072 Iconic Representation

The use of pictorial images to improve recognition and recall.

• There are four kinds of icons: resemblance, exemplar, symbolic, and arbitrary.

• Resemblance icons look like the things they portray.

• Exemplar icons are examples of things.

• Symbolic icons make use of familiar symbols.

• Arbitrary icons are used to establish industry standards or international communication.

• Consider iconic representation to aid recognition and recall, overcome language barriers, and enhance the aesthetics of communication. Generally, icons should be labeled and share a common visual motif for optimal performance.

See Also Chunking • Performance Load Picture Superiority Effect • Rosetta Stone

Iconic representation reduces performance load, conserves display area, and is more understandable across cultures.