A classic example of the importance of context in pattern recognition. Although the central character is the same when viewed inline either vertically or horizontally, its meaning differs depending on contextual cues from its surroundings.
Archive for the 'language' Category
Context and expectations
March 30, 2008
a history of the stick figure
February 7, 2008
Video of my talk, “a history of the stick figure” at Ignite Portland 2, February 5, 2008 at the Bagdad theatre.
Here are a few resources from the talk:
ISOTYPE charts by Otto Neurath
Stick figures as numbers. Three ISOTYPE charts shown as examples.
AIGA Symbol Signs
The complete set of 50 passenger/pedestrian symbols developed by [...]
Thanks Portland!
February 6, 2008
I had a great time presenting “a history of the stick figure” at Igntite Portland 2! Thanks to everyone for the great feedback. I’ll post reference material from the talk over the next couple of days, so check back for updates or feel free to email me.
Design features of language
November 27, 2007
Language is a complex skill that allows people to communicate an enormous number of messages using arbitrary symbols. Although some would argue that the use of language is central to defining humanity, the term “language” itself can be somewhat difficult to define.
Linguistic theorist Charles Hockett described sixteen design characteristics which he believed were central to [...]
What is language?
October 23, 2007
From a 1918 Krazy Kat comic by George Herriman. I love Ignatz.
