Icon index revision
- 1. Peirce – Icon, Index, Symbol • Signs work in different ways as well as on different levels. • Some ‘signs’ are closely related to the things they represent and look exactly like them – these signs are called ICONS. • All these images are iconic, some more motivated than others • ICONIC signs communicate truth, reality, seriousness.
- 2. Index • An index is a sign which is related to the object it represents but not directly or in a concrete way. • For example, a knock on the door – an index of arrival. The knock is not ARRIVAL, it is not a direct representation of arrival, but it indicates arrival and is connected to that event. • Most facial expressions work in an indexical way – because you cannot represent an emotion, we look for signs which indicate them e.g a smile is an index (or sign) of happiness. The smile isn’t a direct representation of happiness. • Indexes are used to represent abstract things – emotions, ideas etc.
- 3. Symbol • Symbols are signs which have NO link at all with the thing it represents. The only reason we know what they mean is because we have learnt what they mean over time. • Words are symbols – there is no actual link between the word ‘table’ and the object because if there was, the word would be the same in all languages. • People decide to give objects labels in an arbitrary, random way and as long as other people agree to these labels, we all know what each other are talking about. • For example pachyderm is the random label (symbol) applied to which animal? • What is this symbol?
- 4. Analysis - Magna Leaflet SYMBOL. It’s a symbol because there is no direct link between this letter M, the rainbow/spectrum and Magna Science Adventure Centre. It is used to give Magna an instantly recognisable logo but it only works if you have seen it before. An icon of a digger but also an index of construction, destruction. Represents what will happen if you visit but also conveys excitement to children because they are involved in action.
- 5. Icon of a boy on the spinning chair Blurring is index of movement Using an icon lets visitors/kids see a direct representation of someone at Magna. Using an index of movement conveys movement and excitement. Here is the Magna symbol M, the word ‘air’ which is also a symbol and clouds which are an index of air. Since the leaflet is aimed at kids and parents, the index ensures that kids will understand, if they can’t read the word ‘air’ or recognise the M. Analysis - Magna Leaflet
- 6. YourTask Using the images you took last week, create a PowerPoint or poster explaining how these signs work as icons, indexes and symbols.
- 7. YourTask Using the images you took last week, create a PowerPoint or poster explaining how these signs work as icons, indexes and symbols.