Symbolism in Information Design

As language systems developed in various parts of the world, the codification of concepts common to all human experience were incorporated into these various manifestations of language. There are many forms of communication such as visual images, sign language, gestures, drumming, and writing. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, "A language is a symbol system." Therefore, any system of symbols could be considered a language.

Many basic shapes and symbols, such as the circle, the square, star, and spiral, emerged simultaneously in several cultures in diverse locations around the globe. (Stein, 1998). These common symbols appear frequently in "well-defined themes, and formal elements" in many cultural artifacts. (Stein, 1998). Certain symbols seem to pervade human consciousness unrestrained by cultural boundaries. One interpretation is suggested by the author, Gregory Thomas, in his book How to Design Logos, Symbols and Icons:

...symbols of personal and group beliefs…evolved from the desire and need for social communication and identification of certain 'truths'." Basic shapes such as a circle were used to "signify the endlessness of the universe [and] belong to the oldest ideograph symbols. (Thomas, 2003).

Thomas states that this "ideograph appears to have been used in every cultural sphere on earth," and describes other common geometric forms:

…the cross and triangle, were used to signify God and Heaven joining together on earth [and] the triangle traces its symbolic importance to its three even sides…[defining a] multitude of triads such as birth, life and death, or body, soul and spirit. [The square is] in direct contrast to the circle, which represents eternity and deity, the square signifies matter and earth. The square stands for restraint, solidarity, order and safety - less ephemeral and much less spiritual. (Thomas, 2003).

While it is possible that the commonality of basic symbols, such as the circle, square, and spiral, were transmitted from individual to individual, or group to group, some theories have developed that suggest this commonality is not rooted in direct contact. These theories suggest that there is a realm of consciousness that is shared by all humanity - a type of group mind termed the "collective unconscious" by the psychologist, Dr. Carl Jung. Through Jung's research with dream symbology he began to discover:

…evidence for the existence of a collective layer of the unconscious. This would mean that there is material in the unconscious that has not been put there by repression from consciousness. It is there to begin with. (qtd. Stein, 1998).

Whatever the source of these common symbols, their impact on all cultures is real and dramatic. According to Jung's research these "archetypal images and the ideas derived from them have an extraordinary power to sway consciousness…" (Stein, 1998). In his many books on data visualization, Edward Tufte proposes that:

…some universal cognitive tasks are deep and profound…tied to nature's laws [and] are indifferent to language, culture, gender, or the particular mode of information that is provided.... There is an analogy with Chomsky's theory of language: that certain rules of language…or cognitive tasks - come built in. (qtd. Zachry, Thralls, 2004).

Perhaps these "built-ins" are the symbols of a universal visual language. According to Betty Edward's book Drawing on the Artist Within, "…a non-verbal, visual language of drawing exists as a possible parallel to verbal language…" (Edwards, 1986). It is possible than any language system that successfully implements these root symbols has the potential to develop into a type of universal language for humanity. In our cultures today, the globalization of our economies and information systems greatly benefit from commonalities. Icons for software and web applications, and the symbols used for signs in public places, such as the telephone or restrooms, are compelling examples of a common visual language. In the book, Global Interface Design, Tony Fernandes suggests that:

…the whole idea of using icons…was to convey ideas, hopefully internationally, without text…to develop a unique visual language that allowed people to use the computer as an information appliance. This language would employ a set of culturally neutral symbols and gestures that would allow all people of the world to learn one common set of commands and icons…Icons are used to communicate ideas. While some symbols work internationally, others don't. (Fernandes, 1995).

Others share this idea with Fernandes. Anistatia A. Miller, in her article Marks of Excellence, states that "…nonverbal images are more likely to translate well across international borders." (Miller, 1986). However well visual images may convey meaning, the message may often be too obscure or too broad to be effectively translated and understood in practical terms. To convey a detailed message explicitely, written language is often the best choice - perhaps that is why many languages evolved from their iconographic roots to complex alphabetic structures. •