Inclusive Symbols

Co-design process for new symbols

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

But many symbols can be difficult to understand – especially for people with cognitive impairment. By working with people with dementia, we co-designed and tested a new set of everyday symbols that will help make public places more inclusive for everybody.

We carried out qualitative research to explore what types of symbols might be difficult to understand, and to see how we might design clearer signs for people living with dementia. We concluded that there are significant difficulties regarding clarity, understanding and meaning of a sample of existing everyday BSI symbols. 

With this in mind, we developed a new process for designing and testing the symbols. This used the feedback from each testing phase to inform each new design phase. 

This co-creation 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: the content and detail, any colours used, and the impact of specific words that accompany symbols on signs.

We created a brand new symbol ‘for people with any disability’ to highlight relevant facilities and services – this launched at the House of Commons during a debate to raise awareness of hidden disabilities led by Martin Whitfield MP.

Created and tested with the expertise of people living with dementia, the inclusive symbols are clear, easy to understand, and completely free to download and use.

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