OUGD405
Pictograms Research

A pictogram or also an icon, is an identity that conveys its meaning through its common resemblance to an object. Pictograms are often used in text and image systems in which the characters are to a considerable extent pictorial in appearance. Pictograms are commonly uses as a reference to the flat-styled, often coloured, simplistic ideas and objects, they've always been around in fact the earliest written languages were pictograms because of the use of conveying a meaning through simple pictures. In present day we use pictograms for all types of situations everyday but the use of digital interfaces has made pictograms more popular and subdued large amounts of content in interface layouts, this is efficient but the viewer has to be more aware of new/current pictograms.

When researching pictograms I wanted to look at the intention and purpose of different types of pictograms:

Indicative
Indicative is influencing thought and to informing the audience, but the viewer is left to make his or her own decision about how to act. For example this pictogram inform the viewer that he or she may smoke here but they don't have to smoke. Therefore it is unto the viewer receiving the information. 

Imperative 
Imperative is influencing the will of the audience,it intends to influence the behaviour of the viewer. The burning cigarette has a line through it therefore it intends to influence the receiver behaviour. Smoking is banned even though the viewer may feel like having a cigarette. 

Suggestive
Suggestive intends to influence feelings and make the viewer act in a certain way. The combination of the fist and the cigarette sets off feelings within the receiver. It represents an appeal to stop smoking for reasons of health.