Iconic Representation

Example: Toilet Signage

Iconic representation is the use of visual cue such as icons and symbols to represent something else. There are four types of iconic representation which are similar icons, example icons, symbolic icons and arbitary icons. For this principle, we will use different types of toilet signage.

• Similar icons

Figure 6.5.1 shows a toilet sign exhibiting features of similar icons

Similar icons are icons that visually represent the object or the action.
For example, the signage in Figure 6.5.1 represents exactly the correct way of using the toilet. The icon is similar to the action it depicts.

• Example Icons

Figure 6.5.2 shows a toilet sign exhibiting example icons

Example icons are icons which are closely associated with the object or concept.
Figure 6.5.2 shows a toilet bowl, symbolizing washrooms. As toilet bowls are commonly associated with washrooms, it is categorized as example icon. 

Figure 6.5.3 shows a toilet sign exhibiting symbolic and arbitrary icons

• Symbolic icons

Symbolic icons are icons that represent an object or concept in an abstract level. It does not necessary have to represent the actual object or action.
The male and female icon in Figure 6.5.3 is the common representation for washrooms. It is symbolic because whenever we see the icon, we automatically know that it represents washrooms. The representation for the male and female icon is also well-establish as it used universally to represent washrooms.

• Arbitrary icon

Arbitrary icons are the direct opposite of similar icons, as it bears little similarity to the action, object or concept it represents.
The male and female icon in Figure 6.5.3 which represents washroom is an example of arbitrary icon as it bears no resemblance to the act of using the toilet.