The Ohio State University | Introduction to Visual Communication Design 1 | Autumn 2021
Description
I developed a symbol system that represents the five human senses, specifically as verbs (seeing, smelling, tasting, etc.). To visually represented the action of each sense, I used implied lines to create a circle around the part of the body that experiences the sense. Each implied line directly references the feeling or perception of the sense.
Using the symbol system for the five human senses, I picked one symbol to use as a "root" to create symbols for an assigned environment. I chose the symbol for hearing and made the ear my root. Using the same rules I defined for the symbols of the human senses, I created three new symbols: tinnitus, tympanometry, and endoscopic ear surgery. I changed the color of the symbols because this blue is an easier color for the eyes to perceive and it's perceived to be more calming.
Expanded Symbol System
Signage Prototype
Process
We started this project with two rounds of sketching dozens of potential symbols. Once I decided on a direction to go in, I got into Illustrator to further iterate the concept(s). I think of my process for this project in three overall sections of development that lead to my end result.
Initial round of iterations
While my initial round of iterations was visually unique, I felt that it conveyed the wrong message. I began to think about how we visually "measure" or "define" each sense. I asked questions like "what would each sense look like?", "what shapes would represent each sense?", "what do most people visually associate with each sense?" and "are there already any symbols/elements used to measure each sense?". I did another round of research following this change and applied what I learned to my second round of iterations.
Second round of iterations
At this point, the visual language was almost fully developed. The third round of iterations was mostly spent on making the body parts accurate and cohesive. I also dedicated a lot of time to researching color and exploring the shape of the container for the symbol.
Third round of iterations
I used the same process to develop my three expanded symbols (tinnitus, tympanometry, and endoscopic ear surgery.
Reflection
I learned a lot about my own design process through this project. I needed to do a lot of research and iterations in order to develop my symbol systems. Prior to this project, my research/iterations didn't necessarily need to go as in-depth. It also further emphasized the true value of research and learning to work with current associations people already have related to the human senses. Learning about what worked in the process for this project also helped me when I later developed the symbol system for Whole Foods.