Prj Rhetoric: map > matrix

1. map
Employ a lateral* and considered content selection process for your posters by initiating the ideation phase with mindmaps.

*Read Type and Image, Meggs, p 154-155.

After, classify these signs as icons, indexes or symbols. Then move to step 2...

2. matrix
Create an analog matrix for the following:
• 4-5 rows for rhetorical tropes (your choice)
• 3 columns (1 each for icon, index, & symbol)
• 1 additional column for copy (text as symbol)

Explore the matrix via both text and image.

Think through the matrix in phrases and write phases in the matrix.

Select signs from the map that have the greatest potential for further concept development and pair each with a trope.

Iterate several hand-generated thumbnails for each segment. Total matrix = 40+ thumbs.
At a minimum, complete 2/3 by next class. See side bar for due date -->

Reminder: Professionally document all interim process. Both for ongoing blog evaluation, and for your project documentation book.

rhetorical devices

download lecture PDF here

FIND+SHARE
Find your own example online and share the link with the class. A few places to look: fffound, behance, design archives.

Post once this project. Set up your post with a brief descriptor and use the following HTML tag:

<a href="URL of the Web page to go to">text that will be the link</a>

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