical order. If you're pressed for time, try snapping a picture with your smart device and add it to your notebook later in the day.
Step 3: Put them into practice. The next time you take visual notes or create a diagram, chart, or map, add one or two new symbols to your drawing.
We want to express our gratitude for being part of our community. Your engagement and enthusiasm have made this journey incredibly rewarding. Together, we're unlocking the power of visual thinking and symbols to communicate, create, and connect.