Graphically encoded icons having intrinsic attributes embedded therein and systems and methods for using same

A notification device, comprising:

• a graphically encoded icon, comprising:
• a static portion;
• an intrinsic portion comprising an area of stimuli-responsive material defining a first machine-readable indicia;
• wherein:
• at least a portion of the stimuli-responsive material transforms from a first state to a second state in response to a trigger;
• the transformation from the first state to the second state of the portion of the stimuli-response material results in a second machine-readable indicia;
• the second machine-readable indicia comprises information to permit or deny the user to engage in a transaction;
• the device is a security badge;
• the trigger is a signal operable to transform the stimuli-responsive material from the first state to the second state;
• and
• the second machine-readable indicia comprises information that allows or denies the user entry into a restricted location.