five senses symbols
autumn 2023
For this project, we were tasked with making five symbols to represent the five senses. We began with black and white, then added color schemes to our symbol sets to reinforce their meaning. We then used a root symbol (in my case, touch) to create three new determinant symbols for a specified use. I chose the scenario of the children's zoo, with playful and bright symbols that are easy to interpret.
First, I created a set of black and white symbols resembling the actions of the senses using different action lines in each icon to convey movement.
I then applied color to my symbol system, drawing on the vintage feel they began to take on. I used muted blue to background and shadow the symbols and brighter orange to highlight certain important features. I also used a creamy version of the orange that was used for brighter highlights and colors nearer to white.
After making the color version of the symbol system, I chose my touch symbol to become the root of three determinant symbols for a children's zoo.
Below are the determinant symbols.
1. Bird Watching House
2. Petting Zoo
3. Butterfly House
Below is a wayfinding mockup of the butterfly house symbol.
Below is the process book for both this project and my other work in this class.
