dragonthoughts - 10:04 am on Jan 8, 2008 (gmt 0)

The localisation issue is very important. It is as easy to unintentionally convey the wrong meaning in a graphic as it is in words.

Colour blindness needs consideration but more importantly, colours often have varying connotations in different cultures.

For example:

1) Red is regarded as symbolising happiness (and the colour of traditional wedding dresses) in much of Asia, rather than stop / danger or anger in West.

2) White is a traditional colour for funerals in Buddhist dominate parts of Asia, while it is probably more associated with weddings in the West.

Symbolism varies too, so a very wide cultural awareness is essential in designing new icons.

For example, consider an icon for a butcher....

A pig icon might be used to indicate a butcher in some cultures, but would be considered offensive to Jews an Muslims.
Replacing it with a cow could be equally offensive, in a different way to Hindus.
Trying a sheep might generate confusion with wool, and in Japan, where sheep are rarely eaten would be deemed confusing.

How's that for some non-vegetarian food for thought.