Signs [recap]

Semiotics is the study of signs and helps to explain how meaning is constructed and understood. There is a lot more to semiotics, but at a basic level, the theory breaks the classification of "signs" into three parts that is useful for visual communication:

ICON = representation, is recognizable (e.g. photo, statue, map)
INDEX = an indicator, can be figured out (e.g. smoke means fire)
SYMBOL = arbitrary, must be learned (e.g. flags, words, some logos)

This is an icon of a 19th c. women's shoe.













Symptoms are an index of sickness.













Hebrew is a learned/cultural symbol.













Signs are not mutually exclusive. This photo is an icon of a man. His uniform is an index of military service. The medals he wears are symbolic of his rank.

images from NY Public Library Digital Gallery