Design is Conversation

Nobody likes obstacles. Especially if someone is in a hurry to get somewhere, an obstacle only impedes their progress. How about walls? They evoke the same feeling, right? The Berlin Wall separated a nation for quite some time until torn down by the masses. Aren't barriers in the same category as obstacles and walls? I can't speak for everybody on this topic but am almost certain that nobody appreciates these three unless purposefully in the search for adversity. Barriers are tough, especially when communicating between distant populations. Design assists in breaking down this barrier once and for all.

Successfully mastering a completely different language is arguably one of the most difficult feats to accomplish. I attempted learning spanish some years ago while in school but to avail. I can only imagine how difficult navigating another nation's city must be regardless of the locale. However, with the use of iconography, this once treacherous task is now made easier. The use of icons can be found in any major city and civilization across the globe.

Some of the most common icons used in most metropolitan areas are the airplane for an airport, an 'H' or an equidistant cross for a hospital, and a boat anchor for a dock or a port. These assist the average traveller in navigating oneself through the blockade of the language barrier. Even so, icons aren't just used for foreigners. Posted up on the sides of every highway in America and perhaps throughout the world, are more universal icons which can guide travelers to useful locations. Some examples of these icons are a gas pump for a gas station, basic kitchen utensils for dining, and a bed for hospitality.

Now these icons aren't extravagant designs. They are in their most basic and simplified form in order to catch the eye of the viewer in short notice and allow the viewer to recognize what the icon represents right away. These icons allow communication between distinct cultures without the urge or necessity to utter a single word. Instead, a simple road sign works just fluently.