International standards for graphic symbols and public information

Graphic symbols are visual representations that convey information quickly and effectively across diverse languages and cultures. They play a crucial role in enhancing communication, particularly in areas such as transportation, signage, and digital interfaces. To ensure consistency and universality in symbol usage, international standards have been developed. These standards facilitate seamless understanding and enable effective communication across borders. In this article, we explore the significance of international standards for graphic symbols and their potential to revolutionize communication by providing a consistent and globally recognized visual language.

Graphical symbols - Registered public information symbols

SIST ISO 7001:2023

Communication is the backbone of a globalized world. However, language barriers can impede effective understanding, leading to misunderstandings, errors, and potentially dangerous situations. In the situations that align with such a kind of situations standards like SIST ISO 7001:2023 can come to help.

This document specifies graphical symbols for the purposes of public information.

This document is generally applicable to public information symbols in all locations and all sectors where the public has access. However, it is not applicable to safety signs or those sectors subject to specific regulations (e.g. traffic signs on public roads).

This document specifies the original symbols that can be scaled for reproduction and application purposes.

The symbols can be used in conjunction with text to improve comprehension.

International standards for graphic symbols bridge this gap by establishing a shared visual language that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. These standards facilitate clear communication, promote accessibility, and ensure that critical information is universally understood.

Public information guidance systems — Part 4: Installation and assessment

ISO 28564-4:2023

By adhering to international standards like ISO 28564-4:2023, public infomation can maintain a consistent appearance and meaning across different applications, platforms, and regions. This clarity enhances usability and reduces confusion, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to comprehend information swiftly and accurately. This document specifies principles, requirements and methods for the installation of public information guidance systems. It also provides guidelines on the assessments of the outcomes of public information guidance systems. It is intended for use by organizations providing design and installation services in the field of public information guidance systems and organizations selecting, using or developing relative assessments. This document is applicable to the installation and assessment of public information guidance systems used in public places, such as bus and railway stations, airports, shopping centres, shops, hospitals, exhibition halls, sports and entertainment complexes, urban areas, parks, gardens and countryside, public attractions, museums and commercial office buildings.

This document is not applicable to:

— variable message signs (e.g. dynamic message signs, matrix signs and electronic traffic displays);

— sectors (e.g. traffic signs on a public highway) which are subject to specific regulations or specified installation principles; however, in a given public environment or within a wayfinding and signing design brief, public information sometimes needs to be associated with other messaging, so many of the principles contained in this document can be relevant in the planning of a coordinated scheme.

International standards enable users from around the world to interpret graphic symbols effortlessly. Whether it's an emergency exit sign, a transportation icon, or a digital interface symbol, a standardized visual language ensures that people can decipher information regardless of their native language. This consistency enhances safety, efficiency, and inclusivity in various domains.

Graphical symbols — Registered public information symbols

ISO 7001:2023

Graphic symbols governed by international standards such as ISO 7001:2023 streamline communication processes. Instead of relying solely on text or language-specific instructions, symbols can convey information more efficiently. This benefit is particularly valuable in emergency situations, where every second counts, and rapid comprehension of critical information is vital.

This document specifies graphical symbols for the purposes of public information. This document is generally applicable to public information symbols in all locations and all sectors where the public has access. However, it is not applicable to safety signs or those sectors subject to specific regulations (e.g. traffic signs on public roads). This document specifies the original symbols that can be scaled for reproduction and application purposes. The symbols can be used in conjunction with text to improve comprehension.

Graphic symbols following international standards also contribute to accessibility for individuals with disabilities or those who may have difficulty understanding written or spoken language. By utilizing well-recognized symbols, organizations can create inclusive environments, ensuring that everyone can access essential information and services.

Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Natural disaster safety way guidance system

ISO 22578:2022

Implementing international standards for graphic symbols on a large scale does present challenges. Developing a comprehensive large numbers set of symbols that encompasses the myriad of concepts and contexts is an extensive undertaking. Collaboration among experts, designers, linguists, and users is necessary to ensure the accuracy, relevance, and effectiveness of the symbols and these challenges can be solved with such International standards as ISO 22578:2022. This document specifies the principles governing the design and application of signs and plans used to create a natural disaster safety way guidance system to help people evacuate to safe areas or places of refuge in case of natural disasters (e.g. tsunamis, floods, debris flows, steep slope failures, landslides, tornados, large-scale fires, active volcanoes).

This document provides guidance on the selection and use of safety signs conforming to ISO 7010, public information symbols conforming to ISO 7001, and text on evacuation route signs, places of refuge signs and evacuation plan signs for information related to one or more particular natural disasters. Guidance on the design, location, mounting positions and maintenance of the sign components of a natural disaster safety way guidance system is also provided. This document does not apply to the determination of the need for natural disaster safety way guidance. This document assumes that the risk assessment or requirements of an enforcing authority have established the need for such natural disaster safety way guidance systems. This document is not applicable to the particular hazards of high winds, snow avalanches, earthquakes or hurricanes, which cause the natural disasters covered in this document. This document is applicable to safety way guidance from natural disasters from the outside of buildings to safe areas. ISO 16069 is applicable to safety way guidance within a building to the emergency exit(s).

Ongoing updates and revisions to international standards are essential to incorporate emerging technologies, address cultural nuances, and adapt to evolving communication needs. Regular feedback loops and continuous improvement processes should be established to refine the standards and maintain their relevance in a rapidly changing world.

The importance of implementation international ITeh Standards

International standards for graphic symbols are instrumental in fostering efficient communication and promoting global understanding. By adhering to a standardized visual language, we can transcend language barriers, enhance accessibility, and streamline information exchange across diverse cultures and regions. While challenges exist in developing and maintaining a comprehensive set of symbols, the benefits of international standards far outweigh the complexities. By embracing these standards, we can create a world where communication flows seamlessly, enabling individuals to connect, understand, and collaborate effectively, regardless of their linguistic or cultural background.

References:

https://standards.iteh.ai/.../0f25a156.../sist-iso-7001-2023 https://standards.iteh.ai/.../edbac114.../iso-28564-4-2023 https://standards.iteh.ai/.../4af0030c-050a.../iso-7001-2023 https://standards.iteh.ai/.../120739f2.../iso-22578-2022