Inclusive Symbols

Background

Symbols are everywhere. From public wayfinding signs and product labelling to the information on brochures and websites.

But many symbols can be difficult to understand – especially for people with cognitive impairment. 

We carried out qualitative research to explore what types of symbols might be difficult to understand, and to see how we might design clearer symbols for one specific group – people living with dementia. By working with this extreme group, we gained the insights to co-design a new set of everyday symbols that will help make finding our way around public places more inclusive for everybody.

We concluded that there are significant difficulties regarding clarity, understanding and meaning of a number of British Standard symbols – the symbols most commonly seen in public places. 

Co-design

With this in mind, we developed a process for designing and testing a new range of Inclusive Symbols. This co-design process heard the voice of more than 2,000 people with, and without dementia living across the UK. Participants contributed feedback on their understanding of each symbol at different phases of the design development: the content and detail, any colours used, and the impact of specific words that accompany symbols on signs.

Launch

As well as a set of 15 everyday symbols, we created a brand new symbol ‘For People with Any Disability’ to highlight relevant facilities and services. This symbol launched at the House of Commons debate, led by Martin Whitfield MP, to raise awareness of hidden disabilities.

The Inclusive Symbols are completely free to download from the website launched early 2021. Co-designed and tested with the expertise of people living with dementia, the Inclusive Symbols are clear, easy to understand and will help make public places more inclusive for all people across society.

This work was funded with a Life Changes Trust Award. The Life Changes Trust is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.