DesignOfEverydayThings - Signifier

Need separate to 7 posts, because image become huge base64 in Blogger, unable to upload.... Orz
  1. https://www.isaacnote.com/2019/06/designofeverydaythings-signifier-1.html
  2. https://www.isaacnote.com/2019/06/designofeverydaythings-signifier-2.html
  3. https://www.isaacnote.com/2019/06/designofeverydaythings-signifier-3.html
  4. https://www.isaacnote.com/2019/06/designofeverydaythings-signifier-4.html
  5. https://www.isaacnote.com/2019/06/designofeverydaythings-signifier-5.html
  6. https://www.isaacnote.com/2019/06/designofeverydaythings-signifier-6.html
  7. https://www.isaacnote.com/2019/06/designofeverydaythings-signifier-7.html

DesignOfEverydayThings - Signifier - 7


  • When facing a device, we seeking for clue about how to use. Designer need provide it.
    Otherwise, we need use our own creativity and imagination.
  • Misleading signifier: a row of vertical pipes across a service road in a public park
    • Pipes blocks cars
    • Park vehicle go through the pipes
  • Affordances: possible interactions between people and environment.
  • Perceived affordance often acts as signifier, but they can be ambiguous
  • Signifiers signal things, indicate what actions are possible and how to be done. Signifier must be visible.

DesignOfEverydayThings - Signifier - 6


Ex. The sink that would not drain

caffeinate – make your Mac awake

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