sarahellen-m-blog

[sarahellen-m-blog]

[otl aicher’s pictogram designed for the 1968 munich olympics, on a grid]

At the center of Aicher’s design program were the pictograms that depicted the numerous sports that were included in the Munich Games. In a decidedly modernist style, Aicher depicted all the various sports with an astonishing efficiency in the visual vocabulary he used. The human form was reduced to its simplest components, which allowed the resulting icons to be reduced to minute sizes, and yet work equally well in large applications. The pictograms were easily understood by individuals from all nations, and could be reproduced easily in print, on screen and numerous other methods of production. The family of icons was cohesive, and further strengthened the visual language that Aicher created for the Games. The pictograms communicate their intended message, without giving us much information about their history, reason for being designed or what epoch they came from. They are, in a way, the perfect example of a neutral, non-invasive container for a message, as envisioned years earlier by Beatrice Warde. In her essay, The Crystal Goblet, Warde puts forth the idea that typography (and the design it services) should operate in such a way as to deliver content without tainting it. Design should be, in her view, simply a vehicle. It’s precisely that vehicle that Aicher created in his pictogram system. The system in its original form, as well as those icons that were designed as an extension of it by Aicher, are ubiquitous. They give us information, but don’t taint it with information about their source, nationality or intended purpose. They are amazingly neutral. Another Aicher design.

Like a paperclip, we don’t think of Aicher’s pictograms as designed objects per se, but rather as the objects themselves. The chairs we own are someone’s take on a chair. That’s not the case with the average, everyday paperclip. It is what it is, a paperclip. That’s it. Objects at this level of comprehension are simply there. They feel as though they have always been there, and did so from the moment they were presented to the masses. In every country, in every city, they are simply there. In the case of Aicher’s icons they’ve become shorthand that everyone can understand, a set of simple shapes that successfully tells us where to go when we need to use a bathroom. Based on a strict grid system, the pictograms used only a limited number of shapes and angles. This was certainly in keeping with modernist thought, particularly as applied to product design, architecture and graphic design. Reducing form to its simplest components was a primary tenant of modernism, and Aicher complied willingly. The result was both accurate and effective. Of particular interest to me, obviously, has always been the pictogram for cycling. Like all the others, its based on a grid system, and all the angles and proportions are driven by that grid. There are some exceptions, however, which clearly show Aicher’s command of the grid (and not the other way around). Note the icon’s head. It’s the same diameter as the shoulders, but does not align with them, or the horizontal line that depicts the back of the figure. Why should it? A cyclist looks up, even while sprinting, no matter what the grid may dictate.Note that the same diameter is used for the figure’s hips, while a secondary diameter is used for the extremities. Although Aicher probably never rode a bike competitively, he certainly captures the spirit of racing accurately. The figure depicted is not riding casually, it’s competing. Like all the other sports pictograms from the 1972 Olympic Games, the human figure appears in black, while the equipment (ball, net or in this case a bike) is outlined. In reducing all form to this degree, Aicher has ensured the longevity of his work. Is the cyclist wearing toe-clips? Is the bike lugged steel or carbon? Is this a track bike or a road bike? Does it have gears? Is the top tube slanted or horizontal? None of it matters, because none of those details are there. The pictogram has not aged, because Aicher didn’t allow it to. While product designers largely depend on planned obsolescence, Aicher rejects it. It’s for this reason that Aicher’s pictogram can still be used today, and can effectively convey track and road events, as well as female and male competitors of all races. Inclusion, once again, was part of the design’s intended purpose. Their success ensured their long-lasting effect and continued use.

