Iconography is the art and practice of creating and using icons, symbols, and visual representations to communicate ideas, actions, objects, or concepts. It's a fundamental aspect of visual communication and user interface design.

Key aspects of iconography:

- Visual language: Icons form a visual language that transcends written language

- Recognition: Effective icons are instantly recognizable

- Consistency: Icons should follow consistent design principles

- Clarity: Icons must communicate their meaning clearly

- Cultural context: Icons may have different meanings in different cultures

Principles of good iconography:

- Simplicity: Clear, uncluttered designs

- Consistency: Uniform style and visual weight

- Recognition: Familiar symbols and metaphors

- Scalability: Work at various sizes

- Accessibility: Understandable by diverse audiences

Iconography is used in:

- User interfaces (UI design)

- Wayfinding systems

- Brand identity

- Information design

- Digital applications

Effective iconography helps users navigate interfaces intuitively and understand information quickly.