4. Visual Metaphor

An example of a visual metaphor is the advertisements for Apple Macintosh. Apple promotes itself as ready to use right out of the box with a simplistic design. The Mac is portrayed as laid back and informal while the PC is represented as formal. The PC looks similar to a professor and implies that a PC would probably require some instruction in order to be able to use. Mac’s come ready to use and programmed or have easy instructions which is universal for anyone to use. Also, by using a younger gentleman, as it’s spokesperson, the Mac represents new technology and what is contemporary.

3. Mind Mapping

Mind maps are “diagrams used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea”. Mind maps can be made using different representations to describe their ideas such as words, pictures, colors or photographs. Tony Buzan is a psychologist and an expert in areas of the brain concerning memory and learning. He works with corporations, Olympic athletes, children, governments and high profile individuals to utilize the mind map in their own life created the above mind map. He believes that using mind maps helps maximize the most of their brainpower. The mind map is used as an organizational tool and helps learn and store new information.

Mind Mapping has also been reintroduced in today’s technology with a new app for the iPhone. On February 18, 2010 Tony Buzan revelaed the iMindMap for iPhone which is free as part of his mission to spread the influence of mind mapping world - wide. The application is interactive to the touch screen of the iPhone and can be customized to the individual’s preferences with different colors available and different positions of branches available.

2. Artist Video - Paula Scher

I watched the video about artist, Paula Scher who has designed signs for different buildings, companies and also creates promotional ads. She describes her inspiration based heavily on her instincts and also on what she is designing for. Scher’s most publicized and well – know design is the Citi Bank design, which she created a few minutes after a brainstorm meeting with the Citi representatives. The most interesting part about Paula Scher’s artwork is her ability to steer away from using computers and other means of technology to create her art. She always either draws or paints her own art because using a computer makes her feel as if “her hands are cut off”. It is admirable that she feels such passion about her work that she doesn’t use technology to simplify the process, but likes to feel connected to the art she is creating.

1. Design, Culture and Language

Design signifies an extension and product of thinking, making it both a noun and a verb. A main influence in designing an object is considering what the purpose of creating the piece of art would be. Culture is defined as the “quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in the arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.”. Culture and Design are interconnected because the culture is considered during the design of an object. The culture’s reaction will have a great impact on how the design is executed. Language is the means of communication that is used by the society or community. In connection to culture and design, language is how the culture will either support or disapprove of the particular design. Language can also impact design because of the criticism that artist’s will receive from the community.

An example of all three: design, culture and language, intersecting is the LOVE sculpture created in 1975. The sculpture is universally known and has been replicated around the world. The sculpture was created by Robert Indiana and was meant to remind people of peace during the Vietnam War. The display made an impact in pop culture because of it’s simple but impacting design, and also because of The Beatle’s song, “All You Need Is Love”. The song partially inspired John Lennon to compose the song to promote love and peace during the time of war.