Overview
ISO/IEC 24755:2007 - "Information technology - Screen icons and symbols for personal mobile communication devices" - defines a consistent set of screen icons and symbols and their associated functions for personal mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones and PDAs) with touch screens or button access. The standard provides design templates and requirements for icon graphics used to control the device and manage personal information applications. It applies to icon graphics displayed at 32 × 32 pixels or higher and supports both fixed and dynamic presentations.
Key topics and requirements
- Icon sets and categories: System settings, application icons (address book, still picture, movie, audio, TV, web browser, dictionary, notebook, games, scheduler, mail), and device icons (wireless carrier, network, keypad locked, security lock, microphone, vibration, ringing, battery).
- Functional conformance: If an icon resembles a graphic specified in Clause 6, it must serve the function defined in that clause.
- Resolution requirement: Icons must be displayed at 32 × 32 pixels or greater.
- Internal identifiers: Each icon must have an internal identifier (the standard uses the GM### format, e.g., GM001) to support resource files and accessibility output (screen readers, text-only displays).
- Labels and localization: Language labels may accompany icons; English labels in the standard should be used where applicable. Users must be able to control label display, language, and positioning.
- Status indicators and variations: Icons can represent system states (status indicators) and may include status variations for different states (e.g., battery levels, vibration on/off).
- Design guidance: Specific and global variations, minimum graphic components, and recommendations on visual consistency, text use (avoid text inside icons), and user arrangement are provided.
Applications and who uses it
ISO/IEC 24755:2007 is practical for:
- Mobile UI and UX designers creating consistent, recognizable icons for phones and PDAs.
- Operating system and firmware developers implementing standardized icon resources and identifiers.
- Application developers ensuring icons match expected functions and accessibility requirements.
- Localization and accessibility teams mapping labels and identifiers for different languages and assistive technologies.
- Device manufacturers and product managers aiming for consistent visual language across devices and apps.
Practical uses include designing icon libraries for contact apps, camera/photo/video apps, audio players, notifications, connectivity indicators, and power/battery status.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/IEC 24755:2007, screen icons, mobile icons, icon specifications, personal mobile communication devices, touch screen icons, mobile UI standards.