Creativity Central [Marty Baker]

Semiotics?  This is the kind of word that only PHD's and linguists have embedded in their minds. But it is a fascinating and illuminating subject because it ultimately about meaning.

Before we get to the definition, here's a test.

 

What is the object below and left?  

It's a map.  An Inuit map.  Instead of a visual map, it's a tactile map.  The Inuit hold his map under their gloves and feel the contours with their fingers to follow patterns in the coastline.

The advantage of this map is that it can be used in the dark.  It is water proof and will float if dropped into the water.

Sean Hall's excellent book This Means This This Means That is a great introduction to Semiotics.  Simply defined, it's the theory of signs.  The word comes from the Greek semeiotikos which means "an interpreter of signs." 

Signs are remarkably diverse.  They include such things as facial expressions, gestures, speech, slogans, graffti, paintings, drawings, more code, film. food, rituals music and body language.

Semiotics is really about the tools, processes and contexts we have for creating, interpreting, and understanding meaning.  

The Inuit map is a good example of patterned thinking. Most of us make the assumption that the wood is a sculpture, ornament or walking stick. That's why one of the big rules in creativity is challenging assumptions.  Patterned thinking is about efficiency and preservation. 

Creative thinking is moving beyond patterned thinking.  Semiotics isn't about deciphering a code.  It's about continually reinterpreting, reformating, rethinking and reinvigorating signals and information.

 

Here's another test:

Is it a mere hat? Or is a representation of something else?  Actually, it's a boa contrictor digesting an elephant.  The image is taken from Antoine de Saint-Exupery's children's book, The Little Prince.

The book's narrator expains that adults need to have everything explained, whereas children, who often have more flexible imaginations (less patterns) do not.  This echoes the famous Picasso line that it tok him his whole life to gain the insight needed to draw like a child.

So go ahead, feel free to toss around the word Semiotics.  You'll make a linguist smile. Or not.