Top-Down Visual Processing

Design by Dave Delisle 

This design of a recreation of a Bart map relates to the topics of this week because it is an example of a design that promotes several visual queries. This map can give answers to your questions through visual design. This design uses visual patterns that are set up so that the viewer uses eye movements to decipher what the graphic is communicating and to relate that message in order to accomplish a goal. This design also appeals to the new scientific paradigm of Active Vision because it is made to draw attention and is goal-oriented. There can also be examples of saccades and fixations by the viewer of this graphic because of the way it is set up, the colored lines warrant saccades, more frequent eye movement. While the grey circles at the end of the groups of pathways warrant fixations because they are a place where the eye rests, then resumes to more eye movement because of the contrasted colors. Top-down visual processing is brought to attention in this design by giving the viewer enough clear information for priming in order for them to plan out their scenario by following and analysing the pattern that is given to them.

Meaning 2: Interactions Between the 3 Levels of Meaning

Created by Brooke Behnken at FuzzyMug.Etsy.com

Representational

This greeting card is using a representational form of a squirrel to create an expressive and functional product. The impact this image of a representational squirrel may give the viewer is a sense of joy because squirrels can be seen as a cute animal. It can also draw the viewer into the card because it is somewhat unlike any other card. Greeting cards are usually embellished with cartoon-like images, but with this life-like squirrel, it can strike more attention from the viewer. It relates to the abstrat because the representational form of the squirrel is abstracted by the idea that the squirrel is human-like. It is shown in an upright position meaning that it is standing on only two legs. Also, it is carrying balloons in its hand and is wearing a party hat on its head; these items are symbolic of a party, which is the theme of this greeting card. The greeting written on the card also gives the impression of the squirrel being human-like, “My squirrel wants to party all the time,” this symbolizes an idea that the squirrel is actively participating in an event meant for humans. This idea is an abstract of the idealized representation of a squirrel. 

Abstract

The abstract of this design is the idea that a squirrel can be human-like. This abstract idea facilitates the concept of the whole design, which is silly and humorous. For the viewer, this abstract idea calls attention to this specific card and design. The humor of this abstract idea makes it possible for the consumer to want to buy because it may appeal to their identity in some way. The abstract idea relates to representation because the design wouldn’t be unique if it weren’t for this idea of a representational squirrel characterized by non-representational ways. This abstract idea also relates to symbolism because the symbols of balloons and a party hat give the viewer the idea that the squirrel is more human-like with only pictures alone.

Symbolic 

Symbolism plays a large role in the whole design because without the images of the balloons and party hat symbols, the viewer would not be able to understand what the designer is really trying to convey with their design. The images of the balloons and party had symbolized fun or a party of some sort. The roles of the symbolic items can also be considered representational in that they are pictured as they would look in person, this makes the design of the image more fluid because it is not only subject to one level of design meaning. The fluidity of different levels of design meaning within this design is more simple than complex because of the simplicity of the design. It is clear when looking at this design what is symbolic and representational but the abstract lies more within an idea, which makes this design stand out, but still carries simplicity.  

Meaning 1

These are vintage ceramic wall pockets sold on Etsy. They are designed as a representation of an actual leaf. They are representational because they were made to mimic the authentic. When looking at this design hanging on a wall, a viewer would recognize them as realistic leaves because of the detail put into the work. This design imitates reality by describing the detailed elements. For example, the several different shades of green, stippling of browns, and veining. 

This is a chandelier made by a designer on Etsy. This represents abstraction because it is a distilled version of what we all think a chandelier should look. The design is extremely reduced to the bare minimum. It creates a branch-like style, making this an abstraction of a tree. This design communicates to the viewer a sense of skill, diligence, and attention to detail. Because the design is so minimal, it must be executed extremely well because flaws can be more obvious.

This item is a Superman dog tag made by an Etsy user. It is simple, but can mean a lot to someone. The symbol of this design is Superman’s logo. Many people can look at this symbol and quickly recognize what it denotes. From this one glance, people can also recall memories linked to this iconic symbol. The superman symbol visually communicates a specific character and through that bit of information, a viewer can link it to other memorable or personal information.