1. Peirce – Icon, Index, Symbol
• Signs work in different ways as well as on
different levels.
• Some ‘signs’ are closely related to the things
they represent and look exactly like them –
these signs are called ICONS.
• All these images are iconic,
some more motivated than
others
• ICONIC signs communicate
truth, reality, seriousness.

2. Index
• An index is a sign which is related to the object it
represents but not directly or in a concrete way.
• For example, a knock on the door – an index of arrival.
The knock is not ARRIVAL, it is not a direct
representation of arrival, but it indicates arrival and is
connected to that event.
• Most facial expressions work in an indexical
way – because you cannot represent an emotion,
we look for signs which indicate them e.g a smile
is an index (or sign) of happiness. The smile
isn’t a direct representation of happiness.
• Indexes are used to represent abstract things –
emotions, ideas etc.

3. Symbol
• Symbols are signs which have NO link at all with the
thing it represents. The only reason we know what they
mean is because we have learnt what they mean over
time.
• Words are symbols – there is no actual link between the
word ‘table’ and the object because if there was, the
word would be the same in all languages.
• People decide to give objects labels in an arbitrary,
random way and as long as other people agree to these
labels, we all know what each other are talking about.
• For example pachyderm is the random label (symbol)
applied to which animal?
• What is this symbol?

4. Analysis - Magna Leaflet
SYMBOL. It’s a symbol because
there is no direct link between this
letter M, the rainbow/spectrum
and Magna Science Adventure
Centre. It is used to give Magna
an instantly recognisable logo but
it only works if you have seen it
before.
An icon of a digger but also an index of construction, destruction. Represents
what will happen if you visit but also conveys excitement to children because
they are involved in action.

5. Icon of a boy on the spinning chair
Blurring is index of movement
Using an icon lets visitors/kids see
a direct representation of someone
at Magna. Using an index of
movement conveys movement and
excitement.
Here is the Magna symbol M, the word ‘air’ which is also a
symbol and clouds which are an index of air. Since the leaflet is
aimed at kids and parents, the index ensures that kids will
understand, if they can’t read the word ‘air’ or recognise the M.
Analysis - Magna Leaflet

6. YourTask
Using the images you took last week,
create a PowerPoint or poster explaining
how these signs work as icons, indexes and
symbols.

7. YourTask
Using the images you took last week,
create a PowerPoint or poster explaining
how these signs work as icons, indexes and
symbols.