Signs and Symbols

As my sign/symbol I've chosen to explore the new Pepsi logo. Although the image as we know it today isn't much different from how it's been, there's still some controversy over the change.

As a symbol, the original pepsi logo most likely resembled a kind-of ying-yang to the average consumer. Both the red and the blue halfs are seperated by a white wave which, colorfully, makes a reference to the nations national colors. In some ways it resembles a tennis ball too. Still, mostly it's always seemed like a 50/50 kind of symbol. Completely and evenly divided.

As a sign, the colors and appearance of the image evoke a kind of relief. Not only have we grown to associate such a symbol with equality and freedom--we've also tied it to our natural need to quench our thirst. Seeing this symbol helps you become aware of that possibility. Once you see this, there is usually more Pepsi nearby than you can drink.

Still, the new symbol is slightly different. It's skewed a bit and not so even. What stands out most to people is its striking resemblance to Barrack Obama's campaign symbol. Across the interenet there are countless photos comparing the two. Is Pepsi mimicing the logo to show their acceptance of the changing office? Or have they changed slightly to draw attention back to the tasty beverage? Most are wondering how long this symbol will stay this way. After Obama's term is up, will it change again? No one really knows.

Utorrent

As my rhetorical device I've chosen to examine the bit-torrnet client Utorrent. I've decided to focus on this specific program (of all bit-torrent clients) because there are quite a few out there. However, Utorrent seems to be the most popular amongst the heavy users. The reason for this is most likely because of its stripped down and lite approach. The program itself is very light on resources and doesn't even need an install client. The interface simply shows your torrents, seeds, peers, up and down speeds, ETAs, and file sizes. At the botom there is a visual graph of the health of the active torrents. This are is very detailed with swarm and tracker information which is updated as the more peers connect. My attraction to the program mainly stems from how popular it is, and how original the idea is. The workings of bit-torrent are slightly-genius in their own right, but the most compelling part of the program is that is orginates from an application designed by basically one person. A company didn't design this program (although they happily copied the idea), but it still remains to be one of the most popular programs for internet users. Likewise, it is responsible for the trafficing of countless amounts of pirated software.

Visual Rhetoric

I believe the visual aspect of rhetoric is best understood through digital media because interfaces, images, and movies undoubtedly carry an undercurrnet of connotative flavors and meanings. For instance, any political website -- pick any running candidate -- will contain images of patriotism: positive visuals that represent ideals and morals that a voter will most likely adhere to. Likeswise, the site may contain images of which oppose their competitors. These sites are most likely the best example because they often contain commercial advertisments that also contain heavy imagery such as images of war, poverty, and violence. All of these visuals are meant to evoke an emotional response in a person--most work subconciously without the viewer noticing. Through the combination of posittive or negative music coupled with these powerful images, most have no control over the emotional response that occurs. A simple picture of an American flag is a loaded message, especially if something is done do that image: an upside down American flag means something completely different. Ultimately, visual rhetoric is a powerful compliment with written rhetoric. This combination makes up the multimedia experience.

Compacting Computers

After reaedin, it became apprent to me that transparency is indeed a lucrative aspect of digital design: everything about this field can and usually does center around the interactive interface. s Now, how these interfaces are perceived by the user is very important. These interfaces become literal gateways for one to view and interact with someone else's vision and work. The notion of the appliance is another interesting point--computers today are blurring the lines between what most would consider a tool and what one would consider a piece of art. The interaction between the user and the interface is key: how simple and user-friendly the interface is, in turn, directly influences the experience and perception of the user. When the interface is very organic, simple, and natrual feeling (as most computer interfaces are moving towards), it is most likely that the user will not even know it's there--the interface becomes seemingly transparent, yet still completely functional. The most interesting topin, I believe, is making the computer itself disappear. I cannot help but think about the current situation with smaller and smaller netbooks arriving, thinner high-resolution tvs, and streaming digital media. Where as before we had large and clunky towers sitting below our desks, we're starting to see most compact designs. Also, the interfaces are becoming simpler an easy to use--touch screens are becoming more and more prevalent. At this rate I believe we may see entire computers and televisions being compacted into simple panels: panels that can stream media, and even use processing power from different servers far away. The ipone is already hinting at such progress.

First Post

Oh my--