Huy Le

This project examines the history, and science behind emoticon in design and popular culture, with a focus on the perception of emotional representation through abstract visuals. From this understanding, we further explore how design can be more emotional engaging without too many details, where works can invite personal interpretation.

Emoticon provides additional emotional contexts. Its origin can be dated back further before the digital Its usage is so ingrained in the everyday life that we tend to take the art for granted. We forget that art is a form of emotional expression, and the need for such expression exists in us all. Art celebrates the human experience, it is more than just lines on paper. We also put meanings into words, words into songs, and songs to celebrate the world around us… Except now we chop up the words and use it for something else instead 😛

Emoticon is an incredibly creative use of typography which challenges our basic understanding of recognizable characters and application beyond conventionality. I hope this project helps inform and inspires you to experiment with emoticon as well as many new artistic tools.