Iconic and Symbolic Communication

Iconic communication: Representing reality

Iconic communication is based on the use of images or visual representations that bear a relationship of resemblance to the object or idea they represent, functioning as a "copy of real life".

Its origins date back to cave art, where paintings on the walls of caves were one of the first forms of iconic communication, seeking to represent scenes of hunting and everyday life.

Today, this form of visual representation is ubiquitous and includes drawings, photographs, maps, television and film.

One of its greatest strengths is its ability to transcend language barriers; for example, the pictogram of a fork and knife on a road sign universally indicates the proximity of a restaurant, without the need for text.

In the digital age, emojis and user interface icons are a clear example of how iconic communication allows us to express complex emotions and execute actions quickly and intuitively.

Difference between signs and signals: Recognition vs. Interpretation

Within visual communication, it is essential to distinguish between signs and signals, as they involve different cognitive processes.

A sign has a direct and univocal relationship with its meaning, and its understanding is based on recognition.

For example, a red light on a traffic light is a sign that means "stop".

There is no room for deliberation; its meaning is a clear and direct convention that seeks an automatic response.

On the other hand, a sign requires a process of interpretation by the receiver.

Meaning is not inherent in the sign itself, but is culturally ascribed to it.

For example, a white dove with an olive branch may be a sign of peace, but this meaning is learned and shared within a specific culture.

The difference is crucial: while signs seek a universal and automatic response, signs open a space for the construction of more complex and nuanced meanings.

The power of universal symbols

Some iconic signs achieve such widespread status that they become near-universal symbols, understood in multiple cultures around the world.

Think of road signs: the red "STOP" octagon, the arrows indicating direction or the symbol of a person in a wheelchair for accessibility are understood by drivers and pedestrians in many different countries, without the need for text.

Other examples include the recycling symbol, the radioactive material warning symbol or the "no smoking" icon.

These symbols demonstrate the power of iconic communication to create a shared visual language that facilitates safety, orientation and understanding in an increasingly globalized world.

They overcome language and cultural barriers through the clarity and simplicity of the image, demonstrating that a well-designed visual representation can be more effective than a thousand words in different languages.

Summary

Iconic communication is based on the use of images that bear a resemblance to the reality they represent. One of its greatest strengths is its ability to transcend language barriers universally.

It is essential to distinguish between signals, which have a univocal meaning and seek an automatic response, and signs, which require a culturally learned interpretation. Signs are recognized, while signs are interpreted.

Some iconic signs become almost universal symbols, such as traffic signs or the recycling symbol. They demonstrate the power of visual communication to create a shared language in a globalized world.