Researchers found that everyday symbols such as $#% are more memorable than their word counterparts. They hope their findings will aid visual design to improve communication of complex or abstract ...

In the studies, participants were presented with either a symbol or its word counterpart, e.g., '$' or 'dollar', and tested on how many symbols or words they could remember.

But with symbols, we can use a sort of image that represents the concept – like a heart for love – which makes the abstract idea more concrete and therefore easier to remember.” Roberts adds that ...

In the studies, participants were presented with either a symbol or its word counterpart, e.g., ‘$’ or ‘dollar’, and tested on how many symbols or words they could remember.