Problem
A glanceable representation of a person must exist, for use in various contact-listing contexts.
Solution
Image of a person, or the stand in, and how it's used various places. Different from Icon because users have to set them up, they represent reality, and they are mostly looked at. When clicked, may do nothing, or any number of things.
Variations
Photo
Icon
Both my, and often are, used in the same interface.
Interaction Details
Presentation Details
Antipatterns
Avoid using too many generic icons, or only have one as a placeholder, so they repeat and carry no meaning.