Hall, Sean. This Means This, This Means That: A User’s Guide to Semiotics, Laurence King Publishing, 2012. pgs 21-67

Question & Prompt

  • How has language shaped design historically?
  • Can visual design accomplish things that language cannot? Why?
  • How are signs, signifiers, and the signified employed in visual communication? Provide examples from contemporary or historical advertising.
  • How are non-literal devices used to convey meaning in advertising? Provide examples from contemporary or historical advertising.

    Reading Response 2

Language has shaped design by being able to communicate different messages with the use of symbols. The messages can be known through taste and smell now. Visuals help people understand interpretations in simpler forms that are easily detectable and understood by a broad audience. Things like an emergency alarm going off is a prime example of the danger. Or even the nuclear caution sign is easy for people to look at and know what it is. Doesn’t matter how much time passes, people can understand a lot of these designs.

Image result for nuclear sign


One of the examples of a sign that is visually communicated towards people is the adam and eve image with them by a tree, and Eve holding the apple. It’s known through so many people that the fruit she holds in her hands isn’t supposed to be an apple, but it’s an easy example of a known fruit that’s easy to visualize.

Image result for adam and eve bible


Non-literal devices used in media range from symbols like doves, lions, and roses. Each representing peace, strength, and beauty.


Hypothesis Annotation

https://hypothes.is/a/oM6aiBPkEeyIzAfj9xr0zA
https://hypothes.is/a/WnjKzhMaEeyS2acxe-h2YQ

https://hypothes.is/a/kuIIJBQREeyZe4vaXURsMA