the universal language of graphic signs

[onionface]

Don't know bout yall but I find this stuff really cool and interesting,
They are free to use signs that we see everywhere we travel.
Here you can read about em, learn why they are like they are.

http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm?ContentAlias=symbolsigns

slap them in your designs for realism I guess.
I think some updating is in order though. New signs are needed for "net cafe, cell phone recharge point, internet jack point, email, no bombs?" stuff like that.
would probably make for a really interesting project, to redesign the signs, update them a bit.

[unknown_epiphany]

Good Idea Onionface. I now have an idea for what i can do for some fun and maybe a portfolio assignement. I am thinking of doing email,supermarket, vet, wireless internet, college, museum, and mechanic. If any of those ideas have already been done then please tell me.

[MEP]

If this turns your crank, then you might also be interested in Henry Dreyfuss's Symbol Sourcebook (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471288721/104-9167189-9147916?v=glance&n=283155). Dreyfuss, spent years researching and compiling graphic symbols from all over the world. He also researched the different meanings and conotations given to various colors in different cultures.

Not only is this one of the definitive resources on graphical language and universal communication, but for anyone interested in how graphical languages evolve and are refined over time in real-world conditions, this book is essentially indispensible. Anybody interested in depicting imagined cultures would do well to study the elements and details of real cultures as much as possible.

[onionface]

Unkown epiphany: Yeah I might try a few myself. My friend did some pretty cool ones for construction using the aliens power loader.

MEP: That book looks awsome - Wierd I recognise all those symbols for agriculture. always see the little symbols on the cereal boxes, never really think about it till you see them all together, and realize someone had to design them all then get everyone to use them. cool.

[Mavrick71]

What makes me wonder is how people can call it universal... I mean if I was from another planet I don't know what the hell I'd think this was.
http://www.aiga.org/Resources/SymbolSigns/gif_large/07_coatcheck.gif

[nofingers]

the universal sign for vomitting i think...
http://www.aiga.org/Resources/SymbolSigns/gif_large/16_drinkingfountain.gif

[onionface]

[QUOTE=Mavrick71]What makes me wonder is how people can call it universal... I mean if I was from another planet I don't know what the hell I'd think this was.
QUOTE]

There is more than one meaning for the word "universal"

Adapted or adjustable to many sizes or mechanical uses.
Encompassing all of the members of a class or group. Used of a proposition.
A general or abstract concept or term considered absolute or axiomatic.
A general or widely held principle, concept, or notion.
A trait or pattern of behavior characteristic of all the members of a particular culture or of all humans.

As far as we know we are the most intelligent life in the universe. But if aliens start visiting our tourest destinations I'm sure we can update the symbols to occomidate them.

[unknown_epiphany]

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c196/unknown_epiphany/NewSigns.gif

here is my idea submission so far onionface. obviously the atm one is not done.

[guggemmaneuver]

all we need is a post from interceptor ... his avatar is an excellent "infographic"
(what we call these kinds of iconographic images.)

nofingers –> i think this is actually the symbol for a water fountain

[onionface]

here is my idea submission so far onionface. obviously the atm one is not done.

Sweet, I like em both.
he he he, I'z just thinking about making rediculous ones, eg: Hippy campsite.