Reading

SEE HOW YOU FEEL, from Symbol

David Gibbs





Post 3 responses to the 3 below questions, as annotations in Figma, at the specific passages that prompted your thinking.

1: Find a Confusing or Surprising Moment
Find a passage where Gibbs says something that surprises you or that you don't fully understand. Annotate that specific section with: What confused or surprised you? Why do you think he's making this point?

2: Connect to Your Logo Project
Find a passage that relates to the logo lecture or logo project work you're doing right now. Annotate that section with: How does this connect to your current design process or thinking? What does this make you consider differently about your own logo concepts?

3: Agree or Disagree
Find a statement or claim that Gibbs makes that you either strongly agree with or strongly disagree with. Annotate that passage with: Do you agree or disagree with this point? Why? What's your evidence or experience that supports your position?



Pre-Reading Context

As you develop logo concepts, understanding the psychological and emotional impact of symbols becomes crucial. Gibbs explores how visual forms communicate meaning beyond their literal representation.

Key Comprehension Questions

  1. Symbol vs. Icon: How does Gibbs distinguish between symbols that represent things directly versus symbols that represent ideas or emotions? Give examples of each.
  2. Cultural Context: What role does cultural background play in symbol interpretation? How might this affect logo design for global brands?
  3. Emotional Response: Gibbs discusses how certain shapes and forms trigger emotional responses. What are some examples he provides, and do you agree with his analysis?

Connection to Current Work

  1. Logo Strategy: You're developing logos for specific brand archetypes (tech startup, cultural organization, etc.). How might Gibbs' insights about emotional response help you choose between geometric vs. organic forms?
  2. Symbol Analysis: Analyze three current logo designs from major companies. What emotions or values do they communicate through their symbolic choices, using Gibbs' framework?
Today is Prof. Jesse Seegers
NYU | Tandon | TCS | IDM
DM-GY 9103 INETFall ‘25
Mondays 2pm-4:50pm EST