Symbols

Interaction of Symbols: Multiple Symbols Interact to Provoke Meaning, the Foundation for Better Icon Design

Abstract

Numerous studies support the thesis that icons frequently fail to communicate because designers have not appreciated that icons combine multiple symbols which interact to evoke meaning. Because symbols interact, a designer must know which symbols to combine and how to draw each symbol so that icons communicate clearly. This article brings together numerous research studies that explored new methods for designing icons based on the interaction of symbols.