Fun with Stroop April 30, 2008

The Stroop Effect is often used to demonstrate the nature of automatic processing versus conscious visual control. It also illustrates our ability to quickly recognize word shapes based on familiarity, even more quickly than color.
This effect was first described by J. Ridley Stroop in 1935, and was demonstrated by giving participants lists of words printed [...]

Context and expectations March 30, 2008

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.

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.

Presenting at Ignite Portland 2 January 22, 2008

I’ll be presenting “a history of the stick figure” at Ignite Portland 2, Tuesday February 5th at the Bagdad Theatre. Doors open at 5:15.
You see him everywhere – hanging around bathrooms, loitering at construction sites, and perpetually crossing the street. The ubiquitous stick figure. That little, iconic, round-headed fellow on signs that makes us think [...]

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 [...]