Competencies Icons

This page describes how to use the competencies icons.

The Competencies Icons are a graphical display of the competencies listed in the ETH Competence Framework. Each icon represents a specific framework competency and is available in two versions (positive and negative).

Competencies Icons - Meaning

The competencies icons are designed in the colours of the related competency domains.

ETH Blue is for the Subject-specific Competencies
ETH Bronze is used for the Method-specific Competencies
ETH Green is used for displaying the Social Competencies
ETH Purple represents the Personal Competencies.

The pictogrammes contained in the icons represent a specific competency. Here below, you find the competencies icons and their corresponding meaning.

Concepts and Theories

Analytical Competencies

Media and Digital Technologies

Project Management

Cooperation and Teamwork

Leadership and Responsibility

Sensitivity to Diversity

Adaptability and Flexibility

Critical Thinking

Self-awareness and Self-reflection

Techniques and Technologies

Self-presentation and Social Influence

Negotiation

Creative Thinking

Integrity and Work Ethics

Self-direction and Self-management

Positive Icons

A white pictogramme represents the specific competency in the foreground, on the competency's colour.

Negative Icons

A coloured pictogramme represents a specific competency in the foreground on a white background.

DOs and DON'Ts about the Competencies Icons

You can

Use positive and negative icons for animation purposes (e.g., switch from positive to negative upon clicking on an icon) but icons must be displayed using either the positive or the negative versions as the default representation
Use a selection of icons in your visuals
Use the icons in their original colours and shapes
Display multiple icons in your visuals as long as each icon has the same size (i.e., your message does not imply any hierarchy among competencies)

You cannot

Use icons to convey a different meaning than the one for which they have been designed (see meanings listed above)
Alter the icons' pictogrammes as the icons have a specific meaning
Alter the icons' colours as they represent a specific competency colour
Alter the icons' shape as the round shape guarantees higher accessibility to the design
Display an icon without the mention of the competency it represents
Display the icons without an explicit mention to the ETH Competence Framework
Use the icons outside an ETH corporate design template: The ETH Zurich logo must be visible in the same visual
Add text or any other design element to the icons

Implementation Examples

On myPath, the competencies icons are used as labels to indicate the competencies fostered in the extra-curricular activities.

The competencies icons are used as menu buttons on Competence View to help lecturers find examples of courses fostering specific competencies.

Download the Competencies Icons

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