Symbols Treasure Hunt

Deborah DeLue • October 5, 2023

The Art of Applied Visual Thinking

The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES. Vol. 4 No. 19 October 6, 2023

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:

Peace Sign: A symbol of peace and harmony.
Heart Symbol: Represents love and affection.
Smiley Face: Conveys happiness and positivity.
Yin and Yang: Represents balance and harmony
Mickey Mouse Ears: Iconic Disney symbol.
WiFi Symbol: Represents wireless internet connectivity.
Play Button: Indicates play or start.
Pause Button: Indicates pause or stop.
Recycling Symbol: Promotes environmental awareness.
Power On/Off Symbol: Found on electronic devices.
Biohazard Symbol: Indicates biological hazards.
Wheelchair Symbol: Indicates accessibility.
No Entry Sign: Prohibits entry or access.

Traffic Light Symbols (Red, Yellow, Green): Regulate traffic.
Heartbeat Line: Symbolizes life and vitality.
Bluetooth Symbol: Represents wireless technology.
Infinity Symbol: Signifies eternity and limitlessness.
WiFi Bars: Indicate signal strength.
Peace Dove: A symbol of peace and reconciliation.
Checkmark: Indicates correctness or completion.
Exclamation Mark: Indicates urgency or emphasis.
Question Mark: Signifies a question or uncertainty.
Biohazard Symbol: Signifies biological hazards.
Ampersand: Abbreviation for the word "and"

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:

Nature: Nature is a rich source of inspiration. Observe patterns, shapes, and natural elements like plants, animals, and landscapes for potential symbols.
Art and Design: Explore contemporary art and design exhibitions, galleries, and websites. Artists often create new symbols to convey their ideas and emotions.
Cultural Heritage: Study different cultures and their symbols. Folklore, mythology, and ancient civilizations often contain unique and meaningful symbols.
Books and Literature: Read books, especially those with allegorical or symbolic themes. Symbols can be found in literature and storytelling.
Technology: Emerging technologies and digital culture often give rise to new symbols and icons. Think of emojis, hashtags, or app icons.
Science and Mathematics: Explore the world of science and mathematics. Mathematical symbols, formulas, and scientific diagrams can inspire new visual symbols.
Pop Culture: Movies, TV shows, and popular media often introduce new symbols and icons. Consider logos, catchphrases, and characters.
Travel: When traveling, pay attention to local symbols, signs, and cultural artifacts. Different regions have their own unique symbols and meanings.
Historical References: Delve into history books and documents. Historical symbols and icons can be reimagined and given new relevance.
Experimentation: Feel free to experiment with shapes, colors, and concepts. Create your own symbols through trial and error.

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.

Ready to put it into practice?

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.