What Are Pictograms in Graphic Design?

Pictograms are symbols or icons used in graphic design to communicate ideas and concepts in a visual way. They are widely used in both print and digital media, from magazines and newspapers to websites, apps and even billboards.

Pictograms have been around for centuries, but their use in graphic design is fairly recent. In the early days, they were mainly used to represent simple objects such as animals or plants. However, with the development of technology and modern graphics software, pictograms have become much more versatile and can be used to communicate complex ideas and concepts effectively.

There are two main types of pictograms – abstract and realistic. Abstract pictograms are made up of basic shapes like circles or squares which are combined to create a symbolic representation of an idea or concept.

Realistic pictograms on the other hand are designed to look like actual images or objects.

Pictograms can be used for a variety of purposes including; branding, corporate identity, advertising campaigns, information design, instructional material and wayfinding signage. They can be used to help people understand complex ideas quickly by providing a visual representation that is easily understood.

An important aspect of using pictograms in graphic design is that they should be easy to recognize at a glance so that people can quickly understand what the symbol is communicating without having to spend time deciphering it. This makes them ideal for use in busy environments such as airports where people have limited time to take in information.

Conclusion:

Pictograms are versatile symbols or icons that can be used effectively in graphic design to communicate ideas quickly and efficiently. They come in two forms – abstract or realistic – depending on the purpose they are being used for. When designing with pictograms it is important that they are easily recognizable so that people can understand them without having to spend time deciphering them.