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International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Image and Imagination

IMG 2019: Proceedings of the 2nd International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Image and Imagination pp 456–469Cite as

MICRO-GRAPHICS. Icons in Visual Communication: Between Symbolic Value and Interaction Design

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Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 1140))

Abstract

This paper critically analyses the field of visual artefacts composed of icons, defined as small synthetic graphic symbols that identify actions and functionalities, and allow people to interact with the digital and non-digital devices they use in the scope of their everyday activities. Starting from semantic and semiological considerations, the aspects of codification, interpretation and interaction that involve these systems of signs are addressed, from conception to use. Finally, a paradigmatic case study within icon design is outlined, namely Susan Kare and her decades of experience. Icons – micro-graphics that mediate the interaction between humanity and the surrounding world at every level – inform, orient and communicate, influencing our perception of reality in a decisive way, configured as elementary units of visual language.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), University of Perugia, via Duranti 93, 06125, Perugia, Italy

    Valeria Menchetelli

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  1. Valeria Menchetelli
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Correspondence to Valeria Menchetelli .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Sassari, Alghero, Italy

    Enrico Cicalò

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Menchetelli, V. (2020). MICRO-GRAPHICS. Icons in Visual Communication: Between Symbolic Value and Interaction Design. In: Cicalò, E. (eds) Proceedings of the 2nd International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Image and Imagination. IMG 2019. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 1140. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41018-6_38

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41018-6_38

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-41017-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-41018-6

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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