The Icon Hijack — Symbol Systems trigger illustration
F1
SYMBOL SYSTEMS

THE ICON HIJACK

MECHANISM

Take a universally recognized symbol and modify it to carry your message.

? THE QUESTION

"What existing symbol can we redirect?"

▶ PROCESS

Work through these questions to generate ideas:

  1. What icons mean what we mean?
  2. What slight modification transforms meaning?
  3. What visual shorthand exists for our benefit?
  4. What symbol combination creates new meaning?

★ EXAMPLES

Ideas in this space might look like:

  • Peace symbol modified to include product element
  • Universal icons (heart, home, etc.) reimagined
  • Traffic signs repurposed for brand message

⚡ HOW IT WORKS

Your Product
YOUR PRODUCT
+
THE QUESTION
"What existing symbol can we redirect?"
=
Breakthrough Idea
BREAKTHROUGH IDEA

REAL WORLD EXAMPLES

14

"What existing symbol can we redirect?"