Simplified iconic representation

Few outlines and symbols make the subject recognizable.

Visual traits

• Few visual elements
• Recognizable outline

Expected changes

• Details are more likely to be omitted
• A recognizable outline is more likely to remain

Definition

A representational level that reduces information to outlines, symbols, and color areas needed to identify a subject. Subject, art style, medium, and a particular icon system are separate choices.

In more detail

It omits detail and conveys meaning with few visual elements. Color count and line weight can be adjusted separately.

Includes

• Representation reduced to features needed for identification

Excludes

• Complete abstraction or a particular symbol system
• A particular subject or medium
• Realistic representation

What this does not imply

• A particular icon system, subject, or medium
• Complete abstraction
• Realistic representation

Variability

The number of necessary features can vary with subject and use.

Usage

• Specify only representational level
• Specify subject and symbol system separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Distinguish it from complete abstraction

Typical uses

• Convey a subject at small size
• Show essential meaning quickly

Possible failure modes

• Too much detail erases simplification
• Too few features make the subject unclear