Icons & Symbols
Aim
Icons are visual signposts. They help learners recognise skills and activity types quickly and should be used consistently and sparingly.
Recommended icon set: Google Material Symbols & Icons.
Clarity
- Choose simple, universally recognisable icons.
- Use standard libraries (e.g. Google icons, Microsoft icons).
- Avoid symbols that can be easily misinterpreted across cultures.
Placement
- Place icons before the task instruction.
- Align icons with the bullet or number for easy scanning.
🔊 Listen to the conversation. Are the sentences true (T) or false (F)?
Accessibility
- Icons must not replace written instructions.
- Always accompany icons with clear text rubrics.
Consistency
- Use the same icon for the same activity type throughout a course.
- Do not mix different versions of the same symbol (e.g. multiple headphone icons for listening).
Minimalism
- Use icons only when they add real value.
- Do not overload pages with icons.
- Avoid decorative or “fun” icons (🔥 ☀️ ❤️) that have no clear function.
Recommended Categories
Suggested icon set for Business English materials:
- 🔊 Listening – loudspeaker.
- 💬 Speaking – speech bubble.
- 📖 Reading – open book.
- 📝 Writing – pencil.
- 🧩 Grammar / Vocabulary – puzzle piece.
- ▶️ Video – play button.
Key Takeaway
Treat icons as part of your instructional system, not decoration: a small, consistent set, placed before clear rubrics, helps learners navigate tasks quickly without cluttering the page.