Pictograms are widely used throughout the world, particularly in public spaces, as a visual means of conveying information across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Throughout their development, whilst ‘standardization’—aimed at creating expressions that everyone can universally understand—has progressed, there has also been a demand for ‘creativity’ to respond to the diversity of societies, cultures and users.
For this event, under the theme of ‘Standardization and Creativity’, we are pleased to welcome Mr Wibo Bakker, who researches the history of pictograms and contemporary icon design from an international perspective; Professor Emeritus Hisayasu Ihara of Kyushu University, who specialises in the history of modern and contemporary visual communication with a focus on ISOTYPE and pictograms; and Mr Keiichi Koyama, who has been actively involved in the design of signage and pictograms in Japanese public spaces for many years.
By bringing together these different perspectives—history, research and practice—we will examine why pictograms have been standardized, what standards have made possible, and what they have failed to capture.
We will also explore the potential for visual communication that addresses both commonality and diversity in the society of the future, where diverse people live together.
For this event, under the theme of ‘Standardization and Creativity’, we are pleased to welcome Mr Wibo Bakker, who researches the history of pictograms and contemporary icon design from an international perspective; Professor Emeritus Hisayasu Ihara of Kyushu University, who specialises in the history of modern and contemporary visual communication with a focus on ISOTYPE and pictograms; and Mr Keiichi Koyama, who has been actively involved in the design of signage and pictograms in Japanese public spaces for many years.
By bringing together these different perspectives—history, research and practice—we will examine why pictograms have been standardized, what standards have made possible, and what they have failed to capture.
We will also explore the potential for visual communication that addresses both commonality and diversity in the society of the future, where diverse people live together.
Date & Time: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 3:00–5:30 p.m.
Venue: Design Commons, 2nd Floor, Ohashi Campus, Kyushu University
Admission: Free and open to the public. Please register via the “Registration” link below.
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