Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
CANONICAL OBJECTS
or a foolproof and easy use, along with aestheti-
cal considerations. The best design is often self-
explanatory. However, matching the area of joy
of the user is equally important. Some objects are
designed to inform and entertain at the same time
by mimicking other objects' characteristics. Some
of them are made to mislead us. The thinking
behind this design is aimed to entertain, make the
day brighter, or make a product more attractive,
while fulfilling its purpose.
Some items should always look in an obvious
way and be easy to recognize. For example, a fire
extinguisher should be easy to find and then used
fast without any instructions. Scissors must fit a
hand and a hammer should be easy to use. Such
objects that have an easy recognizable shape are
called canonical objects. In spite of the new line
in a design of cellular phones, we still draw an
old-style telephone with a round dial to signal
where we can find much more modern touch-tone
ones in the phone booths (however, phone booths
began to disappear).
See Table 1 for Your Visual Response.
Table 1.
Your Visual Response: Canonical Objects
Draw as many examples as you can that show the use of images of canonical objects on various signs: at the mall, an airport, or on a
road. How the sign designers use visual symbols and an iconic way of communicating information?
