Colour and signs can give clues — Design, 4–6 years
Designers use visible clues to help people notice, choose or understand something quickly. Colour, pictures and simple signs can carry a message before anyone reads words.
Design can show a message
A design can use colour, shape or a picture to give us a clue. A red circle with a line through it can mean “do not”, while a picture of a cup can point to a place for drinks.
Why clues were needed
People often need to find the right door, bin or warning while busy or far away. Designers made simple signs so a message could be seen quickly, even when people spoke different languages or could not read yet.
Designing a tidy-up sign
Suppose three boxes hold paper, blocks and crayons. Draw one clear picture on each box: a sheet, a block and a crayon. Add a different colour to each lid, then put the matching item in its box.
When a clue is too small
A designer may add many tiny details because they look interesting up close. That is reasonable, but a sign is meant to help from a distance; a large, simple picture is often clearer than a crowded one.
Clues around us
A green walking figure can show where to cross, and a picture of a lift can show where to go up. In a supermarket, colours and pictures can help people find fruit, bread or the checkout.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…