In the sixth week, I learned the difference between icon, index and symbols.
An Icon has a physical resemblance to the signified, the thing being represented. A photograph is a good example as it certainly resembles whatever it depicts.
An Index shows evidence of what’s being represented. A good example is using an image of smoke to indicate fire.
A Symbol has no resemblance between the signifier and the signified. The connection between them must be culturally learned. Numbers and alphabets are good examples. There’s nothing inherent in the number 9 to indicate what it represents. It must be culturally learned.
My subject is insomnia, so I brainstormed using some of the hallmarks that can be associated with insomnia. For example, the word "z" is very common to represent sleeping, the moon at night, and some sleep equipment is all great sources of inspiration for me.
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