So, let’s talk about symbols. Think about the themes that sneak into our lives, tap us on the shoulder, whisper through our dreams without uttering a single word. In the wild world of digital distraction, where everyone’s vying for a sliver of attention, symbols—like the key, the pomegranate, or a golden ring — speak directly to the soul, delivering meaning faster than you can say “click here.”
Definitions
- Icon: Think of an icon as that friendly little image on your screen—a tiny house that says “home” or a trash can that promises to delete your digital sins. It’s a picture worth a thousand navigational words.
- Meme: Ah, the meme. The internet’s inside joke. It’s that quirky image or phrase that spreads like wildfire, capturing the collective giggle (or groan) of the masses.
- Iconography: A fancy term for the study and use of symbols and images. Your website is grounded in visual iconography, with the actual symbols and icons acting as wayfinders for folks to make their journey along your engagement spiral.
Every culture, everywhere, has leaned on symbols. Cave paintings told tales of hunts and hopes, and acted as sophisticated maps for travellers. Religions adopted symbols—a fish, a star, a cross—to convey complex beliefs in a single stroke. Fast forward to today, and a simple heart emoji can convey love, appreciation, or support — depending on the context.
Symbols and Icons as Wayfinding Tools in Digital Communication
In the labyrinth of the internet, symbols are our breadcrumbs. They guide us, reassure us, tell us where to click and what to expect. A magnifying glass beckons us to search; a shopping cart nudges us to buy those shoes. Without these visual cues, we’d be lost, wandering the digital wilderness, forever clicking “back.”
Exercise: Discovering Your Brand’s Symbolic Language
Your brand isn’t just a logo or a catchy tagline; it’s a story, a feeling, a collection of symbols that resonate with who you are and what you stand for. Let’s dig into your personal treasure trove of imagery and see what we find.
- Reflect on Personal Symbols:
- Close your eyes and think about the images that keep popping up in your life. Do owls call your name? Are you drawn to heart-shaped stones on the beach? Did a dream about a rowboat leave you pondering life’s journey? These aren’t just random occurrences; they’re the symbolic expressions of your deepest values and beliefs.
- Analyze the Meaning:
- For each symbol, ask yourself: Why does this resonate with me? What feelings bubble up? How do these align with my brand’s values and mission? What offering could this be associated with?
- Curate a Visual Collection:
- Gather images of these symbols. Create a folder on your computer or a Pinterest board—a digital scrapbook of your brand’s soul. This will be your visual playground, a place to see all the pieces come together and an invaluable tool for any designer you work with.
- Align with Brand Messaging:
- Look at your collection and think about how these symbols can weave into your brand’s story. Do they speak to your audience? Do they echo your values? Remember, authenticity is key. Don’t force a square peg into a round hole, don’t slap an owl on your logo just because it’s trendy. Instead, choose icons that you will be happy to live with for decades to come, that communicate the essential feeling and aspiration of your brand.
By the end of this exercise, you’ll have a tapestry of symbols that not only tell your story but also connect with others on a level deeper than words. Because in the end, that’s what it’s all about—reaching out, connecting, and maybe, just maybe, making someone feel a little less alone in this vast digital wilderness.