Pictograms Icons and Signs -

This is a really useful book for explaining pictograms. It's interesting to see how some of the important names in pictograms summarised what it was; 'Element of absolute validity' (Neurath), 'must have the character of a sign and should not be an illustration' (Aicher), 'depicts the character of what is being represented and through abstraction takes on its quality as a sign' (Kapitzki).

It was also helpful to understand sign as symbol, and the difference between indexical and iconic signs. How signs are interpreted, if they say not to do something, or suggest not doing it, or allow it if you wish.

There's a section explaining new paths for pictograms and it mentions how there is becoming an increasing emphasis on suggestion (emotional influence). Stating that pictograms must be fun or they must make people think.

Boundary, format and grid are all things I will need to carefully consider to create the openness of opportunity but remaining structure and uniform, hinting at an academic side.