Representational:
Image taken from http://cakecentral.com/
This cake here is representational of a handbag; more specifically, a Coach Inc. one. Furthermore, it is placed on what appears to be a wrinkled sheet but in reality is decorative sugar. Many of us, especially from the developed world, would have no troubles immediately associating the particular design of the letter "C" (as shown on this "purse") with the brand. The sheet itself, however, is easily recognizable by anyone with the form of a 'wrinkled' substance is common from clothes to bedsheets. What makes this a good representation of a Coach bag is how it counters the conventional shape and look of a cake: circular and solid color(s). It is technically faithful to a common Coach Inc. handbag in visual details from the color, shape, and tone. It even carries on some texture with the lines in the handles to appear as stitches and the creases of this sheet it is placed on.
Abstract:
Image taken from http://forum.tureng.com/members/islim-albums-abstract-picture164-abstract-wallpaper.html
This desktop wallpaper is an abstract design of a storm. While it is representational in color and recognizable shape, it is still a reduced form with the use of simple shapes (especially the circles), directional arrows, and little depth. The only form of depth in this image are the overlapping shapes, tone, and color. It also makes use of symbols with the arrows to denote wind and for all its purposes, proves to be abstract this way with this arbitrarily assigned meaning. There are connections with familiar visuals such as the clouds and more notably, the rainbow. It has the identifiable curved arch and is multi-colored. However, is still a reduced form of this light spectrum being technically unfaithful with such deep, solid colors. Not to mention the red color is usually the first or second color on the top half of one.
Symbolic:
Image taken http://www.zazzle.com.au/fundamental_game_symbols_bumper_sticker-128029983741117189
These four circular shapes are the iconic symbols of the Sony Playstation controller: a square, triangle, x, and circle. In Japanese culture, the shape of a circle signifies "okay" or "approval" and in a game, this would be the confirmation button. The "x" is typically a symbol of disapproval and likewise, would be a button to cancel an action. Teiyu Goto, a Sony engineer has revealed that this was indeed, the reasoning behind the shapes of the Sony Playstation controller and also shared the meaning of the triangle button, which signifies viewpoint, and the square as a piece of paper.
However, in the US market, the "x" has been the confirmation button with the "circle" and the cancellation. This could be for ergonamic reasons, with the player resting their thumb easier on the "x", as it is on the bottom of the controller rather than on the side.
These symbols are culture-dependent, as many US consumers aren't aware of these meanings. In addition, these are be non-iconic symbols, being arbitrary functions, especially outside of a gamer's knowledge, much less a cultural one.
However, in the US market, the "x" has been the confirmation button with the "circle" and the cancellation. This could be for ergonamic reasons, with the player resting their thumb easier on the "x", as it is on the bottom of the controller rather than on the side.
These symbols are culture-dependent, as many US consumers aren't aware of these meanings. In addition, these are be non-iconic symbols, being arbitrary functions, especially outside of a gamer's knowledge, much less a cultural one.
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