This symbol is often seen on boxes of matches. It is a warning for the adult using the matches to never leave them out for children to find.

Why is red used as the basic colour?

This symbol is seen on the packaging that contains flammable products. Paint sprays, hair spray, in fact most types of spray contain potentially flammable contents that could ignite if used near a naked flame.

Do you think the meaning of this symbol is easy to interpret?

In the past many products were tested on animals to ensure that they were safe for use by humans. Today this type of testing is regarded as being inhumane to animals as it inflicts unnecessary pain and suffering. Products carrying this type of symbol have not been tested on animals. However, it does not necessarily mean that the ingredients that make up the product have not been tested individually on animals.

Could you design a better symbol than the one shown here?

A symbol such as this one warns the consumer to look carefully at the ingredients panel. The panel will normally warn the consumer of any ingredients that may harm those people suffering from food allergies.

What do you think of the shapes that make up the symbol?

The snow flake symbol is placed on the packaging of food products. This means that the food inside the package is suitable for freezing.

This symbol was found on the packaging of ‘after shave lotion’. After a little thought it was interpreted to mean ‘read instructions before using’.

Is this a good symbol?

This symbol was found on the packaging of a cleaning solution, containing dangerous chemicals. The symbol reminds the user to keep the product out of reach of children.

This symbol can be found on packaging for cereals. It means that the cereal is guaranteed ‘whole grain’.

This symbol suggests that the package and the product inside should be kept out of direct sunlight.

QUESTION: Symbols exist that warn that a product is potentially highly flammable. Design a symbol that could be placed on any card based packaging that warns that the packaging itself is flammable. It must be possible to recognise the symbol immediately.
Draw two basic designs in boxes ‘A’ and ‘B’. Then select your best design and draw it accurately in the box labelled ‘C’. Add one or two colours to enhance the final symbol.