The message area in this case offers enough physical clues to be converted into a visual representation through factors of similarity or resemblance. The high degree of iconicity inbuilt into such representation makes for an easier understanding that is a valid requirement for image-production. Such representation also usually bears a high degree of familiarity in the perception of the user. It follows, therefore, that for a designer to design a symbol in this.

A category of iconic representations, a proper understanding of the message area would be quite sufficient to transform the same into an appropriate symbol. A method for visualizing a message area would be to systematically categorize (refer Fig.2) the given message area along the horizontal axis in terms of its iconic alternatives followed by a classification of these along the vertical axis into its subgroups, and further in terms of its identifiable visual components. In this modified model, each category within a taxonomy is entirely included within one or the other category at a higher level. This mode of categorization allows us the following advantages:

(i) a recognition of the generality inherent in a representation;

(ii) an identification of all the essential elements and their components that are required for the representation;

(iii) the highlighting of a relative importance of a representation in terms of other alternatives; and

(iv) establishing its relation to the given message area. This process offers us a basic and viable framework of alternatives from which to derive the possible representations for a symbol. Even if the message area were representable by means of resemblance, there still would exist many differing ways in which the same solution can be represented.

Given representation could vary, for instance, in terms of the choice of a certain viewpoint; or in the choice of the representational mode- for example either a perspective or isometric; or, in the choice of the medium of representation-pencil, ink, or paint; or in terms of whether the form of the representation has been filled as against a choice of outlined forms. It is best to weigh these options by comparing these representations with other potential ones and then choose the one that would best represent the required message. We find that such a representation can either be single and wholistic, or be a composite of several components. An example of the latter is that of the 'dispensary', where several individual components placed next to one another are essential towards formation of a symbol. Iconic solutions seem to be logically the most suited for representation of message areas as symbols, because of their immediacy of information recognition and retrieval. Fortunately, a majority of the message areas seem to offer solutions in this category.