Symbols and Icons - Selection

Symbols and icons must be selected that are understood by the user. A symbol should be based on familar concepts from which the user can deduce meaning and intent. Symbols and icons used for the general population will differ from those used for a specific population such as architects, electrical engineers, or equipment maintainers. General principles that can be used for icon and symbol selection include:

• Select for the user population.
• Select for the application.
• Select for clarity of meaning.
• Use standardized symbols, when appropriate.
• Use simple, uncluttered designs.
• Do not use the same symbol for more than one meaning.
• Test with the user population.

	Symbols Appropriate for Electrical Engineers or Maintainers Different professions use different symbols on drawings, charts, and maps. Make sure that the symbols selected are appropriate for the user population. Do not invent new symbols when symbols sets are already available and standardized for a particular use.