Graphical symbols and signs

BS 8502-2003 pdf free.Graphical symbols and signs一 Creation and design of pu blic information symbols一 Requirements.
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
BS 8501, Graphical symbols and signs — Public information symbols.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 graphical symbol visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning used to transmit information independently of language
3.2 public information symbol graphical symbol, intended to give information to the general PubliC, the understanding of which is independent of specialist or occupational training.
3.3 safety sign sign that gives a general safety message, by means of a safety colour and a geometric shape and which. by the addition of a graphical symbol, gives a particular safety meaning.
3.4 negation indication of the absence or opposite of something actual or positive.
3.5 graphical symbol element part of a graphical symbol with a particular meaning.
3.6 negation element element of a graphical symbol intended to negate the original intended message given by the symbol.
3.7 critical detail element of a graphical symbol without which the graphical symbol cannot be understood.
3.8 meaning message that a public information symbol is intended to convey
3.9 function written description of the purpose of the information to be conveyed by a graphical symbol.
3.10 image content written description of the elements of a graphical symbol
NOTE The image content can also include a description of the relevant disposition of the elements of the graphical symbol.
3.11 public information symbol original finished version of a public information symbol used for reference, standardization or reproduction purposes.
4 Creation procedure
4.1 Before design of a new public information symbol is undertaken the following procedure shall he carried out:
a) verification that what is required is a public information symbol and not a safety sign (see 3.2 and 3.3); b) identification of the required meaning of the public information symbol;
c) identification of the need for a new public information symbol by determination of whether a public
information symbol with the required meaning is given in BS 8501;
d) assignment of a meaning and a function to the public information symbol in accordance with Clause 5.
4.2 During the design of a new public information symbol the following procedure shall be carried out:
a) consideration of existing graphical symbol elements with similar meanings which might be used, adapted or combined to form the graphical symbol for the new public information symbol;
NOTE 1 An analysis should also be carried out of the expected characteristics of the target audience of the new public information symbol and the context in which it is expected to be used. (Factors to be considered are given in Annex E.)
b) design of the new graphical symbol in accordance with Clause 6 using the relevant template specified in Clause 7.
NOTE 2 After design of the new graphical symbol. it is strongly recommended that an evaluation be carried out of the comprehensibility of the public information symbol original in the context in which it is to he used, in accordance with BS ISO 9186. The public information symbol original should then be modified if necessary. This is particularly important if it is intended to submit the public information symbol to BSI Technical Committee PH/S for registration as an approved public information symbol1).
NOTE 3 The registration procedure for a public information symbol requires a drawing submitted in the relevant template (see Clause 7) together with a size reduction to 25 %.
5 Assignment of meaning, function and image content to the public information symbol
NOTE I Consideration should be given to the category to which the public information symbol belongs, in accordance with BS 8501 (see Note 3), as follows:
a) general access;
b) countryside access:
c) hygiene:
d) general information:
e) transport, travel and movement;
I’) entertainment, tourism and heritage attractions.
NOTE 2 Each public information symbol should normally be used to convey only one public information message, and should normally be placed in one category only.
NOTE 3 For the convenience of users, the public information symbols in BS 8501 have been grouped according to the areas where they are normally expected to be used. However, these groupings are not intended to he exclusive and the use of the public information symbols in other areas, where this is considered appropriate, is not precluded.
The new public information symbol shall be assigned a meaning and a function. Once the public information symbol original is complete the image content shall be identified, including the critical details (see Figure 1).
NOTE 4 The assigned meaning and function should be unambiguous.
6 Design of the graphical symbol
6.1 General
The graphical symbol shall be designed in accordance with 6.2 to 6.8.
NOTE 1 The design of a graphical symbol should:
a) be simple in order to facilitate comprehension and reproduction;
b) be readily associated with its intended meaning;
c) be based on objects, concepts, activities etc.. or a combination of these, which are reliably identifiable by the target audience:
d) be easily distinguishable from other graphical symbols:
e) contain only those details that contribute to understanding;
I) retain these characteristics when reduced to 25 % of the template size (see Figure 2).
NOTE 2 When designing a graphical symbol the possibility of negation should be born in mind (see 6.8). NOTE 3 The additional design guidelines given in Annex B. Annex C and Annex D should also be followed, as applicable.
6.2 Use of template
The graphical symbol shall be designed within the relevant template given in Clause 7.
NOTE The graphical symbol preferably should not extend into the margins within the template, as indicated on the template. but should make full use of the area within the margins of the template.
6.3 Line thickness
Lines used in a graphical symbol shall be a minimum of 2 mm thick within the relevant template given in Clause 7 (see Figure 2).
NOTE The spacing between lines should take into account visual clarity (see Figure 2).
6.4 Critical details
Critical details in the graphical symbol shall have minimum dimensions of 2.5 mm x 2 mm within the relevant template given in Clause 7 (see Figure 3).BS 8502 pdf download.Graphical symbols and signs