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Wed, Sep 10: Introduction
Wed, Sep 17: Signs
Wed, Sep 24: Codes
Wed, Oct 01: Codes 2
Wed, Oct 08: Sign/Code/Myth
Wed, Oct 15: Applying codes
Wed, Oct 22: Rhetoric
Wed, Oct 29 : Semiotics of place
Wed, Nov 05: Design languages and systems
Wed, Nov 12: NSCAD Closed - no class
Wed, Nov 19: Metaphor
Wed, Nov 26: Interface
Wed, Dec 03: Built environment
Wed, Dec 10: Applied semiotics
Wed, Dec 17: Wrapup
Wed, Oct 01
DSGN 3100: Introduction
Today's objectives
- Review assignment
- Myths and code
- Assignment 2 prep
Presentations
Agenda: Class 4
Barthes: Mythologies
Semiotics of the Dollar Store
Structures | Systems | Codes
Multisensory Semiotics
Codes
Resources
Denotation, Connotation and Myth
Creating Effective Brand Names: A Study of the Naming Process for background on practical aspects of naming.
Readings
- https://www.ama.org/marketing-news/making-semiotics-work/
- http://www.creativesemiotics.co.uk/work.html
Assignments
Assignment 2: Documenting connotations
This assignment is about connotation and denotation.
Find and document packaging - this could include food, health products, consumer goods such as electronics or anything else where the packing communicates with the purchaser - and document their denotations - what they explicitly mean - and their connotations - what they suggest or make reference to.
Think about all the ways the item's packaging signify - naming, imagery, colour, material, form, texture, smell, etc.
Document 10 examples of packaging.
The packaging needs to have connotations. Products that have, for example, just denotational messages, will not work well for this, nor will products that use predominantly denotational signs such as generic products. Products where the brand is an important part of the products's character - perfumes, cosmetics, wines, beer, energy drinks, watches, consumer electronics and other types of products - work well for this assignment.
Photograph the items, and for each package, list its denotation (the single, agreed-on meaning of the product) and note (concisely explain) two to four connotations of the packaging. All images must be your own work. Remember: you are examining the packaging, not the product.
Presentation format
Present your findings for on-screen presentation as a PDF. Make sure to include a title page with your full name as the first page or slide, and put your name on every page. Keep your presentation to 3 pages - a title page and 2 content pages.
Late assignment penalties
Due Tue, Oct 07 6:00 PM. Upload the PDF file to Brightspace.
Name the file: YOURLASTNAME_Assign2.PDF