TS EN ISO 81714-1

TS EN ISO 81714-1 is the standard that sets out the basic rules for designing graphical symbols used in the technical documentation of products. It establishes a common design framework so that symbols used across different products and document types can be understood more consistently and presented in a more uniform way.

Core principles behind graphical symbol design

In technical documentation, graphical symbols are used to communicate a function, status, command, warning, or product feature in a compact, language-independent form. For that reason, good symbol design depends on clarity, distinctness, and interpretability. In general technical practice, a well-designed symbol complements text, enables quick recognition, and helps documentation work across language boundaries.

What this part provides

Based on the supplied scope, this standard specifies the basic rules for the design of graphical symbols for use in product technical documentation, taking into account basic application needs. In other words, it addresses the general principles behind symbol design rather than every detailed usage case of a symbol family. Such rules aim to support consistency, reduce unnecessary complexity, and strengthen the link between a symbol and the meaning it is intended to convey.

• Covers the basic rules for designing graphical symbols used in technical documentation.
• Supports consistent interpretation of symbols in product documentation.
• Provides a general design framework that takes basic application needs into account.
• Helps graphical symbols work as concise, language-independent complements to text.