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At last, racially-diverse emojis

November 5, 2014
Draft of "Unicode Version 8.0" emojis (Courtesy of The Unicode Consortium)

Draft of “Unicode Version 8.0″ emojis (Courtesy of The Unicode Consortium)

The new version, available next year, proposes to add a range of five skin tone options to emojis, based on the Fitzpatrick scale, a recognized standard for dermatology. (Courtesy of The Unicode Consortium)

The new version, available next year, proposes to add a range of five skin tone options to emojis, based on the Fitzpatrick scale, a recognized standard for dermatology. (Courtesy of The Unicode Consortium)

It looks like emojis ― tiny images used to express emotion on messaging apps ― may finally become more racially diverse.

The Unicode Consortium, which sets the standard for character coding around the world, released a draft of its “Unicode Version 8.0″ on Tuesday.

The new version, available next year, proposes to add a range of five skin tone options to emojis, based on the Fitzpatrick scale, a recognized standard for dermatology.

The options will range from pinkish white to light brown to dark brown.

The update reflects the group’s intent of representing “more human diversity, especially for skin tone,” according to the group’s webpage.

The original human emoji ― developed by Japanese mobile tech firm Shigetaka Kurita – was yellow, for those keeping score.

6 Comments

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  6. Katrina Parrott

    February 14, 2015 at 2:09 PM

    We have a very interesting story that we know would interest you. Imagine people from all walks of life who have never been able to truly express themselves—because someone else’s face was speaking for them.

    It sounds unbelievable, but that’s the real story behind those standard yellow emoji people of color have been compelled to use for years…until now. Because for the first time ever, our game-changing iDiversicons app offers an amazing new iPhone and iPad-compatible keyboard with truly diverse emoji.

    Created through our affiliation with Apple, iDiversicons has over 900 emoji to choose from, in an unmatched five different skin tones. So no matter where on earth you’re from, chances are you’ll see faces that look like you.

    Our story actually began when my daughter Katy casually asked me why emoji rarely looked like the person sending them. Since then, we have become passionate about helping people around the world show how they really feel.

    Needless to say, it’s been quite a journey, one that we felt so strongly that we should share with you.
    If you’d like to hear more about our story, please feel free to contact me directly at katrina@idiversicons.com.

    You can also learn more from our press release at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/12/prweb12414634.htm

    And lastly, here is the link to our app so you can experience it firsthand: Download today! https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/idiversicons.-worlds-first/id947572946?mt=8

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