SOURCE

[sarahellen-m-blog]

Ladies smashed it this morning, very proud PT! And you can't beat working in your favourite colour...another bonus to being your own boss...design your own uniform! Ha👙☀️👑 #personaltrainer #pinktomaketheboyswink 😂

[sarahellen-m-blog]

👊🏻 #FITCREW Working with clients that inspire you and leaders that motivate you on a daily basis is what it's all about. #LoveMyJob 😍

[sarahellen-m-blog]

Bit of R n R in the sun this lunchtime in between clients!! My Green Hulks Smoothie for lunch; - Forever Vanilla shake - Coconut water - Handful of spinach 🍃 - Spoon of Total Greek Yogurt - 1x Banana 🍌 Blend it baby!!! Perfect & Nutritious in this heat! #FITCREW #NUTRITION #clean #lean #summerbodyready 💪❤️💕 #BodyLove

[sarahellen-m-blog]

Monday Motivation for the Team! ❤️ Don't count the days, make the days count! #Happiness #Fitness #FITCREW

[sarahellen-m-blog]

Today's plan...long walk in the sunshine, reading, eating and drinking coffee! I ❤️ Sundays! #sundaychill #happiness

[sarahellen-m-blog]

Very in love with this playsuit #C9Day8 💁 Thanks @monsoonuk #Poser 💕

[sarahellen-m-blog]

Day 5 - C9 🙌 Feeling energised, refreshed & lighter, I cannot wait for my weigh in tomorrow. For more information PM me.💪���👯😁☝️💕 #Confidence #Health #Happiness #Life

[sarahellen-m-blog]

Day 5 - C9 👯 Feeling Epic! Entered the world of FIT BIT in style! 🙈 Exciting day of clients...smashing goals! #Cleanse #commitment #mindset #freedom #Happiness #BodyTransformation @fitbit

[sarahellen-m-blog]

Happy Chicka 💃🏻 #C9Day2

[sarahellen-m-blog]

And so the workstation it complete! 💕🙎 Thank you @ollielevell & @jampackedpics #Youdabest Let the magic commence! 🌟 #WorkFromHome #ikeadesign @ikeauk (at Ferndown)

[sarahellen-m-blog]

🌟 Good Evening Friends! After popular demand I want to help another 5 people look and feel great for the summer. Do you skip meals / breakfast because of your busy schedule ? All you have to do is swap breakfast / lunch for 7 days with one of these delicious Forever ultra lite shakes which come in Chocolate or Vanilla. Two shakes a day will give you all your required daily vitamins and minerals your body needs . I've got some fab recipes , from smoothies to pancakes too! A very versatile product and tastes delicious 😋 A one off payment of £20 , recommend a friend and you will receive a free gift 💕😌 Message me if you're in! 💪 #FitForLife #Nutrition #PT

[sarahellen-m-blog]

This is so true! Start with small changes daily for big results! - Eat Breakfast - Eat More Veggies - Drink More Water - Walk certain places instead of Driving - Sweat Daily All these things can add up! Start today with one small change to your routine. #21DaysHabit #HealthyLifestyle #Positive #TheSlightEdge #PT #Train #Wellbeing (at Ferndown)

[sarahellen-m-blog]

Our last night at The Owl Barn Retreat! It's been wonderful to have a week with the family in such a gorgeous spot! Highly recommend the retreat in Devon. Thank you for a great week Becky, James, Ollie, Mum & Dad!! Now for our last night of food, drink and giggles before its time to head back tomorrow! 🏊🏻⛵️🏞💕 #Devon #Retreat #Explore #Holidays #FamilyTime #Reflect #MeTime #Summer #England #FunAtTheBeach #cottage #nationaltrust (at Clovelly, Devon, United Kingdom)

[sarahellen-m-blog]

14 Things Every Successful Person Has in Common #leadership #inspiration #motivation

[sarahellen-m-blog]

Sweaty Saturday morning sess #KB #absimcomingforyou👌👌👌 (at Ferndown)

[sarahellen-m-blog]

Can't believe the changes in my body after just one week of using FIT and my own personalised workouts! So excited to see what the next few weeks bring! 😍👙🙊 #daily #disciplines #FIT #summerbodyready #strip #PT #HealthierThanEver #GymBunny #Lifestyle