Architects, Signage and Designers

Creating inclusive design and
signage with symbols

Symbols
Symbol Signs

Signs, posters and leaflets used in public places need to be accessible to everyone, regardless of language or literacy barriers.

For people who find text difficult, symbols can often be their primary means of accessing information. For more adept readers, symbols can provide a quick reference of the key points of a sign or leaflet.

Widgit offer licensing and consultancy services to help you incorporate symbols into your signage, products and services. We can work jointly with you, translating information into symbols and 'easy read' text, offering advice and designing new symbols.

Widgit symbols
More about symbols:
Symbol Users How symbols are used About Widgit Symbols

Success Stories

We believe that symbols give our students a greater understanding and accessibility of everyday life around school and are inclusive to the whole school community.


Allison Denton, Brooke School

More on symbol signage from Widgit

Brook School Signs

I think one of the most exciting and innovative parts of this project is the creation of the symbol/tactile signs.

These symbols are such an asset to the non-verbal children who use the playpark and help them with their communication.


Miriam Guard, The Playpark

Read about The Playpark

The Playpark

Widgit and the Sensory Trust have been working together to create accessible signage and exhibits at the Eden Project.

The symbols reinforce messages and make information boards more interesting and attractive.

Widgit Symbols at the Eden Project

Eden project

The aim of including symbols on the directional signage around the centre was to provide simple, identifiable objects that all members of the community would be able to recognise and associate with to improve their visit and guide them around the facilities.


Mark Owers, Chelmsford Borough Council

Read about the symbol signs

Leisure centre Signs

Who symbols can help

Widgit uses symbols to support people who have communication, language or learning disabilities.
Find about who uses symbols

  • In the UK, there are 10.9 million people registered with a disability (1)

  • 2.1 million people are registered with a communication disability (1)

  • The 'Report for signage and wayfinding for people with learning difficulties' for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2006 states:

    "Good signage could provide many benefits to people with learning difficulties. Evidence showed that clear and simple signage, using both symbols or pictures along with text, was found to be beneficial by many people." (2)

  • The Equality Act 2010 put a responsibility on all organisations to make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of disabled people:
    www.gov.uk/rights-disabled-person

Widgit Symbols add visual support to the printed word, opening up the world of information to those otherwise excluded from it.
Find out more about symbols

  • Offer a wider range of accessible services
  • An inclusive approach to design
  • Richer connections between people and place
  • Equality of access for all people, regardless of age, disability or background
  • Create visual wayfinding
  • Enhance 'easy read' information
A sign for a school playground

Design Studio

Are your documents accessible to all your clients?

We can create accessible symbol information, tailored to your needs.

Our specialist design team will work in partnership with your organisation to produce symbolised materials that fit your individual requirements.

Bespoke service
We will consult with you throughout the design process to ensure that the end result is appropriate for the different needs of your client base.

Best practice
We can work with you to ensure "best practice" in symbol accessibility and suggest the most appropriate language for your information.

Meeting your responsibilities
An inclusive approach to the design of your product or service will help you to ensure compliance with current legislation on accessibility.

Bespoke Symbol Design

Design studio services include:

  • Translating information into symbols
  • Converting text to Easy Read
  • Designing new symbols
  • Developing resources and materials
  • Providing advice and training

Get in touch

If you want help with accessibility or have an idea for a resource, please contact us.

For design services, email
symbols@widgit.com

For copyright permission, email
copyright@widgit.com

Create your own materials

InPrint 4InPrint 4

Create symbol materials to print
Widgit symbols, along with the powerful features and freedom of layout of desktop publishing, help to create materials that have a professional look.

Best Practice Guides

Information on using symbols effectively
A comprehensive guide to using Widgit symbols. This guide explains the different methods of symbolisation and provides practical advice on achieving good symbolised content.

Copyright guidance

Contact us for the right support
If you are using Widgit Symbols, please contact us for copyright permission and acknowledgments. We can also offer advice on using symbols and best practice. copyright@widgit.com