Persuasive Design Pattern #30: Symbolism

Prathamesh Krisang

Communicating beyond words and images

Picture this: You’re browsing through a website, and suddenly, you stumble upon a captivating image that captures your attention instantly. It is not anything new. Infact, it is something you have already seen before. But it’s not just any ordinary picture—it’s has a symbol that calls your subconscious mind to dive deeper. That, my friend, is the power of Symbolism!

Symbolism is like a secret language shared between you and your audience. It’s the art of conveying ideas, emotions, and concepts that resonate with the target audience with a simple visual.

Let’s take a closer look at how symbolism can work its wonders:

  1. Instant Recognition: Symbols have the incredible ability to be understood across different cultures and languages. They transcend barriers and speak directly to the human psyche. So, when you use symbols in your designs, you’re speaking a universal language that everyone can understand, regardless of their background or beliefs.
  2. Emotional Triggers: Symbols are emotional triggers in disguise. They have the power to evoke feelings, memories, and desires. Whether it’s a soaring eagle representing freedom or a blooming flower symbolizing beauty, these visual cues can awaken powerful emotions in your viewers, making your designs more memorable and impactful.
  3. Storytelling Magic: Symbols can tell stories without uttering a single word. Each symbol carries a rich tapestry of meanings and associations, weaving narratives in the minds of your audience. By skillfully combining symbols, you can create a visual tale that leaves a lasting impression and fuels your viewers’ curiosity to explore more.

So, when you want your visuals speak volumes, effortlessly connecting with your audience on a deeper, more intuitive level that lingers in their thoughts long after they’ve moved on, use Symbolism Design Pattern

And here are some real world examples of brands using it.

Symbolism, McDonald's
Symbolism, Silk Soy Milk
Symbolism, Domino's
Symbolism, Kotak
Symbolism, Black & Blaze
Symbolism, Nivea
Symbolism, Play-Doh

Summarizing,

Symbols work like magical codes, instantly communicating ideas and emotions without the need for lengthy explanations. Just like emojis express emotions instantly, symbols in design speak volumes without using words.

Use Symbolism Design Pattern & let your visuals whisper powerful messages.

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