by Barry Gray

In our ever-changing world, people and jobs are always on the move. The universal language of good, standardized graphical symbols is therefore a strong potential boon for citizens everywhere.

Symbols can already be easily seen on their own or as part of signs in all kinds of places – in the home or office; in the car or on the beach; in a factory or airport. In fact, we come across graphical symbols in just about every human activity. They are there to inform and guide, sometimes to warn, but always constituting an aid for us, as we go about our daily business. ISO technical committee ISO/TC 145, Graphical Symbols, is at the forefront of a wide-ranging programme of graphical symbol standardization.

ISO/TC 145 is the horizontal committee responsible for the standards establishing the design principles for graphical symbols and safety signs, and for the international standardization of the symbols and signs which meet the relevant criteria. The committee has very active working groups supported by experts from all over the world. Its coordination role helps ensure good design and avoid unnecessary proliferation and duplication.

It is an exciting time for the committee, as new standards are being published and its work is spreading into new fields.

Visit Click to Open Web Page to read more.

BARRY GRAY
Chair of ISO/TC 145

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