Overview
ISO 17724:2003 - Graphical symbols - Vocabulary defines the terminology used for graphical symbols, with emphasis on public information symbols, symbols used on equipment, and safety signs. It provides a common, alphabetically ordered set of terms and definitions intended as a basis for developing or revising standards, designing signs, and testing symbol performance. The standard excludes terms for graphical symbols used in diagrams (technical product documentation / tpd symbols).
Key topics and technical points
- Core vocabulary: clear definitions for terms such as graphical symbol, basic graphical symbol, graphical symbol element, graphical symbol original and guideline example.
- Perception and performance: definitions relating to comprehensibility, comprehension test, conspicuity, contrast, detection and displacement - useful for assessing how easily symbols are seen and understood.
- Sign design parameters: terms for border, enclosure, character set, character, decimal digit, and corner marking that support consistent visual design.
- Visibility and materials: vocabulary for coefficient of retroreflection (R′ = I / (E × A)), factor of distance (z = l/h), fluorescence, ageing, and colour code - relevant to material selection and visibility calculations.
- Safety and emergency: definitions for danger / caution signal words, assembly area, dead end corridor, guidance line, emergency lighting and emergency escape lighting, supporting emergency planning and signage.
- Scope and use: explains the field of application and permissible reproduction for teaching or implementation purposes under specified conditions.
Applications - who uses ISO 17724
- Standards developers and technical committees creating or updating sign and symbol standards.
- Graphic and sign designers producing public information, wayfinding, and safety signage.
- Safety managers, emergency planners, and facility managers specifying legible and unambiguous signs for evacuation routes and hazards.
- Manufacturers of equipment and safety products ensuring consistent labeling and symbol use.
- Accessibility and usability specialists validating symbol comprehensibility and conspicuity.
- Procurement and regulatory bodies referencing standardized terminology in contracts and regulations.
Related standards
- ISO/TC 145 (Graphical symbols) - technical committee responsible for ISO 17724.
- ISO 9186 (graphical symbol testing / referents)
- IEC 80416‑1 (graphical symbol design principles)
- ISO/TR 7239, EN 1838 and other visibility/emergency lighting references cited in the text.
Using ISO 17724:2003 helps ensure consistent, testable, and internationally understood terminology for designing and evaluating graphical symbols used in public information and safety contexts.
