"it's all so simple!"
From Will Benedict:
"This is a quick mock up of how I think this whole symbol thing should go down. Simplicity is so so key. Three symbols should be the max. Alpha
numerics should have a preferred location, but should be kept optional by
all means (along with direction). SSID along the bottom (looks better,
makes sense), with maybe the WEP code across the top (where
known/applicable). If you want bandwidth on the left and a/b/g on the
right, sure, but all of these things are super secondary. The important
thing is the IDENTIFICATION OF THE LOCATION. You know all this. I'll do
some more mock ups with ssid/direction and what not (simple and omitable
additions), but I really wanted to send these three simple, core symbols
out ASAP before anything goes "1.0" They're just an extension of the
Original Three, but (if I don't say so myself) clearer, more unique, and
too pretty :) . Please, please be in touch. I think this idea is very
practical, and just cool as hell in general. Designing symbols is what I
do. Your idea will fly--but I want it to look nice and clean, too."
Just something I hacked together as what it might look like some where. If
the data can be easily put by the symbol, well great. If the only surface
is a stone wall face of a coffee shop, best stick with the good looking
simple symbol and the rest can be gleaned with software, or friggin walking
inside and asking the story. Direction can be as simple as nothing (you are
* here), a clock-compass (noon = forward, 6 = backwards), or a simple map
(through the door, down the hall, passed the restroom, door on your right
with circular window).The original symbols are a bit too simple. A circle on a wall is way to
ambiguous, as is (though less so) the open butterfly-circle. When
surrounded by a circle, it takes on the qualities of a true rune (not that
all runs are encased in circles, but simply that they are intentional and
meaningful shapes). The W was always no good. Also, the way these are
drawn, the status of the node could be easily updated by erasing or adding
a simple line here or there. They're also symbols I wouldn't mind making a
cool sign out of and posting in front of my coffee shop or library or
whatever...easily transferable to other mediums, but also good-looking...I'm going to post these somewhere on the web site...not sure where, but
hey. Just trying to contribute. :)
And contribute you have! Thanks Will!
I have a "Hmm" however. Will's designs are certain attractive, but I think there's a balance between them being elegant and "pretty", and how much effort it will be for people to recreate it in the wild. I suspect pretty quickly people would start to get sloppy with Will's beautiful interlocking symbols. We've got to allow for "sloppy"...
What do you think?
Posted by matt at July 03, 2002 08:05 AM