Study task 2 sketchbook developments

Study task two:
creating objective signs for subjective things.

In order to respond to this task I've created symbols and supergraphics for potential wayfinding systems based on escape, anxiety and beauty. Throughout these experimentations (see figure 1-3) I've explored the idea of creating abstract symbols in order to challenge the idea that a wayfinding system needs to be easily understandable whilst using Oti Aicher's grid system. The use of placing initial experimentations based on subjective emotions into objective signs and directional systems challenges the basic ideas of many wayfinding system which commonly feature objective symbols such as picograms which have a specific, universally understood meaning based on fact such as the use of a male and female figure to identify toilets. Challenging this understanding of a wayfinding systems has allowed for interesting explorations into my experimentations based on subjective emotions. 

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Escape:
To break free from confinement or control.
I've focused on the inability to escape and the emotions associated with entrapment and escape. This can be seen in the exploration of the line through the use of continuous line drawings to create confusion associated with an inability to escape, with the overlapping of an single line to identify the pathway to escape. Identifying patterns within these drawings I've been able to develop a more simple designs and pictograms which could be used in various different wayfinding system such as within an underground car park (see figure 4) as shown within the mock ups I've created. These experimentations have been successful as they reflect the confusion associated with escape whilst also showing a pathway for escape. 

Figure 4

Anxiety:
A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease.
I've focused on the feeling of unease that someone has when they feel anxious, I've interpreted this to create drawings further based on the exploration of the line by repeating the line over and over to create an uneasy pattern to reflect anxiety. To further develop these I've stretched and distorted by drawings further which more successfully reflect the feeling on anxiety. These design could feature within a supergraphic wayfinding system which could be used in many context such as within a city to indicate direction or act as a way to navigate to quieter sections within cities in order to calm a person down if they where feeling anxious (see figure 5 and 6).

Figure 5

Figure 6

Beauty:
A combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form.
I've focused on the delicate and graceful characteristics associated with beauty to create fluid delicate designs. Throughout these experimentation I've experimented using Oti Aicher 45º pictogram grid, however this produces ridged and restrictive designs which didn't fit the theme of beauty as they appeared to harsh. I've been able to produce more effective designs digitally by repeating patterns and adding colour which has allowed for a varied response to this task. The most successful experimentations are those which use limited colour (see figure 7), as when colours used throughout it creates a bold, harsh look to the pattern which could feature within symbols as part of a wayfinding system.  

Figure 7

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