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

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"What existing symbol can we redirect?"