Icons

Icons/pictograms are graphic symbols that present information in the form of a stylized picture or sign. Unlike writing and photographic representations, they are universal in nature, and as long as they are based on generally accepted symbols and are used consistently, they enable an unambiguous interpretation of the communicated message. They are normally informative in nature and are not used for decoration. Because they are simplified, they are noticed faster than text or photos and they attract a viewer’s attention.

Key functions of icons/pictograms:

• Transmitting quick information
• Presenting instructions pictorially
• Providing direction within complex issues
• Emphasizing facts
• Organizing textual information

Possible ways icons/pictograms convey information:

• The meaning is clear from the symbol alone (e.g. standardized emergency exit signs).
• The symbol is self-explanatory in connection with textual information.
• The symbol is self-explanatory due to its consistent use over an extended period of time, and users automatically associate the icon with the meaning.

• The format in which icons/pictograms are depicted is part of the MTU Aero Engines AG corporate identity and is in line with our aim of clear and understandable corporate communications.
• To ensure the clarity of icons/pictograms, they must be used in a disciplined and consistent manner across all media. For this reason, a standard set that defines specific symbols for various purposes was developed for corporate communications.
• These symbols are an important and useful part of communication, particularly in media that rely on quick perception, such as PowerPoint, and media that need to work across cultural and language boundaries.

Icons/pictograms may be used as follows:

• If there is a suitable pictogram in the standard set, it must be used consistently for the defined topic—this applies equally/overridingly to all media (print and digital) and also within a medium when used in infographics.
• If a customized symbol is needed, it should be professionally created by an agency or service provider in consultation with the marketing communication department based on the dimensions/specifications given below.

Here you find an overview of all MTU icons, organized according to the following categories.

Icons must work both as a line icon and as a flat icon.

This requires that the following rules be observed:

• 2D depictions only, no 3D/perspectives
• Minimalistic contours, shapes and areas
• No elements with too-small parts, it must be possible for an icon to be reduced to 5 mm and still work and be recognizable
• No lines within an icon, or such lines must appear on a background area
• All contours must be closed
• No lines drawn through the icon or lines that go beyond the icon
• Preference should be given to angular corners

Size for use

Use as a line icon and as a flat icon

• Smallest size for use as a tile: 10 mm
• Smallest size for use as an icon: 5 mm height

Line thickness

Uniform overall appearance of line thicknesses

For applications above 200%
The line weight does not increase when the icon height exceeds 100 mm; it is limited to a maximum of 1 pt line thickness (up to DIN A3; for larger formats, the line weight is adjusted according to the intended use).

Height greater than 100 mm: line thickness 1.0 pt
Height less than 100 mm: line thickness 0.5 pt
Height less than 25 mm: line thickness 0.3 pt
Height less than 10 mm: line thickness 0.2 pt

Applications below 10% = 5 mm: Icons smaller than 5 mm are not permitted, as they would no longer be legible.

Contour and flat depiction

Use as a line icon and as a flat icon

The contour of the icon and the tile is generally aligned inwardly so that the shapes are identical when used as a line icon and as a flat icon.

Line icons are always preferred in MTU Gray 5, but they may also be used in 100% black and black gradients down to 10%.

No other colors may be used for the line.

Line icons always have a white outline in negative on a color panel or in a tile.

Flat icons may be used with the MTU color values.

Icons are positioned visually sloped and as large as possible within the tile.
They must be at least 15 cm from the top and the right or left of the tile frame.

100% = 50 mm tile height
Line thickness: 0.5 pt

For design purposes (internet tiles or the like), cutting icons within tiles is permitted and desired, but the message of the picture must not be lost. An icon size of 80% is considered the guideline for this (for a 5 cm tile height).

It is possible to combine individual icons with one another.

Individual icons are professionally created by an agency or service provider in consultation with the marketing communication department.

Single icons can also be modified individually, with the basic shape of each icon serving as the basis.

Here, too, individual icons are professionally created by an agency or a service provider in consultation with the marketing communication department.

Modifications of icons (example: man’s upper body adaptation)

Modifications of icons (example: woman’s upper body adaptation)

Modifications of basic icons (example: hand/people)

Unlike icons, illustrations are much more detailed and precise. At MTU, they are used primarily for fans and aircraft, but also for a variety of topics such as digitalization 4.0. These illustrations normally stand alone and require no additional explanatory text apart from a designation, such as fan type, aircraft type, type of activity/field, etc.

Components of illustrative picture elements that exist as defined MTU icons (people, engines, PCs, etc.) are included and integrated in illustrations.

Using illustrations (fans, aircraft)

Also in illustrations, up to a size of A3, a line thickness of 0.5 pt should generally be used for the main contours, if possible. For a fan diameter of less than 20 mm: 0.2 pt line thickness. Less than 15 mm: 0.1 pt line thickness.

Coloring of the contour line: 100% black, MTU blue gray, or also as a cold foil or paint.

Differentiating illustrations and infographics (normally more comprehensive and with informative text)

Unlike with pictograms, different line thicknesses are permitted in information graphics with integrated illustrations. However, also in information graphics, up to a size of A3, a line thickness of 0.5 pt should generally be used for the main contours, if possible.