Can you imagine a world without the iconic triangle?
Graphic symbols aid communication and basic shapes such as the triangle, circle and square are often taken for granted yet form the basis of many design icons and logo marks.
In this article, I will walk you through the graphic world of the triangle using a selection of examples.
The triangle as a graphic communication symbol
Take one triangle. Face it to the right for the PLAY button.
Add a second triangle and it means FAST FORWARD. Turn that 180° and you get REWIND.
Add a rectangle to an upwards facing triangle for EJECT.
Navigate a website where you might see a downward facing triangle that reveals a sub menu. It even has a name – the ‘disclosure triangle’.
Change direction and add some colour. Add a red line around the outside of the triangle and you have a warning triangle and many signposts recognised internationally.
Fill it in and change it to green and you have a Christmas Tree symbol.
Add the letters ‘y h a’ to see the widely recognised YHA logo.
Or change it to red and it becomes the BASS logo. This was the first logo to be awarded a British trademark in 1876.
Strip it back to a black outline with a thicker line on the right and it is the DELTA symbol.
Make triangles out of chocolate and it’s a Toblerone!
And the story goes on.
The triangle as used in logo design
Here are some memorable logos featuring the triangle:
What does the triangle do for us in a logo? It is used as a graphic communication symbol to represent strength, energy, or direction. Triangles denote action, warning or solidity. They are architectural and also used in Christian symbolism.
So big it up for one of the strongest shapes structurally. Make it 3D and you have a pyramid – one of the wonders of the world.
The world would be a lesser place without the iconic triangle.
Want to know more about using graphic symbols in business comms? Contact Nikki at Designs Like These
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AUTHOR: Nikki Shield
Nikki has over 20 years experience of working with businesses creating logos, graphics and design collateral. She understands the importance of building a picture in an authentic way that aids communication.
