Adrian Frutiger

Discusses the elements of a sign, and looks at pictograms, alphabets, calligraphy, monograms, text type, numerical signs, symbols, and trademarks

Their Design and Meaning

Signs and Symbols

Katherine Yang

Chock full of interesting and insightful information.

Has to be said that it's a product of its time (1981), so it's amusing to read about how, for example, watches haven't widely adopted the digital seven-segment numeral display because people still prefer to interpret the analog form. Small things like that, but also, on a slightly concerning point, that the author seems to prefer to limit discussion to visual forms, without much discussion of how signs take on sociocultural meanings. For example, the swastika is referred to multiple times—rightfully so, as it is an ancient religious symbol, but not once did Frutiger mention its now-immediate associations with the Nazi party. 

However, it was overall really was a very interesting read for me. It covered so many aspects of signs and symbols and gave so many interesting explanations for the visuals we see around us everyday, accompanied by wonderful examples (the lengthy captions!!). Had to return the book early, or I would have pored over it for longer.

Signs and Symbols Their Design and Meaning