Alert Icon - Symbol Selection Matrix

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Step 2

Note: If you have not done so already, begin the symbol selection process with the Alert Icon - Symbol Selection Worksheet (MS Excel) prior to using this selection matrix.

The purpose of the Alert Icon - Symbol Selection Process is to facilitate the consistent use of symbols that assist with alerting or informing users of the state/condition of a campus Web application or product (e.g. a course) or of their ability to access a product or service. The symbols are intended primarily for use in My Cal Poly portal applications though other uses may fit.

Outer Shape
(Select from left to right)		 Inner Shape and alt text
(Select from left to right)		 Color
(Read from left to right)		 Example of Finished Symbol Download for White Backgrounds Download for Mid-tone Backgrounds Download for Dark Backgrounds
outer shape - circle

Shape:
Circle with thin black outline stroke

General Application:
user cannot proceed, system failure, system is down, system is having trouble

 inner shape is an X

Inner Shape: "X" shape

Color: white with thin black stroke

Meaning (alt text attribute*): failure, trouble, course access disabled, unavailable (systems are unavailable for use), Blackboard course access is disabled

Red

Whoa! Something is really wrong, STOP!, No you can't!

Red Circle with White X within Red Circle with White X within Red Circle with White X within Red Circle with White X within

outer shape - triangle

Shape:
Upright triangle with slightly rounded corners and thin black outline stroke

General Application:
information is available, financial payment required, user action necessary, no report or unknown system status, system needs attention, system slow or having intermittent difficulties

 inner shape is an exclamation mark

Inner Shape: exclamation mark

Color: solid black

Meaning (alt text attribute*): system needs attention, user not financially clear to register, system is slow or having intermittent difficulties, user action required

Yellow

Alert, better check into this.

Yellow triangle with exclamation point within Yellow triangle with exclamation point within Yellow triangle with exclamation point within Yellow triangle with exclamation point within
inner shape is a question mark

Inner Shape: question mark

Color: solid black

Meaning (alt text attribute*): no report (unknown system status)

Yellow

Alert, better check into this.

Yellow triangle with question mark within Yellow triangle with exclamation point within Yellow triangle with exclamation point within Yellow triangle with exclamation point within
inner shape is a question mark

Inner Shape: question mark

Color: solid black

Meaning (alt text attribute*): no report (unknown system status)

White

Regulatory, minor alert

 White triangle with question mark within White triangle with question mark within White triangle with question mark within White triangle with question mark within
inner shape is the letter "i" for information

Inner Shape: letter "i" with thin black stroke

Color: solid blue

Meaning (alt text attribute*): information is available, system is unavailable due to planned maintenance outage

Blue

Informational

Blue triangle with white letter "i" within Blue triangle with white letter "i" within Blue triangle with white letter "i" within Blue triangle with white letter "i" within

outer shape - square

Shape:
Square with slightly rounded corners and thin outline stroke

General Application:
Okay to take action, system is working, access is granted, system/product is working but not accessible

inner shape is a right arrow
inner shape is the text, "OK"

Inner Shape: arrow pointing to the right

Color: white with thin black stroke

Meaning (alt text attribute*): user is clear to register, systems are okay and working, Blackboard course access is enabled

Green

All clear, ready, okay, go

Green square with right pointing arrow within
Green Square with word "OK" within		 Green square with right pointing arrow within
Green Square with word "OK" within		 Green square with right pointing arrow within
Green Square with word "OK" within		Green square with right pointing arrow within
Green Square with word "OK" within

Notes:

  1. When using symbols on Web pages, set alt text attribute to the "meaning" text that is most context applicable for the symbol use. E.g. If the OK symbol is used to indicate that a Blackboard course is accessible, then use alt="Blackboard course access is enabled".

Message Symbol Selection Matrix and symbol selection process and concept conceived and developed by Steve Rutland, Campus Web Coordinator, ITS/USS with the artistic assistance of Christopher Lee, Student Assistant, Art and Design Major. Copyright ©, Cal Poly, 2004