Visual Metaphors

Metaphors state that one thing is another / or one thing represents another.

Here are a few visual metaphors by designers.

The exhibition process using the laws of simplicity

Once all the tasks required to organise the exhibition were identified, we organised them into groups adopting the SLIP guide ( sort, label, integrate and prioritise). As part of this process by integrating groups together we were REDUCING not only the work load but also the COMPLEXITY of the overall process.

Time could have been saved when designing the Exhibition Logo if the response from the group about a favourite logo was acknowledged. Time was lost as a result of poor collaboration and LISTENING. The more information we have about the exhibitors, departments, exhibition spaces and sponsors the easier the jobs will be to complete on time.

Point Logo Sign Post Logo and letterhead

Logo fiasco

A meeting took place on Thursday with department representatives regarding the upcoming exhibition. Our new logo concept was put forward. The response was not favourable, the main comments suggested the logo from the previous week with blurry dots was more interesting and appropriate. After the meeting Bec and Leanne stayed behind to work on other logo - dot inspired options, remembering that an ad with the agreed logo needed to be ready for Friday lunchtime.

The dotty concept below is what I came up with after photographing our pond at home with spots of sunlight then cropping and adapting it with photoshop. The Font is not my final option, it is merely to inform the viewer where I would place the text.

logo ideas

Contrasts in complexity and Simplicity

"Keep it clean" by Mikibo on www.ucreative.com

The simplicity is in the image of the everyday line up of garbage bins, complexity has been added in the intricacy of the painting above the row of bins. The image has been framed to incorporate the brick wall and bike to bring normalcy to the image.

It works for me, the real vs the art, the 3D vs the 2D. The colour contrasts, the orange bin and yellow paint amongst the green bins and black outline images behind.

The use of Typography in Graphic design

The use of Typography to create an image combines complexity with simplicity. The resulting image may be simple but made up of great complexity.

Design called "My Typo", by Huvamp at www.deviantart.com

Some visual examples of Simplicity vs Complexity

The design above found on www.decor8.ro by DragosM appears simplistic until you take a closer look at the complex typography that has been used to create the design. The design balances complexity and simplicity in perfect harmony.

This design by George Bokhua from www.ucreative.com is both complex and simple in design, The text under the sphere is easily legible in white on a black background all in lower case. The Sphere full of well placed and manipulated text is complex, but due to the spherical shape if forms it also appears simple. A well balanced design.

Differences - one of my favourite visual / conceptual areas of interest.

Love and Hate, Black and White, Dark and Light, Night and Day, Simplicity and Complexity. Each of these pairs have a strong relationship with each other. Without one, the other would have less relevance and may not even be acknowledged. How do you know true happiness if you have never endured true sadness, light is more amazing after experiencing darkness and simplicity is appreciated after dealing with complexities.

Rhythm is part of life, ups and downs, changes of emotion, musical tunes, lighting, seasons. Without the changes existance would be uninteresting. Imagine listening to a tune of the same two repetative notes, if a new note is thrown in immediately the listener is more interested in the music.

The more complexity that surrounds you the more something simple will stand out.

Laws 3 & 4 Time and Learn from The Laws of Simplicity

TIME

Perception of time is an interesting thing. By removing time indicators the pressure of time passing is also removed.

When downloading information on the internet the presence of a progress bar makes the passing of time comfortable compared to the absence of a progress bar which leaves the user with a tense feeling of unknowing... how long it is going to take.

The SHE principle can be used again by Shrinking or Hiding time displays, and Embody in the form a progress bar, to make the passing of time a comfortable experience.

LEARN

"knowledge makes everything simpler." John Maeda

Using the BRAIN principle:

BASICS are the beginning ( read the manual first, it saves time later... don't just jump in and get started, this is one of my major flaws)

REPEAT yourself often

AVOID creating desperation ( I must remember this step)

INSPIRE with examples ( a major motivator)

NEVER forget to repeat yourself

Alternate logo concept

The above image is a poster concept using the logo below in a repeated fashion. The strip at the side will hold the date, time and location of the exhibition.

This format could be printed with perforations between the sections and on the reverse side could be printed the event details. A similar process to that used by students searching for accommodation. Alternatively these could be individually printed as "business cards" with individual designers/artists details on the reverse side.

So many options...
This concept uses earthy tones that deeply represent the Territory. I've used the P2P and added "point" inside the P's. The general shape around the logo can be altered further . The background informs the viewer about what the exhibition will encompass and create interest in this event.

