Peirce Icon, Index, Symbol

1
Peirce Icon, Index, Symbol

• Signs work in different ways as well as on
  different levels.
• Some signs are closely related to the things
  they represent and look exactly like them these
  signs are called ICONS.
• All these images are iconic,some more motivated
  thanothers
• ICONIC signs communicate truth, reality,
  seriousness.

2
Index

• An index is a sign which is related to the object
  it represents but not directly or in a concrete
  way.
• For example, a knock on the door an index of
  arrival. The knock is not ARRIVAL, it is not a
  direct representation of arrival, but it
  indicates arrival and is connected to that event.
• Most facial expressions work in an indexical way
  because you cannot represent an emotion, we
  look for signs which indicate them e.g a smile
  is an index (or sign) of happiness. The smile
  isnt a direct representation of happiness.
• Indexes are used to represent abstract things
  emotions, ideas etc.

3
Symbol

• Symbols are signs which have NO link at all with
  the thing it represents. The only reason we
  know what they mean is because we have learnt
  what they mean over time.
• Words are symbols there is no actual link
  between the word table and the object because
  if there was, the word would be the same in all
  languages.
• People decide to give objects labels in an
  arbitrary, random way and as long as other people
  agree to these labels, we all know what each
  other are talking about.
• For example pachyderm is the random label
  (symbol) applied to which animal?
• What is this symbol?

4
Magna Leaflet
SYMBOL. Its a symbol because there is no
direct link between this letter M, the
rainbow/spectrum and Magna Science Adventure
Centre. It is used to give Magna an instantly
recognisable logo but it only works if you have
seen it before.
An icon of a digger but also an index of
construction, destruction. Represents what will
happen if you visit but also conveys excitement
to children because they are involved in action.
5
Magna Leaflet
Icon of a boy on the spinning chairBlurring is
index of movement Using an icon lets
visitors/kids see a direct representation of
someone at Magna. Using an index of movement
conveys movement and excitement.
Here is the Magna symbol M, the word air which
is also a symbol and clouds which are an index of
air. Since the leaflet is aimed at kids and
parents, the index ensures that kids will
understand, if they cant read the word air or
recognise the M.