What are key symbols?
Key symbols are simply one or two symbols that can be used with or without text to convey a single piece of information. At most, they provide the same amount of information as a short sentence of text. They can help reinforce meaning and give reassurance by acting as reminders for any level of reader.
Where would key symbols be used?
Signage
Key symbols are particularly effective when used in signage. Wayfinding signage typically communicates a single ‘sentence’, for example ‘the swimming pool is this way’. Even though this sentence may not actually feature on the sign, key symbols provide the ideal amount of information to support the message on the sign, increasing accessibility.
Documents
When using key symbols within an inclusive document, each key symbol will support one piece of information, i.e. a concept within the document’s text, such as the elements of contact information.
When key symbols are used alongside a body of text or whole sentence, the symbols only indicate the subject.Symbol readers can best access these documents when assisted by a non-symbol reader who can help them understand the message indicated by the key symbols.
Flashcards
Key symbols work really well in sequencing and timetabling activities. Key symbols can be particularly effective when used on flashcardsdisplaying a series of events, with one symbol representing each event within the sequence. A child who might not beable to read and understand a complextimetable could use a series of flashcardswhich each feature a key symbol as areference to know what they will be doingduring the day.
Symbol signage
Widgit have produced symbol signage at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre to make wayfinding accessible to visitorswith varying literacy levels.
Key symbols in a document
The use of key symbols is a very useful tool for communicating withpeople for whom English is not aprimary language, or those who donot speak any English.
The A&E Communication Passportwas developed to help hospital staffcommunicate with patients.
By using key symbols for eachquestion they need to ask, hospitalstaff are able to communicate thetheme of a question to patientswho would have had difficulty inunderstanding the written text, andtherefore gain an understanding oftheir situation and their needs.
