What do traffic signs, billboards, packaging, logos, gifs, memes, maps and charts all have in common?
They are some of the many varied forms of visual communication we see in our daily lives but what exactly do they do?
(Perks, 2019)
Visual communication makes our lives easier. It helps us understand information quickly and succinctly. It helps us navigate complex systems without having to rely on pages and pages of written instructions or information.
Many transport systems use visual communication in the form of signs and colours to help passengers find their way, such as these symbols displayed above an entrance to a subway station.
(Tyson, 2018)
Product branding is another form of visual communication. Companies use select colours, fonts and logos for consistency to create a story to entice a customer to purchase their product. An iconic example of this is the Coca-Cola company. This advert below shows the clever use of font and colour in a billboard advert. We only have to glimpse at it to know what it is advertising.
(Weiskopf, 2021)
Visual communication can keep us safe by distilling information into a simple clear sign. This no entry sign placed at the precarious edge of a roadside verge could prevent a serious accident from occurring.
(Hou, 2020)
The image below produced for World Environment Day 2018 shows how much of a danger discarded plastic is to wildlife in a single image. The image stirs up many emotions and conveys a complex idea in an easily understood way.
(Tiny Tall Creative, 2018)
Many forms of media are used in visual communication; photography, film, animation, illustration, graphic design, infographics, advertising, packaging, logos and more.
Take a look around - it's hard to ignore!
Written by Angela Wylie
References:
Hou, D. (2020) Photo by Dim Hou on unsplash, Red and white no smoking sign photo – Free Red Image on Unsplash. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/BjD3KhnTIkg?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText (Accessed: 28 May 2023).
Perks, H. (2019) Photo by Henry Perks on unsplash, Person holding black smartphone photo – Free Search Image on Unsplash. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/BJXAxQ1L7dI (Accessed: 28 May 2023).
Tiny Tall Creative (2018) Environmentalist Foundation of India: World Environment Day 2018 • ADS OF THE WORLDTM: Part of the clio network, Ads of the WorldTM. Available at: https://www.adsoftheworld.com/campaigns/world-environment-day-2018 (Accessed: 28 May 2023).
Tyson, J. (2018) Photo by Jon Tyson on unsplash, Canal st station, new york photo – Free Sign Image on Unsplash. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/sEoPb6GJFjc (Accessed: 28 May 2023).
Weiskopf, V. (2021) Photo by Vinzent Weiskopf on unsplash, A giant coca cola advertisement on the side of a building photo – Free Italien Image on Unsplash. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/Tavh8gKJQB4 (Accessed: 28 May 2023).
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