When traveling abroad I often find a new culture to be overwhelming because of language barriers or social norms. This is where good visual communication through signage without any letterforms or words can help introduce and immerse me into the culture. Signs warn me of any potential dangers by displaying traffic laws and showing me what bird or animal to watch for. It also tells me about their creativity and even their sense of humor. Here are some of my favorites. Here are some of my favorites.

In 1974 AIGA and the U.S. Department of Transportation worked together to develop a system of signs to be used in airports, other transportation hubs and at large international events. They organized a committee (including such designers as Massimo Vignelli, the designer of the 1972 subway map and Seymour Chwast) to develop a system of signs that would become the standard for 50 common symbols to address different ages and cultures. These symbols are available online as a free download: http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/symbol-signs

Perhaps over time there will be a universal signage system that we use throughout the world to make traveling overseas a little less intimidating.

Tags: design, signage, wayfinding