Theory
Otl Aicher, who together with his team designed a groundbreaking pictogram system for the 1972 Olympic Games—one that remains influential to this day—defined six criteria for the design of pictorial signs, relating to the content-related and design qualities of graphic symbols. Fundamentally, these requirements provide a general framework for designing and evaluating pictorial signs with regard to graphic quality and communicative efficiency. The individual criteria are not to be viewed in isolation; rather, they complement one another.
The criteria are, of course, to be understood as fundamental guiding principles and can be supplemented with others depending on the project.
01
Symbolic nature
A pictogram must have a symbolic nature; it should not be an illustration.
02
Cultural neutrality
Pictograms should be, as far as possible, independent of cultural context and thus understandable to people from other cultural backgrounds.
03
Attention to Taboos
Pictograms should not violate moral, religious, or similar taboos, nor should they have a discriminatory effect.
04
Educational neutrality
Pictograms should be understandable regardless of the viewer’s level of education. Graphic symbols should be simple in content and clear in form, thereby ensuring unrestricted access to information.
05
Readability, accessibility of information
Pictograms should be easy to read in terms of conveying information and should enable a quick learning process.
06
Consistency of design rules
The formal design elements should be applied in a way similar to the grammar of a language and can thus be compared to the learning process.
#symbolic nature
#Attention to Taboos
#Consistency of design rules
