Semiotics in Graphic Design

Semiotics is one that is frequently encountered and must be understood in the world of graphic design, visual communication design in particular. The word semiotics derived from Greek words: 'semeion' meaning 'sign' which is a lesson about the system of signs such as languages​​, codes, signals, and so forth.


Credit: West Kent College

Semiotics is a theory which was initially introduced by Ferdinand de Saussure, Ferdinand saw a sense of purpose that comes when there is an association relationship between the form of a marker with an idea. Marker is a meaningful sound or graffiti which is a mental picture or concept.

Semiotics has a meaning which the object not only contains the information, but also carry an emotional impact for the audience. Human senses will catch the signal and then pull the impression to the brain which leads to a conclusion subjective meanings depending on the perspective of each audience.

Semiotics can be found from the open eyes When we wake up to closed them at bedtime. Door handles, cups, light lamps, reading books, traffic signs, desk work, until the fabric blankets can bring the principles of semiotics to the audience. Every day many of the signs that consumed visually, here the application of semiotics into play, such as one on a public advertisement, it drew the attention of the community for once took interest in the advertising message.

Semiotics, meaning the use of communication through signs and symbols, is used for many different things. A good example of this would be traffic signs. There are often symbols for pedestrians crossings made with silhouettes or simple stick figures. The purpose is usually to warn people of what to expect, and provide helpful information. By this I mean that signs will usually have written directions, or symbols of arrows to show a certain way. These images show examples of the written communication.








The one near the docks has examples of visual communication. These symbols include a fish silhouette for "no fishing" and two people in dangerous situations. These are warning signs for people not to swim in the docks or stand too close to the edge. Semiotics can also include labels on packaging and many different logos. It is also a great way to advertise, using posters, flyers, cd and dvd covers. It can also be used as a way to create very eye catching signs using just a font, or even a single Illustration.

Further information on semiotics can be found at: Wikipedia, Semiotic Quiz