In this series, we’re sharing iconography from places near and far. This week’s Travel Icon Journal is brought to you by Design Director Geremy Mumenthaler. I recently spent the weekend in New York for an Iconathon design workshop Noun Project hosted in partnership with SVA’s MFA in Interaction Design Program. The day before the workshop, I was able to bounce […]
In this series, we’re sharing iconography from places near and far. This week’s Travel Icon Journal is brought to you by Design Director Geremy Mumenthaler.
I recently spent the weekend in New York for an Iconathon design workshop Noun Project hosted in partnership with SVA’s MFA in Interaction Design Program. The day before the workshop, I was able to bounce around Manhattan and I observed some great examples of iconography in the wild.
An icon of Lady Liberty is incorporated into this double decker bus branding. This trucking company uses the Times Square Ball icon.
The Barclays building facade is a screen that flashes finance facts paired with icons.
Emergency Call Box with really nice fire and police badge icons.
There are many great examples of icons in use on street signs throughout the city.
Stylized subway travelers outside MSG stops.
Personally I’m looking for this neon for my home.
Safety signage uses iconography to reinforce messaging.
Surveillance cameras are everywhere. SOHO has one for every 84 residents.
Need a sweet treat or a snack? Food icons are everywhere and can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
News stand icon on the side of a news stand.
More great signage and some stickers around town.
I’ve seen many iterations of the “Pick up after your pup” sign, but this one is my favorite.
It may be hard to see, but I love this Manhattan Mini Storage logo.
Accessible transportation and directional signage examples.
Many argue bicycling is the fastest way to get around Manhattan.
NYC Subway classic iconography.
Waste management icons can be found everywhere.
This one made me cross the street to photograph. More neon icons please.
This Index mark is technically a punctuation mark, but it is being used as an icon.
Ready, Set, Explore!
Our world is filled to the brim with examples of visual communication, especially the Times Square area of Manhattan. You’ll find that some uses of iconography are exemplary and others are humorous, but as you can see here, it’s easy to identify usage specific to New York when compared to other cities. Next time you’re in the Big Apple, keep an eye out for interesting uses of iconography and explore the unique visual language of the city.
On October 19th, we’re partnering with Disability:IN, the School of Visual Arts MFA Interaction Design Program, and Canva to host a free community design workshop dedicated to creating new icons for the public domain.
