Semiotics

Semiotics is a science or investigation that was proposed during the 1900’s and originated from the study of signs and gestures In which we associate with certain meanings, these signs include both linguistic and visual meanings. It originated from an academic investigation of the meaning behind certain words, this developed into a study examining peoples behaviour and actions – the study of anthropology and psychology it later evolved into the observing of the effects of culture and society and finally is still practised today as a tool for brand communications and analysing consumer behaviour. The idea behind semiotics is the acknowledgement of our surroundings and the importance of the way we are influenced by certain things subconsciously. Our personality's are affected by this as our subconscious actions reflect on what we see and interpret in everyday life, most of these actions have become instinct as its what we have been conditioned from a young age to react to, such as the reaction to the change of light in a traffic light or sound that it may emit, prompts us to start  moving which we have developed unknowingly. This applies to most aspects in everyday life which allows us to navigate the world that we occupy safely. Although this is a positive thing this ability to associate visual or linguistic signs can be of a negative outcome in society, an example being certain branding and social media.  Furthermore the ability to know exactly the meaning of the sign requires the right context to be acknowledged. Semiotics is the key to achieving a successful design.