Colour block Exhibition logo

This logo concept stems from a number of ideas playing with points, the colour choice is eye catching. Each section of the exhibition could have one of the colours and utilise the style of the grid or letter shapes. This logo is open to adjustment for advertising and correspondance.

Samples

An exercise in surrealism

Using the sub conscious mind images were created from a circle, square or triangle. My 8 and 10 year old also gave it a go... see if you can see the difference .

A second exercise using a free drawing style over a grid of points also inspired by surrealist influence.

The point of these two exercises is to open your mind and create without any specific direction, a good idea before we begin designing the logo for the up coming exhibition.

Gestault images... filling in the blanks

Gestalt theory

" In both the perceiving and visually representing the natural organisation of object, we are supported by the mind's powerful ability to detect and form patterns". John Maeda , " The laws of simplicity".

The gestalt method can be described by examples such as: a half drawn image ( like "Mr squiggle", a children's show) , you can fill in the blank in your mind. For example, a half drawn star, you know how to complete. Also the popular 3D image picture books that are full of complex images that you then identify the picture within or the pattern that lies beneath the complex image.

The Gestalt theory can be utilised by designers by squinting at an object or design in order to identify aesthetics that may not be noticed otherwise. The theory suggests that by seeing less you see more.

Body language and communication

Communication takes part in many ways, not only with language. Some of our strongest communication takes place without any words, with a hint of a raised eyebrow, a yawn, a slouch, pursed lips, avoided eye contact, quivering lips, wide open eyes, an intense stare... all of these hints can be as small as momentary but communicate an what the individual feels.

Non Verbal communication may be used for good or evil..

Good non verbal communication may involve steady eye contact during a conversation, a smile, a nod, a hand shake, allowing the other person a comfortable amount of body space and having a welcoming presence.

Evil non verbal communication is the opposite of the above points, and More. Looking distracted during a conversation and not maintaining eye contact, yawning, doing other things while you are being spoken to, shrugging your shoulders, pursing lips, holding a frown, glaring or by reducing the personal space of the other person.

Different cultures may interpret some non verbal communication differently. Head shaking in India is not a NO gesture, but an indication that they are listening to you. A nod may mean Yes, but is also a sign of respect in some countries when done slowly and thoughtfully.

Organisation

• step 1: Brainstorm... the name of the exhibition with the relevant parties AND brainstorm all of the factors that need to be considered for the exhibition.
• step 2 : Mind maps... are created incorporating all of the relevant information that is necessary when planning this event. The mind map groups information into areas which will help when we organise and prioritise the tasks at hand.
• step 3: Organise...Now we have the lists of jobs to be performed we need to organise them. We can use the SLIP method, suggested by John Maeda from "The laws of simplicity". S-sort, L-label, I-Integrate, P-Prioritise. First we sort and list all of the tasks, second, we label or identify the categories that the tasks fall into ( see mind map), thirdly, we integrate similar groups of tasks to create fewer categories, and lastly, we prioritise the order in which those tasks take place.

A mind map is useful when identifying components of the exhibition.

Week Two

The class opened with a few communication exercises to test the our ability to follow instructions. We discussed the many forms of communication other than through speech and conducted an exercise communicating without speech, using only signing and mumbling.

A discussion about the first chapter in "The Laws of Simplicity" followed. The "Reduce" issue and the meanings behind " SHE".

• Shrink: technology is shrinking, consumers generally have a low expectation of small items and so when a small item is found to house great qualities and functions the consumer is very easily impressed, the ipod for example.
• Hide: The swiss army knife for example, is a sleek design with all the functions hidden. Hiding the complexity of a design to make it seem simple is extremely appealing.
• Embodied. In design we try to fit as many features into a small package, then we hide the complexity of the design to make it appear simple. Next we embody it in an apealing package.

IDEO and The Deep Dive

The class were enlightened by a Youtube video about the Design Firm IDEO and "The Deep Dive", in which the viewer is shown the processes the design group go through when a new design project is started. They have a unique office space and ideology to their process, utilising team of multi-disciplinary individuals to create the design.

The process encouraged wild brainstorming with post-it notes on a wall, then voting and categorising the remaining ideas. Research was then conducted by each individual and the results were brought back to the group for analysis.

A work motto is " Fail Often to succeed sooner". The team are encouraged to play, to be open

minded, to experiment, and to think outside the square.

www.ideo.com